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Viking Trail: Rocky Harbour to Cow Head, Gros Morne, Newfoundland and Labrador
Photo: David W Enstrom · CC BY-SA 4.0

Drives Newfoundland and Labrador Newfoundland and Labrador

Viking Trail: Rocky Harbour to Cow Head

Viking Trail · Rocky Harbour → Cow Head

Leisurely26 mi35 min900 ft climbHigh point ≈ 300 ftOne way
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The drive

This stretch of the Viking Trail, Route 430, runs north from Rocky Harbour along the Gulf of St. Lawrence coast of Gros Morne National Park. The sea is on the left and the Long Range Mountains on the right.

On the way it passes Sally's Cove and the trailhead for Western Brook Pond, a glacier-carved, landlocked fjord. The walk from the parking lot to the boat dock is a moderate 3 km, about 45 minutes, and a two-hour boat tour runs from mid-May to mid-October, weather permitting.

The drive ends at Cow Head. It is 26.2 miles and takes about 35 minutes, with gentle curves.

Along the way

  1. Rocky Harbour
  2. Sally's Cove
  3. Western Brook Pond
  4. Cow Head
Elevation
900 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 300 ft
Rocky HarbourCow Head
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
Rocky HarbourCow Head
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Gros Morne charges park admission; Parks Canada lists the options on its fees page.
  • The Western Brook Pond boat tour is weather dependent and reservations are recommended.
  • Route 430 is the only improved highway between Deer Lake and St. Anthony.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Parks Canada: Gros Morne bulletins.

Questions about this drive

How long is Route 430 from Rocky Harbour to Cow Head?

The drive is 26.2 miles and takes about 35 minutes without stops.

How far is the walk to Western Brook Pond?

The trail from the parking lot to the dock is about 3 km and takes roughly 45 minutes, according to Parks Canada.

When does the Western Brook Pond boat tour run?

Mid-May to mid-October, depending on wind and weather.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Viking Trail: Rocky Harbour to Cow Head, from Rocky Harbour to Cow Head