Western Brook Pond Accessibility

On this page

• Adaptive equipment available onsite
• Trailhead amenities
• Trail details
• Dockside facilities
• Boat tour

Adaptive equipment available onsite

• An all-terrain Hippocampe (XL) wheelchair is stored at the trail head and available by reservation (1-709-458-2417).
• A motorized shuttle provides service into Western Brook Pond and access to the boat tour during the summer months. The shuttle does not have a wheelchair ramp or space to transport someone in a wheelchair. The shuttle is similar to a large golf cart and users must ride in the seats provided. Fees apply. Please visit BonTours for more information.

Trailhead amenities

• Parking: paved level parking lot with 4 accessible parking spaces.
• Washrooms: 2 all-gendered single user flush toilets with 1700 mm turning space for wheelchairs. Equipped with grab bars, and 840 mm wide doorway.

Item of note: 

A large level wooden viewing deck is 20 m from the parking lot, providing expansive views of the coastal bogs and distant views of the Long Range Mountains and the gorge of Western Brook Pond.

Trail details

• Length: 3 km (one-way)
• Surface: compacted crushed stone (firm)
• Width: 2.5 to 3.5 m
• Elevation gain: 32 m
• Grade: Average slope <2%. Maximum slope 9%. Two sustained slopes up to 9% and extending 60 to 90 metres in length. Level resting areas with benches are incorporated into the trail where slopes exceed 5%.

Items of note:

• Visitors are welcome to use personal powered mobility devices, (i.e. designed specifically for use by a person with a disability). Questions about the use of personal mobility device may be addressed to Parks Canada at (709) 458-2417 or by email at grosmorne@pc.gc.ca.
• Interpretive panels are located along the trail.

Dockside facilities

At the end of the trail on the shores of Western Brook Pond is a reception building, viewing deck, and dock for the boat tour.

Accessible Amenities:

Rest Areas: Take a break on the exterior viewing deck, where benches offer a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy the view.

Exhibits: Learn more about the area through interpretive panels and explore a tactile 3D model of Western Brook Pond.

 

Note: The following amenities are available only when the boat tour is operating

Services: gift shop, snack bar

Rest areas: interior waiting area with tables and chairs.

Washrooms: 1 all-gendered single user washroom with 1500 mm turning space. Equipped with grab bars, and 840 mm wide doorway.




Obstacles:

• Ramps provide access from the trail to the reception building, viewing deck and boat dock. Transitions from trail to ramps maybe uneven and eroded.
• Access to the shoreline is only available by a set of stairs.



Items of Note:

• Site can be crowded. Waiting areas typically exceeds 100 people when boats are operating.

Boat tour

Tours are approximately two hours with a maximum of 100 passengers. The vessel, West Brook 1, has a combination of open, partially enclosed, and enclosed viewing areas.

Amenities and accessible accommodations

• Services: tour guide on board
• Rest areas: sufficient seating for all passengers. The partially enclosed and open viewing area at the back of the boat is level and has 1200 mm of maneuvering space between rows of chairs.
• Washrooms: one all-gendered single user washroom. Not large enough to accommodate a wheelchair or a support person. Access is limited by a narrow door (<650 mm) and a 250 mm high step.
  
  

Obstacles:

• Access to the boat is by a short steel ramp or steps depending on the water level of the pond.
• People unable to walk or stand may need to be carried on to the boat, along with their mobility aids. Staff are available to help with boarding assistance.
• Access to the upper deck of the boat is by stairs only.
• Access to the fully enclosed viewing areas is limited by a 250 mm high step.
• The partially enclosed and viewing area at the back of the boat provides some shelter but it is still partially exposed to the elements such as wind and rain.

Items of Note:

• Wind and waves can create rough seas causing the boat to rock or move erratically.
• When on the pond, expect cooler and windier weather. Weather changes can happen quickly.
• Commentary/Interpretation provided through a public address system.
• Service animals permitted on board.
• For more information, visitors should contact BonTours at 1-888-458-2016.