Woody Point, Newfoundland, Canada cruise port
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Woody Point, Newfoundland, Canada

A historic outport inside a UNESCO World Heritage park, where the Earth's ancient mantle breaks the surface and Bonne Bay reflects the mountains. Woody Point punches far above its size.

⚓ Tender port (no pier)🕒 Typical call: 6-8 hrs💵 Canadian Dollar (CAD)🗣️ English🏔️ UNESCO World Heritage Site
Docking
Tender — ships anchor in Bonne Bay; tenders land at Woody Point Waterfront Wharf
Walk to centre
You step off the tender directly into historic downtown
Best For
Geology fans, hikers, and anyone who loves authentic Newfoundland outport culture
Don't Miss
The Tablelands — walk on the exposed Earth's mantle, a rare geological wonder
📄 Take this port with you
A printable port guide — key info, things to do & tips. Includes an editable “My Day in Port” box for your ship times & booked excursions.
⬇ PDF (print)⬇ Word (editable)

Getting Ashore

Woody Point is a tender port; cruise ships anchor in the sheltered deep water of Bonne Bay and run tenders to the Woody Point Waterfront Wharf.

Getting Ashore

  • 1
    Collect a tender ticketPick up a tender ticket from the ship (usually distributed in a lounge) to queue for the next boat to shore.
  • 2
    Tender to the wharfThe ride across Bonne Bay takes 10-15 minutes with beautiful views of surrounding mountains. Tenders land at the Woody Point Waterfront Wharf, right in the heart of town.
  • 3
    Explore on foot or by transportThe historic waterfront is immediately walkable. For Gros Morne National Park highlights like the Tablelands (~6 km away), join a shore excursion, book a taxi, or take the water taxi to Norris Point.

💡 Pro move: No Uber or rideshare here. Pre-book transport or excursions for park attractions — taxis are scarce on busy cruise days.

Piers & Tendering by Cruise Line

All cruise ships anchor in Bonne Bay and tender passengers to the Woody Point Waterfront Wharf.

Cruise LineTypical Berth / ArrivalDock or Tender
Expedition & small luxury ships (Hanseatic, Silversea, Seabourn, Ponant, Viking)Bonne Bay anchorage → Woody Point Waterfront Wharf📍Tendered
All other cruise linesBonne Bay anchorage → Woody Point Waterfront Wharf📍Tendered

Top Excursions

Gros Morne National Park surrounds the port — the park pass ($11 CAD/day) unlocks world-class geology, hikes, and boat tours.

Nature

The Tablelands Walk

One of the rarest geological sites on Earth — a barren, rust-orange landscape where 500-million-year-old mantle rock was thrust to the surface. The flat, 4 km return trail is easy and unforgettable. A Parks Canada day pass is required.

⏱ 2-3 hrs🚗 10-min drive from dock🌍 UNESCO highlight💰 ~$11 CAD park pass
Find Tablelands tours →
Iconic

Bonne Bay Boat Tour

Zodiac or covered-boat tours of Bonne Bay reveal the Tablelands from the water, Gros Morne Mountain, coastal communities, and wildlife — whales, bald eagles, and moose are common sightings.

⏱ 2-3 hrs🚤 Departs near dock🦅 Wildlife spotting💰 ~$60-80 CAD
Book a boat tour →
History

Gros Morne Discovery Centre

Parks Canada's world-class interpretive centre perched on the hillside above town, with immersive exhibits on the park's geology, Indigenous history, and natural heritage — plus panoramic views of the bay.

⏱ 1-2 hrs🚶 Steep 20-min walk or 3-min drive🏛️ Parks Canada💰 Included with park pass
Plan your Discovery Centre visit →
Adventure

Lookout Trail Hike

A moderate 5.8 km circuit above Woody Point offering some of the best panoramic views in the park — Bonne Bay, the Tablelands, and Gros Morne Mountain spread out below.

⏱ 3-4 hrs🥾 Moderate📷 Panoramic views💰 Park pass required
Find guided hiking tours →
Culture

Historic Waterfront Walking Tour

Woody Point's registered Heritage District lines Water Street — Victorian merchant buildings, colorful saltbox homes, the 1919 lighthouse, and local studios like Galliott Studios and Molly Made Fibre Art.

⏱ 1-2 hrs🚶 Flat, from dock🆓 Free🎨 Local art & crafts
Explore Woody Point heritage →
Relax

Water Taxi to Norris Point

Hop the 15-minute open-air water taxi across the bay to Norris Point. It's a cheap mini-cruise with stunning fjord views and avoids an hour's drive. Perfect for a relaxed morning or afternoon.

⏱ 30-60 mins total⛵ Scenic crossing💰 ~$10-15 CAD return
Plan your Bonne Bay crossing →

Self-Guided Walks & Hikes

The historic downtown is immediately walkable from the tender wharf; the Tablelands and park trails require transport.

Waterfront Heritage Walk

1.5 km · 30 min · Flat · Free

From the tender wharf, stroll Water Street past 19th-century merchant buildings, colorful homes, and local craft galleries to the Writers at Woody Point Heritage Theatre and back along the shoreline.

  1. StartWoody Point Waterfront Wharf
  2. StopWater Street Woody Point
  3. StopWoody Point Lighthouse
  4. EndWriters at Woody Point Heritage Theatre
🗺️ See full route in Maps →

Up to the Discovery Centre

1.6 km · 20-25 min · Steep uphill · Park pass required

A short but steep climb from downtown up to the Gros Morne National Park Discovery Centre. Rewarded with sweeping views over Bonne Bay and the mountains before you enter the exhibits.

  1. StartWoody Point Waterfront Wharf
  2. StopBonne Bay Marine Station
  3. EndGros Morne National Park Discovery Centre
🗺️ See full route in Maps →

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Climate normals for Woody Point, Newfoundland, Canada (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainy DaysSunriseSunset
Jan25°F / -4°C14°F / -10°C238:12 AM4:50 PM
Feb23°F / -5°C11°F / -12°C207:30 AM5:41 PM
Mar27°F / -3°C15°F / -9°C187:34 AM7:27 PM
Apr38°F / 3°C25°F / -4°C166:29 AM8:14 PM
May48°F / 9°C33°F / 1°C145:37 AM8:59 PM
Jun60°F / 16°C44°F / 7°C135:14 AM9:30 PM
Jul68°F / 20°C53°F / 12°C165:32 AM9:22 PM
Aug68°F / 20°C54°F / 12°C166:13 AM8:37 PM
Sep59°F / 15°C47°F / 8°C166:58 AM7:34 PM
Oct49°F / 9°C38°F / 3°C167:43 AM6:30 PM
Nov37°F / 3°C29°F / -2°C207:33 AM4:38 PM
Dec30°F / -1°C20°F / -7°C208:11 AM4:22 PM

Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)

Insider Tips

  • 🚗
    Book transport before you arrive. There are no taxis on standby and no rideshare in Woody Point. If you want to reach the Tablelands independently, arrange a taxi or rental from Deer Lake in advance, or book the ship's excursion.
  • 🏔️
    Buy a Parks Canada day pass (~$11 CAD). It covers the Tablelands, Discovery Centre, and all park trails. Available online before your visit or at park entry points.
  • 🌦️
    Layer up — Newfoundland weather is famously unpredictable. Rain, fog, and sunshine can all happen in an hour. Bring a windproof jacket and sturdy shoes or hiking boots.
  • 🐟
    Try the local food. Cod tongues, toutons (fried dough with molasses), and fish chowder are Newfoundland staples. The Merchant Warehouse and Old Loft Restaurant on the waterfront are reliable choices.
  • 📱
    Download offline maps before heading into the park. Cell service is decent in Woody Point itself but drops off quickly in the park valleys.

Getting Around

Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.

🚍 Hop-on hop-off: ❌ No HOHO bus

🚶 Walking

Free

Woody Point town is compact and easily walkable. Tender drops passengers close to the waterfront, the Discovery Centre, heritage buildings, and the lighthouse — all within easy reach on foot.

⛵ Water Taxi to Norris Point

CAD $10/person each way

BonTours runs a passenger water taxi (the Bonne Bay Breeze) across Bonne Bay to Norris Point. Scenic and much faster than driving around the bay; cash only.

🚕 Local Taxi / Shuttle

From CAD $160/person (tours)

Gros Morne Transportation (+1 709-385-7206) and Martin's Transportation (709-453-2207) offer taxis and shuttles to Tablelands, hiking trailheads, and other park sites. Book in advance on cruise days.

🚌 Shore Excursion Bus

Varies by cruise line

Organized ship excursions are the most reliable way to reach distant Gros Morne highlights such as the Tablelands and Western Brook Pond. Recommended for time-sensitive tender port calls.

Cruises Calling Here

Upcoming cruises that call at Woody Point, Newfoundland, Canada. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.

Scenic Eclipse
Scenic Cruises
Copenhagen → Portland OR
⚓ Calls 08 Sep 202614 nights14 portsDeparts 2026-08-30
View itinerary · 12 ports
14 days, one-way from Copenhagen to Portland OR
  1. 30 AugCopenhagen, Denmark
  2. 30 AugKangerlussuaq, Greenland
  3. 02 SepQeqertarsuaq, Disko Island Greenland
  4. 03 SepSisimiut, Greenland
  5. 04 SepKangerlussuaq, Greenland
  6. 07 SepL'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland-Labrador Canada
  7. 08 SepWoody Point NL, Gros Morne NP, Newfoundland-Labrador Canada
  8. 09 SepLouisbourg NS, Cape Breton Island Canada
  9. 10 SepHalifax, Nova Scotia Canada
  10. 11 SepLunenburg NS, Nova Scotia Canada
  11. 12 SepBoston, Massachusetts
  12. 13 SepPortland OR, Oregon
Find this cruise to book →
Price on request

Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.