National Parks regulations

For everybody’s enjoyment and safety

Laws are designed to protect you, the visitor, and also the Park for enjoyment by future generations. It is your responsibility to be aware of the laws. If you have any questions please contact the Park at (709) 458-2417.

National Parks are unique places and therefore require unique rules and persons to enforce them. Park Wardens are Federal Officers responsible for the protection of the National Park, and preservation and maintenance of public peace. Their primary responsibility is enforcement of the Canada National Parks Act, however, they also enforce the Criminal Code, liquor and highway regulations among others.

Breaking the law in a National Park can result in eviction, a ticket, court appearance or in more serious instances, arrest. Canadian National Park offences can carry heavy fines and could result in jail time or restitution. For some offences, such as poaching or pollution, fines can be in excess of $250,000.

All charges under the Canada National Parks Act result in automatic court appearances.

Area Closures and Restrictions

There are a number of outdoor activities that require a permit. Check with the Visitor Centre and/or Discovery Centre prior to engagement of non-traditional, unusual or commercial activities. Occasionally, area closures and other restrictions are required to protect Park resources and for visitor safety considerations. Closures are enforceable by law. These closures will be posted at the trailhead, access points, Park offices and Visitor Centres. Info on closures will also be available online. See Important Bulletins…

Camping

Camping is permitted in designated campgrounds only. Camping or overnight parking in roadside pullouts, trailheads and day-use-areas is not permitted. The locations of campgrounds can be found in the National Park reservation guide. The permit holder for the campsite is responsible for the site, including cleanliness, noise levels and actions of visitors. Camping in designated primitive camps sites or backcountry camping require a permit. See Camping for more information…

Alcohol

Consumption of alcohol within the Park is permitted only at registered campsites. Alcohol is prohibited at beaches, day use areas, cook shelters and trails. During certain periods of the year, campgrounds may have temporary liquor bans in effect identified through notices. It is your responsibility to be aware of the rules regarding alcohol consumption. See Important Bulletins…

Boating

Use of motorized watercraft in Gros Morne is prohibited, except for Trout River Pond and Deer Arm Pond (motors less than 10 hp). Operators and passengers must comply with the Canada Shipping Act requirements. Any type of inflatable is considered a vessel when it is used for navigating and each occupant/passenger requires a life vest and safety equipment. Drinking and boating is illegal, similar to drinking and driving.

Day Use Areas

Day use areas, such as beaches and picnic sites, are open from 0800 hrs to 2300 hrs. They are not for camping or partying at night. Liquor is prohibited at all day use areas. Fires are only allowed where designated fire boxes are available.

Fire

Bush party sites and random fires pose a serious threat to the Park. Fires are only permitted in a proper fire receptacle. No random fires are permitted in the Park. Do not collect deadfall or cut branches for fires. Use provided firewood only. Never leave a fire unattended, make sure to put it out before you leave.

Off Road Driving – ATV Use

The use of quads/ATV, dirt bikes, or other off-road vehicles is prohibited. Scooters are considered motor vehicles for these purposes and are not permitted on trails or areas closed to motor vehicle traffic.

Snowmobiling

If you are planning on operating a snowmobile in Gros Morne National Park and live in any of the following communities you will need a Resident Snowmobile Operator’s Permit: Cow Head, St. Pauls, Sally’s Cove, Rocky Harbour, Norris Point, Glenburnie–Birchy Head–Shoal Brook, Woody Point, or Trout River. If you live anywhere else, either in Newfoundland and Labrador or outside the province you require a Public/Commercial Snowmobile Operator’s Permit.

Noise and Park Enjoyment

It is an offence to interfere with others’ quiet enjoyment of a park during any part of the day or night. This includes loud music and shouting in campgrounds, and/or in day use areas. Visitors should be aware that quiet hours are enforced between 2300 and 0700 hrs in all campgrounds.

Pets

All domestic animals must be kept on a leash at all times. Be considerate of your neighbours and do not leave your animal tied up and unattended. If left unattended, the animal may be impounded. Allowing your pet to chase any wild animal in the Park is an offence. Pets are not permitted in some areas. Look for notices at trailheads and visitor centres to find out where these restrictions are.

Wildlife Viewing

It is illegal to entice, pet or attempt to pet, harass or feed wild animals in the park. Pursuing animals with cameras is considered harassment. Animal behaviour is unpredictable and could result in injury if they are not given enough space. Obstructing traffic is an offence and a hazard to other motorists. Pull over in designated pull offs only for viewing wildlife.

Natural Objects

It is illegal to collect plants, animals, and animal parts including antlers, fossils and natural objects. If you believe you have found something significant, leave the item in place and report your finding to the nearest Parks centre. Please leave these natural items for others to enjoy as well.

Hunting - Firearms

Firearms and Hunting are only permitted during hunting season in Gros Morne National Park. If you are carrying a firearm through to another destination it must be unloaded, securely encased and kept in your vehicle. Firearms include slingshots, bows, bb guns, cross bows and paintball guns. Hunting carries serious offences in a National Park. Fireworks are also not permitted. See moose reduction program…

We need your help. If you see something suspicious, do not hesitate. Record the following information and report it, 24/7 to Jasper Dispatch 877-852-3100 or drop this information off at any Parks Canada info centre.

• Date
• Time Occurred
• Location (road, trail day use area)
• What happened (offence believe occurred)
• Licence (include province)
• Vehicle Description (make, model, colour)
• Identifying Features (dents, stickers)
• Number of Persons, age, description (gender, race, hair, height, clothes)
• Other notes

Please report any activity such as vehicle off-roading, littering or polluting, removal of artefacts, damage to plants, poaching, feeding and harassment of animals and public liquor use.

Your information and participation contributes to the protection of this special place for all visitors. Your information will remain anonymous. If you are willing to assist further please provide your name, address, and phone number. Report violations Phone Number 709-458-2417 or toll free 877-852-3100

This is only a summary of some common regulations governing National Parks and has no legal status. For a complete listing of the Canada National Parks Act and Regulations visit: http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/N-14.01/index.html