Our Story

Gros Morne Adventures began in 1990 as the first adventure tourism business in the Gros Morne National Park area. The original owners, Bob Hicks and Sue Rendell started small, with a Honda Accord and 4 sea kayaks! They moved to our incredible waterfront location in Norris Point, expanded kayak tours and eventually added backpacking trips and week long hiking vacation packages.

In 2014, we began guiding with Gros Morne Adventures seasonally, in between our lengthy international travels. On returning home, cresting the hill of Norris Point that overlooks the Tablelands and Bonne Bay, it was clear to us that these views were as awe-striking as any we’d seen on our travels! We purchased the company in 2018 and forged on, adding our personal touch and values to the experiences for visitors. Along with a couple of little guides-in-training to make it a full-on, family run business!

Over the years, our company has grown and evolved but our core mission remains the same; to share and respect the incredible beauty of Newfoundland and its culture. Our roots here are deep and we take great pride in sharing the land, the sea, and the stories that have shaped us. Every adventure we offer is grounded in a sense of place and community and we can’t wait for you to join in!

Robbie & Kristen Hickey

Gros Morne Adventures was recognized for its efforts in sustainable tourism at the Hospitality NL Awards Gala in 2023. This Sustainable Tourism Award was a big step to recognize the efforts we have made and the partnerships we have created to better serve our communities, our staff and our guests.

Our Sustainability Goals

To follow and promote sustainable tourism practices with the environment and our communities’ social and economic landscape in mind. We are guided by our own values, tourism industry standards and international conservation organizations to implement a sustainable plan and keep up-to-date on best practices.

Guidelines we follow:

  • Seven Principles of Leave No Trace Principles
  • Adventure Travel Trade Association Sustainability Codes of Best Practice
  • The Original Original Standards of Practice
  • Adventure Smart Practices

Organizations we support:

  • Parks Canada; our guides are ambassadors of environmental conservation and culture
  • Experience Qalipu; preserving and promoting the culture and traditions of the Mi’kmaq of Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Atlantic Healthy Oceans Initiative; a local non-profit organization that are stewards for sustainable coastal communities, a circular economy and zero plastic waste. Our stainless steel lunch boxes were sourced thanks to them!
  • Youth Learn to Sea Kayak programs and Youth Outreach NL Health Services
  • Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro EV charger commercial program
  • FoodCycler; to reduce environmental impact by sustainably recirculating food waste
  • Gros Morne Farm & Market; provides local sustainable produce served in our meals
  • Brewed Awakenings; locally roasted, ethically sourced coffee served in our Kayak Cafe
  • BlueW.org; free water bottle refill location
  • Bonne Bay Aquarium and Research Station; tour collaborations
  • Partnerships with many local tour companies, restaurants and hoteliers