This backpacking adventure traverses the Long Range Mountains from spectacular Western Brook Fjord to Gros Morne Mountain. The views from the fjord valleys and mountaintops are stunning, the wilderness is vast, and the sense of accomplishment at the end of this journey is tremendous! Over 10,000 years ago, glaciers scraped the 800m high Long Range Mountains clean and gouged deep fjords out to sea. Today we see massive freshwater fjords rising abruptly from the coastal plain to an arctic alpine plateau interspersed with rich wooded valleys. Inhabitants of this unique topography include the migratory woodland caribou, the arctic hare, black bear, and moose plus an array of extremely colourful arctic alpine flowering plants.

Orientation

Meet at the Gros Morne Adventures office at 5pm for a pre-trip orientation and briefing. Your guides will provide you with the group items that you have to carry plus answer any questions. You will require overnight accommodations in Norris Point. Check out Gros Morne Basecamp for options.

Itinerary Changes
Because of the flat-topped mountain topography, the steep gorges, the massive coastal lowland at the base of these mountains, the proximity of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the latitude of Gros Morne National Park the weather and wind conditions can be extreme. High winds, fog and rain at these high elevations sometimes force us to alter the intended route and schedule, therefore the day-to-day itinerary may change. This adventure is designed for the physically fit wilderness traveller.

Trip Rating
Demanding! This trip is designed for the physically active who have a taste for adventure. Previous backpacking experience is not essential but highly recommended. Each day we average about 10km of backpacking/hiking. Most of the time we are hiking off trail where the terrain is wet underfoot. On average, you will be expected to carry 4½-6½kg (10-15lbs) of shared equipment and food in addition to your personal gear. Expect to carry from 14-20kg (30-45lbs) depending on the weight of your personal gear.

Travel Arrangements
Airfare is not included in the price of your trip. We encourage you to contact your local travel agent or the airlines directly for any air arrangements you may need. We recommend booking a departure flight the day after completing your trek, in case of a delay.

Reservations
Please fill out the online application form. Minimum two people required to run the tour. You will be required to confirm your reservation with a non-refundable deposit of $300.00 CDN per person. Visa, MasterCard or American Express accepted. The balance of the tour cost is due 60 days prior to the tour departure.

Accommodations
You will require accommodation in either Norris Point or Rocky Harbour on the orientation evening (Sunday) and Thursday night. We have cottages and suites available that are a 5 minute walk away! Check out Gros Morne Base Camp

Meals/Menu
Breakfast is a hot cereal. Lunch is generally tortilla wraps with a variety of spreads. Snacking items like granola bars, trail mix, and dried fruit are provided (if you have some personal favourites, please bring them along). Dinner is generally a mix of rice & pastas with a variety of sauces. We dry most ingredients to minimize weight. If you have any dietary restrictions it’s very important to inform us in advance so that we can adjust our menu.

It is still a very pristine environment and people often drink water straight from the streams however we recommend that you bring your own water purification system. Water is plentiful so you don't need to carry large amounts.

• Large backpack (minimum 65L capacity) – make certain that it fits your body. Load it up with some weight and test it out. You will have to carry a portion of the group gear as well.
• Sleeping bag (minimum 0ºC or 32ºF – varies with season and clothing you wear at night). Should be stuffed inside a plastic bag inside a water resistant compression stuff/dry sack.
• Insulated sleeping pad. Pack in plastic inside a stuff sack.
• Sturdy hiking boots – boot with a raised heel. Terrain tends to be wet so you’re advised to bring some plastic bags (bread bags) to put over your dry socks in case your boots are wet for around camp. Make certain you have good (new) insoles for your boots.
• Gaiters – a must or you’ll regret it!
• Sun hat with wide brim
• Lightweight hat & gloves
• Lightweight polypropylene underwear – top & bottom
• Fleece jacket or down jacket.
• Long sleeve synthetic shirt – help prevents sunburn & they dry quickly
• T-shirt (100% cotton doesn’t dry quickly) – some people just bring an extra long sleeve shirt
• Wind pants – quick dry
• Rain pants and jacket (Gore-Tex or equivalent)…ponchos don’t work very well is our environment and yes, you will need both jacket and pants!
• Socks (4-5 pairs minimum – synthetic, wool or equivalent with polypropylene liners)
• Underwear (we’ve included everything else!)
• Stuff/Dry sacks (small not large ones) & plastic bags – good for keeping clothes and other items organized & dry. Helps to use smaller bags and its useful to label them. Guides will be adamant that you waterproof everything.
• Pack towel
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.) – remember to keep the weight to a minimum
• Handkerchief or pack towel
• Sunglasses
• Sun block & lip balm
• Insect repellent. Bug jacket or head net – advised to bring one if you’re prone to being bothered by black flies and mosquitoes.
• Medications (medications that would not be part of our standard first aid kit)
• Blister Treatment – Moleskin, 2nd Skin, Compeed/Band Aid
• Water Bladder or Bottle with a holder for easy access – lots of water en route. Generally if your water isn’t accessible you tend not to drink enough for your urine to be clear and copious!
• Water Filter or Treatment – we’re never far from a source of water so you don’t need a big water bladder filled with water. Remember, one litre of water weighs 1kg! Most people drink the water straight from streams on the traverse but we cannot guarantee that it is free from all waterborne pathogens. Please bring your own preferred method of water treatment (filter, chemicals, etc.) if you plan to filter your water.
• Small pad to sit on – remember the terrain is wet. Makes a big difference!
• Whistle
• Headlamp
• Spare hip belt buckle – can break buckle by stepping on it when putting on your pack