This delightful park is located on the southeast corner of the Avalon peninsula along Route 10 or, as it’s known around here, the Irish Loop. Chance Cove Provincial Park stretches from the highways edge right down to a trail to the spectacular coastline. Here you can see whales, seabirds and maybe even a seal or two.
Chance Cove Provincial Park was once the site of a small settlement of 50 people in the mid-19th century, an area full of legend and folklore. It was most probably named for mischance, referencing the many shipwrecks in the area. The most famous of which was the wreck of the S.S. Florizel that ran aground on the Horn Head Rocks just north of the park in 1913. Reports of wrecks run further back than that, however, with the S.S. Anglo-Saxon having run ashore just south of the park on April 27, 1863. Over 230 lives were claimed in the wreck, most of which were buried on a bluff overlooking the ocean in nearby Clam Cove. It’s said that the lives lost in these waters have led to the haunting of this area, with local legend insisting that it was these supernatural presences that led to the community being abandoned sometime prior to the turn of the century. In fact, up until the late 1980’s, foundations and cellars of the original community were still visible.
These stories, however, are meant for amusement and should be taken with a grain of salt. Chance Cove Provincial Park was opened in 1974 and has been welcoming the living ever since!
Find out more about the park by visiting Natural History.
Photo Gallery
Activities
Angling
In Chance Cove you can cast your rod and try your hand at catching sea run brown trout. You should have no trouble hooking one; landing it, however, is another story! Angling is permitted within 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 at most convenience stores. Visitors are responsible for following all regulations, to find out more, visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Beach
With over 29,000 kilometres of coastline, we’ve got more than a few beaches to boast about, and Chance Cove is no exception. A trail leads down to a saltwater cobblestone beach with a phenomenal view of the ocean and all it has to offer. Keep your camera handy.
Bicycle
Chance Cove 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 spruce trees. Be sure to strap that helmet on for safety and a reminder to drivers to keep an eye out for children biking.
Bird Watching
Chance Cove Provincial Park protects a barchois important for migrating shorebirds and, as such, it will keep the bird watcher busy. Be sure to bring your binoculars and listen for their calls.
Dog Walking
Dogs are welcome in all provincial parks and Chance Cove is no exception. And your canine buddy will love the trail down to the beach and the crisp, sea air as you stroll along the cobblestone shoreline. Dogs must be leashed and be sure to clean up after your pet.
Hiking and Walking
Once parked in the picnic area, a lovely trail leads you down to the beach where you can take in a glorious view of the ocean. The beach is cobblestone so be sure to wear good hikers and mind your footing while you’re spotting whales, seabirds and seals.
Photography
This lovely park makes an excellent backdrop for the enthusiast photographer. Whether you are capturing the panoramic view of the ocean or your family enjoying the picnic area, you won’t be long filling up an SD card. In fact, you might want to bring along a couple extra.
Picnics
The forests and fields make a great 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.
Snowshoeing
Our parks look pristine when covered in a crisp blanket of white. At Chance Cove, strap on a pair of snowshoes or skis and see this winter landscape in all its splendour, accented by the crunch of your footsteps or swish of your skis.
Stargazing
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.
Wildlife Watching
If it feels like you aren’t alone, you’re right! Foxes have been known to frequent this area and be sure to look for bats at dusk. Here the ocean is where you’ll want to turn your attention, however. Whales, seals and otters may be fishing in the area and you’ll want your binoculars at the ready. 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 Campfires
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
Cell Service
Cell service is available in the park.
Outhouse
Outhouse facilities are located in the park and are open seasonally.
Parking
There is parking available in the park.
Picnic Area
This park is an excellent place to visit for the day. The beach and its picnic areas are available for all to enjoy and definitely worth the stop.
Natural History
Chance Cove Provincial Park is located in the Eastern Hyper-oceanic Barrens ecoregion. Here an extreme ocean climate means forests are stunted and are made up of scattered areas of balsam fir tuckamore. Coastal barrens are also typical with blanket and plateau bogs being common. Vegetation here is primarily arctic-alpine plants such as alpine azalea can be found. Blueberries, partridgeberries and bakeapple or cloudberries are also abundant. Chance Cove Provincial Park protects a barachois important for migrating shorebirds.
For additional information on the natural history of this park, please refer to the Eastern Hyper-oceanic Barrens ecoregion brochure.
