Festival schedule
Your Week of Adventure: The 2026 Festival Schedule
Our guides have curated the perfect balance of adrenaline and relaxation. Our daily schedule splits into two tracks: Intermediate and Advanced hikes, ensuring there is a place for every pace. Evenings are dedicated to Newfoundland hospitality, featuring local food, music, and events.
Note: This schedule is subject to weather adjustments. The Park is wild, and so are we.
Day 1: Welcome & Opening Ceremonies | Sept 11th
6:00 PM | Indigenous Fire Circle : Kick off the week with a traditional fire ceremony to give thanks to the land and create positivity for the week ahead. A powerful start to your journey in Gros Morne National Park
7:00 PM | Meet & Greet @ Water’s Edge Boathouse: Pick up your festival kit, meet your guides and fellow hikers. Review trail conditions, safety equipment and what’s in store for the week ahead. Light appetizers served.
Cost: $40.00 or included with 7 day Festival Pass
Day 2: The Lookout Hills | Sept 12th
9:00 AM | Hiker Roll Call & Safety Briefing: Meet at the Water’s Edge
Small Lookout | 6km | Intermediate : A steady climb through lush forest to the Partridgeberry Hill plateau. Offers the best panoramic payoff for moderate effort, with sweeping views of Bonne Bay, the Tablelands, and Gros Morne Mountain. Expect steep incline, moderate loose rock and light mud if rain is expected.
The Big Lookout (16km | Advanced): A rugged backcountry secret. Starts with a steep incline to remote meadows and rocky outcroppings. You’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the Long Range Mountains that few visitors ever see. Be prepared for varying trail conditions, loose rock, scree slopes possible wet high alpine meadows.
- Cost: $85.00 or included with 7 day Festival Pass
6:00 PM | Live at the Lighthouse: Our Live at the Lighthouse is an all inclusive event and starts at approximately 6:00pm. Included will be a selection of your favourite BBQ classics, make your own pizza bar, side salads and non alcoholic beverages. Guests are free to bring their own refreshments and enjoy the live music.
Cost: $60.00 or included with 7 day Festival Pass
Day 3: Hidden Caves & the High Alpine | Sept 13th
9:00 AM | Hiker Roll Call & Safety Briefing: Meet at the Water’s Edge
Lomond Sinkhole (4km | Intermediate): A festival favorite. Hike through an old logging road to reach a stand of old-growth forest and discover a massive limestone sinkhole cave hidden in the trees. Descend into its depths and marvel at the sheer size and natural beauty of this geological wonder.
Rocky Ridge (10km | Intermediate): Traverse remote backcountry arctic alpine meadows culminating to a stunning remote lookout point. A hidden gem not found in guidebooks but cherished by locals for its unique views and abundant wildlife sightings. Be prepared for varying trail conditions, from wet patches to rocky terrain, depending on the weather.
- Cost: $85.00 or included with 7 day Festival Pass
6:30 PM | Bonfire on the Point: Join us on the shores of the fjord for a rip roaring old fashioned Bonfire. We’ll light up the night sky and celebrate completing 2 of the Gros Morne Hiking Festival trails!! Guests are free to bring refreshments and there will be hot chocolate and marshmallows to roast
Cost: Free for Everyone
Day 4: The Tablelands | Sept 14th
9:00 AM | Hiker Roll Call & Safety Briefing: Meet at the Water’s Edge
Tablelands Off-Trail (8km | Intermediate): Navigate the rusty, barren terrain of the Earth’s mantle without the full-day commitment. Climb to the 600m summit for unobstructed views of the fjord and the lush contrast of the surrounding hills. Prepare for loose rock and steep trail conditions.
Tablelands Full Loop (15km | Advanced): A thrilling expedition through one of the most unique terrains in North America. Traverse barren meadows, sheer cliffs, and stunted vegetation on this 8-hour trek through the “Mars-like” landscape. This is an 6-8 hour trek through exposed rock, high alpine meadows and often wind and fog.
- Cost: $85.00 or included with 7 day Festival Pass
7:00 PM | Private Hikers Dinner: We take over the famous Old Loft Restaurant in Woody Point for a custom menu of traditional Newfoundland foods, prepared exclusively for our hiking festival participants.
Cost: $60.00 or included with 7 day Festival Pass
Day 5: Rest & Adventure | Sept 15th
9:30 AM | Choose Your Rest Day Adventure: Select your preferred activity when you register on opening night. Multiple time slots run throughout the day, with the first groups departing at 10:00 AM.
Tablelands Boat Tour: An intimate coastal tour of the Bonne Bay Fjord. Explore hidden coves and waterfalls up close. After conquering the Tablelands yesterday, this is a great option if you prefer to sit back, relax, and let the captain do the work while you take in the big picture of what you just hiked.
Sea Kayaking: Kayaking is a great way to experience Bonne Bay. Gliding silently across the fjord at water level and close enough to touch the ancient rocks and look directly down into the colorful underwater marine life. It is the perfect “Active Recovery” for sore hiking legs giving your lower body a break while you paddle through the most photogenic nooks of the park. No experience necessary. Double kayaks are available making this activity very user friendly
- Cost: $85.00 or included with 7 day Festival Pass
Evening | Free Night to Explore: Tonight is yours to enjoy at your own pace. We have left this evening open so you can explore the local area or simply get some extra sleep. Tomorrow is the Gros Morne Mountain, so take this chance to rest your legs and prep your gear!
Day 6: Gros Morne Mountain | Sept 16th
9:00 AM | Hiker Roll Call & Safety Briefing: Meet at Gros Morne Mountain parking lot
Gros Morne Base Trail (8km | Intermediate): A gentle, lush path along the base of the mountain. Perfect for those who want to see the flora and fauna and stand beneath the towering peak without the steep ascent. A smooth path to the base, but bring layers for the changing mountain weather.
Gros Morne Mountain Summit (19km | Advanced): The icon. Climb 806 meters to the Arctic tundra rooftop of the park. A grueling but rewarding challenge offering the famous view of Ten Mile Pond. This is a strenuous all day hike climb involving loose scree, rough trails and various muddy sections.
- Cost: $85.00 or included with 7 day Festival Pass
7:00 PM | Private Hikers Dinner @ The Inn: Join us at the Bonne Bay Inn (” locally known as, The Inn”) for a luxurious dining experience. The menu blends international flavors with local ingredients for an unforgettable culinary celebration.
- Cost: $60.00 or included with 7 day Festival Pass
Day 7: Sea Stacks & Screech In | Sept 17th
9:00 AM | Hiker Roll Call & Safety Briefing: Meet at the Water’s Edge
Green Gardens (10km | Intermediate): This intermediate-level hike unveils a picturesque coastline adorned with towering cliffs, dramatic sea stacks, and the lush greenery of Green Gardens. Traverse diverse landscapes, from serpentine barrens to enchanting forests, before descending via stairs to uncover a secluded beach adorned with enchanting waterfalls and a captivating sea cave.
- Cost: $85.00 or included with 7 day Festival Pass
Closing Ceremonies & Screech-In : We’ll wrap up the Gros Morne Hiking Festival with a bang! Join us for a traditional Newfoundland Screech-In ceremony before we head the Merchant Warehouse in downtown Woody Point for our closing ceremonies. Dance to lively music, savor delicious food and refreshing drinks. It’s the perfect way to say our goodbyes, talk about our accomplishments and celebrate the end of an unforgettable hiking adventure in Gros Morne National Park!!
- Cost: $50.00 or included with 7 day Festival Pass
