Activities
On the west coast, just 20 kilometres from Stephenville, you will find one of the largest provincial parks in western Newfoundland: Barachois Pond. This lovely park features a fabulous hiking trail and two spectacular beaches for swimming. And when you’ve toweled off, there’s lots more to experience. Located in the Western Newfoundland Forest ecoregion, this 3000 hectare park is characterized by beautiful balsam fir with a forest floor of ferns and mosses. A score of wildlife and bird species along with mountain streams, invigorating hikes and panoramic views make this one of the most popular parks in the province to visit!
Find out more about the park by visiting Natural History.
Photo Gallery
Activities
Angling
Barachois Pond is a great fishing spot for the expert and novice alike with a season that takes place nearly all year long! Salmon and sea run trout season in Barachois Brook runs between June and early September. The pond is open for brook trout fishing from May to early September. Cast your fly and you should have no trouble hooking a big one. Landing it is another story! Angling is permitted in all provincial parks. Please note that all anglers require a provincial salmon license to fish scheduled inland waters and non-residents also require a trout license. Both can be purchased in most convenience stores. Please check with park staff for exact dates as the seasons may vary depending on stock conditions and water levels. Barachois Brook is a scheduled salmon river and there are a number of rules and regulations which visitors must follow. To find out more, visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Backcountry Camping
Nestled between two small ponds on top of Erin Mountain there is a remote campsite available for the rugged camper and hiker. This gorgeous spot doesn’t feature the amenities of our more traditional campsites but it does have picnic tables and outhouse facilities. And it’s the perfect spot to truly appreciate the wilderness of this area. If you plan to spend the night please ensure that you have adequate equipment and register with the checkpoint on arrival and departure.
Beach
Barachois Pond features not one, but two sandy swimming beaches and both have their advantages depending on which way the wind blows! The beaches are located on either side of the road leading to the peninsula. One is sheltered when the wind comes from the west and the other is sheltered when the wind is easterly. So you might want to check the wind direction before you spread your towel! Many of the waterfront campsites feature swimming or boating right from your site!
Bicycling
With six camping loops and four kilometres of gravel park road and a five kilometer fire exit road, Barachois Pond Provincial Park is a great spot for the cyclist or kids just giving up their training wheels. So unstrap your bike from your rack and enjoy the fresh air as you pedal past rows of fir trees. Be sure to strap that helmet on for safety and a reminder to drivers to keep an eye out for children bicycling.
Bird Watching
Barachois Pond will keep the bird watcher busy. Ruffed Grouse, Northern Goshawk, Black-backed Woodpecker, warblers and Pine Grosbeaks are a few of the over 100 species recorded in this park. Be sure to bring your binoculars and listen for an orchestra of their delightful songs and calls.
From June to August each summer, a bird banding program is run in the wee hours of the morning in the park at 10 day intervals. Visitors are welcome to drop by and observe the birds close up. For more information on the program visit Research Projects – Spotlights. Ask at the park checkpoint for scheduling information.
Campfire
Your campsite comes with a fireplace and nothing quite says camping like an open fire on a starry night. The perfect way to end your day; toasting a marshmallow or roasting a hot dog over your campsite’s fireplace with family and friends reflecting on your adventures as the crackling flames echo through the trees.
Camping
Barachois Pond offers 150 campsites in a lovely forested area. Each campsite features a picnic table, fireplace and space for your vehicle, most accommodating larger RVs. Many campsites are located only a few steps away from the shores of beautiful Barachois Pond; some even access the waterfront directly.
Camping – Learn to Camp
If you are interested in trying camping for the first time, check out these great resources, including information and videos, such as a packing checklist, tents and tarps, campfires, safety tips and more.
Camping – Group
Barachois Pond Provincial Park offers group camping for not-for-profit organizations at no charge. These group use areas must be booked by contacting the park directly and submitting a Group Camping Application and may be available for off season use depending on availability.
Canoeing
If you’re a canoer, you’ve come to the right park! In fact, if you are on the waterfront, you can launch right from your campsite! Pop on your PFD and enjoy nine kilometres of peaceful pond. Relax and enjoy the quiet solitude of being on the water; the only sound the dip and sway of your paddle.
Dog Walking
Dogs are welcome in all provincial parks and Barachois Pond is no exception. And with the beautiful sandy beaches, four kilometres of gravel park road and the Erin Mountain hiking trail, it would be a real shame to leave your canine buddies behind. Dogs must be leashed and be sure to clean up after your pet.
Events
Barachois Pond hosts an annual Canada Day celebration with festivities for the whole family to enjoy.
From June to August each summer, a bird banding program is run in the wee hours of the morning in the park at 10 day intervals. Visitors are welcome to drop by and observe the birds close up. For more information on the program visit Research Projects – Spotlights. Ask at the park checkpoint for scheduling information.
Other events may occur throughout the season; please check News & Events for updates.
Generator Use
If you want to power up your campsite, generator use is permitted within our parks although they must be attended at all times and any generators found to be exceedingly loud may be prohibited at any time. In Barachois Pond Provincial Park, you can run your generator between 8:00 am and 11:00 pm; any exceptions must be approved by park staff. Place them on a hardened surface of the campsite, away from any flammable substances and you can light up your night and even power up your television and satellite. Now you’re really roughing it!
Hiking & Walking
Barachois Pond features four kilometres of gravel park road for walkers to enjoy plus another five kilometres if you want to explore the emergency exit road as it winds its way along the pond and through the forest. For the hikers, the Erin Mountain trail offers a beautiful vista over Barachois Pond and Bay St. George. This hike is approximately 3.5 kilometres to its summit, taking about three hours to complete and is considered a moderate to difficult hike.
Kayaking
Barachois Pond is nine kilometres long and offers kayakers a peaceful body of water in which to enjoy a leisurely paddle. In fact, if you are on the waterfront, you can launch right from your campsite! So pop on your PFD and relish a relaxing paddle in a gorgeous environment.
Park Attraction
This beautiful park has many different attractions to offer visitors. Barachois Pond itself is a sight to see and the Erin Mountain hiking trail offers spectacular views. Be sure to ask part staff about the locally famous Snoopy Tree. And keep your eyes open for the moose that regularly stroll through the park.
Photography
The natural beauty of Barachois Pond Provincial Park makes it an excellent backdrop for the enthusiast photographer. Whether you are capturing the panoramic view from the summit of the Erin Mountain or zooming in on the flowers, you won’t be long filling up an SD card. In fact, you might want to bring along a couple extra.
Picnics
Located to the right of the checkpoint, the day use area features a playground, water tap, outhouses and picnic tables. Not to mention, a spectacular view of Erin Mountain and Barachois Pond. This area is open until 10:00 pm and visitors are encouraged to participate in many park activities, including swimming, canoeing, hiking, walking and, of course, picnics. A perfect spot to stop, catch your breath and soak up the natural beauty. Pack some snacks and treat yourself to a feast for the body and the soul.
Playground
Barachois Pond has no shortage of playground areas for the young and the young at heart! There are four located throughout the park and they can be found by checking the park map.
Powerboating
Barachois Pond is enjoyed by swimmers, canoers and kayakers alike. Powerboating is also permitted for boats with motors less than 10 horsepower.
Snowshoeing
While the gate may be closed in the winter months, the park is still accessible by those users who want to enjoy its natural beauty by snowshoe or skis. Strap on a pair and see this winter landscape in all its splendour, accented by the crunch of your footsteps or swish of your skis on that crisp blanket of pristine, white snow. Where snow conditions allow, vehicles may be parked near the park gate without blocking access.
Stargazing
Around here, when the sun sets the light show begins. The lack of artificial light means you’ll have no trouble spotting your favourite constellations as the stars twinkle and shine down from above. Bring along a telescope and take it all in.
Swimming
Barachois Pond features two sandy beaches for visitors to enjoy, located on either side of the road to the peninsula. One side offers shelter from the westerly wind, the other from the easterly! Swimmers should note these areas are unsupervised but lifesaving equipment is located nearby, should it be needed.
Wildlife Watching
If it feels like you aren’t alone, you’re right! On the pond you may hear the call of a loon. Otters may be fishing in the river, easily mistaken for the smaller mink that roam the park as well. Look for evidence of the snowshoe hare, such as chewed twigs along pathways. Fox have also been spotted in the area and be sure to look for bats at dusk. Chipmunks were introduced here from Nova Scotia in 1962 and have flourished. Caribou have often been seen in the park and the threatened, and notoriously curious, Newfoundland marten. Moose often wander around the campsites or in the streams or bogs! The best time to experience wildlife in the park is in the morning or evening; keep quiet and keep your eyes peeled.
Prohibitions
Do Not Disturb
Please note that everything in a provincial park is protected; from the smallest rock to the largest tree. For that reason, introducing and/or removing any natural items is prohibited.
No Cutting Trees
No Hunting
No Off-road Vehicles
Off-road vehicles include any motorized vehicles that are not legally permitted for use on provincial highways.
No Snowmobiles
Services
Accessibility Information
All comfort stations within provincial camping parks offer wheelchair accessible washrooms and showers. Wheelchair accessible picnic tables may also be available in the park.
Activity Centre
Barachois Pond features a lovely activity centre that is used for special events hosted by park staff. This building is also available for private rentals.
Boat Launch
For canoers, kayakers and powerboaters there is a boat launch located within the park just past the gazebo. Also, some waterfront campsites allow you to launch your canoe or kayak directly onto the water.
Campfire
Each campsite comes with a fireplace and we ask that you maintain your campfire responsibly by keeping the following in mind. Fires are only permitted in the provided fireplaces or in an area designated by a Park Ranger as being suitable. Visitor owned fireplaces are permitted but must be approved by park staff before using. Campfires must not be left unattended. Ashes or coals must be watered down prior to being disposed of and can only be disposed of in designated areas. Fires are prohibited if an open fire ban is implemented. Provincial park staff may restrict any campfire that creates or may create a hazard to the public.
Camping
Barachois Pond offers 150 campsites in a lovely forested area. Each campsite features a picnic table, fireplace and space for your vehicle, most accommodating larger RV’s. Many are just steps away from Barachois Pond and some feature waterfront access from your campsite. Water taps and outhouses are located throughout the park. A wheelchair accessible comfort station, including flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities are located within the camping area with a trailer dumping station adjacent to the comfort station.
Camping – Group
Barachois Park offers group camping for not-for-profit organizations at no charge. These group use areas must be booked by contacting the park directly and submitting a Group Camping Application and may also be available for off season use by contacting park headquarters.
Cell Service
There is little to no cell phone service available in this park.
Change Table
Our comfort station washrooms feature change tables.
Checkpoint
Park staff are on duty at the park checkpoint from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm daily.
Emergency Preparedness
Every provincial camping park has an emergency preparedness plan and map. Please familiarize yourself with the map, automated external defibrillator, first aid and muster locations.
Firewood
Firewood is available for cash purchase from the park checkpoint. Please note: it is prohibited to transport firewood from outside the province into any provincial park. Also, do not gather your own firewood; dead trees provide a home and/or food source for plants and animals.
Laundry
Coin-operated laundry services are located in the comfort station. Bring change!
Outhouse
Outhouse facilities are located throughout the park.
Parking
There is a large parking lot located next to the comfort station. Parking is also available in the day use area.
Picnic Area
Located to the right of the checkpoint, the day-use area features a playground, water taps, toilets and picnic tables. This area is open until 10:00 pm and users are encouraged to participate in many park activities, including swimming, canoeing, hiking, walking and, of course, picnics.
Picnic Shelter
There are several picnic shelters located next to the comfort station.
Playground
There are five playgrounds located throughout the park for the young and the young at heart.
Showers
Showers are located in the comfort station.
Trailer Dumping
The trailer dumping station is located adjacent to the comfort station.
Trailer Storage
If you plan to return (and most do!), Barachois Pond offers both summer and winter storage for camping equipment. Prices are available from the park checkpoint.
Washrooms
Washrooms are located within the comfort station.
Water Rescue Equipment
Water rescue equipment can be found next to designated swimming areas.
Water Taps
There are water taps located throughout the park. Visitors will notice boil order signage on all water sources. These shouldn’t cause concern, but are to be followed. Given that Provincial Parks do not have water chlorination systems, these orders are precautionary for public safety.
WiFi
For your internet needs, a wifi hotspot is located at the activity centre. Given the remoteness of this park, service cannot be guaranteed.
Natural History
Barachois Pond Provincial Park is located in the St. George’s Bay subregion of the Western Newfoundland Forest ecoregion and is distinguished by its vegetation and climate. Evergreen and cone bearing are the most common tree species mixed in with deciduous yellow and white birch, maples, tamarack, white pine and rare black ash. In boggy areas you can spot two insect-eating plants: the sundew and Newfoundland and Labrador’s official flower, the pitcher plant.
Barachois Pond Provincial Park is part of the Long Range Mountains, the northern-most extension of the Appalachian Mountain chain. Carved by glaciers and further eroded by the many rivers and streams like Little Barachois Brook, this dramatic landscape has been deeply cut and carved. The park’s anorthosite bedrock is composed predominantly of the mineral labradorite, prized as a semi-precious stone for its blues and greens. It also contains jet black lodestone, a highly magnetic mineral that can produce erratic readings; keep your compass off the ground! While hiking the Erin Mountain Trail you can often see areas of exposed bedrock and possibly plagloclase crystals up to 3 meters long! Remember while in a provincial park photograph and explore, leaving everything you see in its natural condition.
For additional information on the natural history of this park in the Western Newfoundland Forest ecoregion, please refer to the St. George’s Bay subregion brochure.
Contact
+1 (709) 649-0048
