Terra Nova National Park

Terra Nova National Park became the most easterly national park in Canada in 1957. More than 400 square kilometres of boreal forest reaching out into the open sea, and a myriad of sheltered bays, rugged shores, rolling forested hills with numerous ponds and bogs, are protected within its boundaries. Terra Nova National Park is your gateway to nature, discovery and adventure; a place where long fingers of the sea beckon you to explore.

With over 200 kilometers of coastline, it is not hard to tell what makes Terra Nova National Park so special. Scenic ocean views from hilltops such as Mount Stamford, Louil Hill and Blue Hill are truly awe-inspiring. During the summer months, visitors may catch the sight of breaching whales in Bonavista Bay or huge icebergs drifting south in the early spring.

Over 80 kilometres of hiking trails guide visitors through various types of forest, all of which are abundant with wildlife. Trails range from strenuous to easy and there's sure to be one that suits your preference. The Coastal Trail weaves along the coast of sheltered Newman Sound and is a great area to see moose, hares and bald eagles. Malady Head Trail takes you through a damp forest up to a spectacular look-out overlooking Alexander Bay.

Back country camping locations are scattered throughout the Park along trails and are ideal for those who like a secluded camping experience. They can be accessed by hiking trail, canoe, sea kayak, or a shuttle boat. There are beautiful camping sites at Minchin Cove and two new locations in Park Harbour, one of the most scenic sheltered coves in the park.

For a more comfortable camping experience, Newman Sound and Malady Head Campgrounds feature all the necessary amenities. Newman Sound Campground with 374 sites has washrooms, showers, a convenience store, a snack bar, children's activity centre, community fire pits, electrical hook-ups, a dumping and filling station, and laundry facilities.

Terra Nova National Park also has many picnic areas, day use areas, and playgrounds. Sandy Pond has a supervised sandy beach where families can spend summer afternoons swimming or having fun with rented canoes, surf bikes, paddle boats and more. Numerous canoe routes with back country camping opportunities begin at Sandy Pond and meander into the wilderness. These provide great overnight trips for a small group of friends or family.

During the summer season, park interpreters offer a wide variety of educational entertainment for visitors of all ages. There's the"Edible Hike" that teaches about the edible and medicinal plants within Terra Nova National Park, evening campfire sing-a-longs, and performances at the Newman Sound Outdoor Theater.

Terra Nova National Park also boasts a world class 18-hole golf course. Within a resort-like setting, golfers can play a few rounds and stay in the Lodge, located in Port Blandford, a community just outside the park.

The latest addition to the Park is the Marine Interpretation Centre. Here, visitors can take an interpretive boat tour of Newman Sound or a guided sea kayaking excursion of the coastline. Inside the centre, touch tanks, underwater cameras, video footage, and interactive exhibits let visitors explore the sea's creatures and various marine habitats. You can see live specimens in the touch tank and aquariums. Stop by the centre, the main visitor reception area during the summer season, and let park staff help plan your stay at Terra Nova National Park .

For more information on park facilities and programs, contact:

Terra Nova National Park
General Delivery
Glovertown, NF
Canada A0G 2L0
Telephone: (709) 533-2801
Fax: (709) 533-2706

Special Thanks to Amazing Adventures for contributions on Newfoundland Parks.