Activities
Services
Activities
Angling
Newfoundland and Labrador has long been a destination for anglers the world over. This land has been carved for millennia by rushing rivers teeming with salmon and brook trout. Barachois Pond, Pinware River, Main River and Big Falls in Sir Richard Squires Memorial are well known for spectacular salmon angling in June and July. Cast your rod and you should have no trouble hooking a big one. Landing it 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 in most convenience stores. Visitors are responsible for following all regulations, to find out more, visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Backcountry Camping
Barachois Pond and Main River Waterway Provincial Parks feature backcountry camping. These off-the-beaten-path camping areas are real gems, allowing the rugged hiker a chance to truly appreciate the wilderness of the area. In Barachois Pond, two remote campsites and an outhouse are located near the summit of Erin Mountain. In Main River, five remote campsites can be found at various locations along the river. If you plan on spending the night on Erin Mountain, be sure to register with the park checkpoint on arrival and departure, ensure that you have adequate equipment and users are reminded to pack out what they pack in.
Beach
With over 29,000 kilometres of coastline, we’ve got more than a few beaches to boast about, and most of our parks have either a saltwater or freshwater beach to enjoy; some even have both! Sandbanks, Codroy Valley, Deadman’s Bay and J.T. Cheeseman all feature spectacular oceanfront sand beaches; perfect places to plant your towel on a hot summer day. Cobble beaches can be found at the Arches, Blow Me Down and Chance Cove Provincial Parks, covered in stones worn smooth by the ocean waves. And Barachois Pond, Notre Dame, La Manche and Lockston Path Provincial Parks all feature beautiful freshwater beaches. Any of these are ideal spots for a dip, beachcombing or a relaxing stroll as you listen to the rhythm of the lapping waves.
Note: Some of our sandy beaches are home to the endangered Piping Plover who return to Codroy Valley, J.T. Cheeseman and Sandbanks Provincial Parks each year to nest in the sand and raise their chicks. During nesting season from April to August visitors should pay close attention to signage, walk below the high water mark on wet sand, and keep their dogs leashed at all times.
| Beaches | Freshwater | Sand | Saltwater | Cobble | Designated Swimming Area* | |
| Arches | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Barachois Pond | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Bellevue Beach | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Blow Me Down | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Butter Pot | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Chance Cove | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Codroy Valley | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Deadman’s Bay | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Dildo Run | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Frenchman’s Cove | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Gooseberry Cove | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| J.T. Cheeseman | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| La Manche | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Lockston Path | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Notre Dame | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Pinware River | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Pistolet Bay | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Sandbanks | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Windmill Bight | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| * All designated swimming areas are in freshwater. | ||||||
Bicycling
Many of our provincial parks provide great cycling opportunities for everyone from experienced bikers to kids just giving up their training wheels. Many of our campgrounds feature gravel park roads on camping loops, as well as some trails that are suitable for biking. Of special note is the T’Railway Provincial Park, a linear park that follows the old Newfoundland Railway route from Port aux Basques to St. John’s; a unique wilderness experience that can be enjoyed by bicyclists. 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 keep an eye out for children biking. For safety tips on how to bicycle safely on a multi-use trail such as the T’Railway, please visit www.bicyclenl.com/tips-for-cycling-on-multi-use-trails-bicycle-safety-campaign/.
Bird Watching
Provincial parks offer a diverse array of land and seascapes for bird watching, including warblers visiting your campsite, woodpeckers and jays along the many walking trails, loons and waterfowl in the ponds, seabirds enjoying the sea breeze, and birds of prey such as owls and hawks. Be sure to bring along a pair of binoculars and keep an ear out for their beautiful calls.
Campfire
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 with family and friends, reflecting on your adventures as the crackling flames echo through the trees.
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.
In camping parks, firewood is available for purchase. 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 for plants and animals.
Camping
Provincial parks offer a variety of attractive campsites in 13 campgrounds around the province. Most are located in beautiful boreal forests, some with waterfront access. All campsites have a picnic table, fire pit, parking and both garbage and recycling bins. Other amenities in our campgrounds can include electrical service, water taps, outhouses, trailer dumping facilities, and wheelchair accessible comfort stations that include flush toilets, showers and may include laundry facilities.
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
All provincial park campgrounds offer group camping opportunities for not-for-profit organizations such as Scouts, Guides or Cadets. This service is free of charge, subject to availability. Generally, group camping is available from the end of April until the end of October, but some parks may accommodate off season use, depending on availability. Barachois Pond, Butter Pot, Notre Dame and Lockston Path have specially designated group campgrounds, while many others may offer up regular campsites for group use. Group camping must be booked by contacting the park directly and submitting a Group Use Application.
Canoeing
Canoeing is a popular pastime in provincial parks; and with good reason! With their many rivers, ponds and oceanfront beaches, you can take a peaceful paddle on a freshwater pond or tackle white-water rapids. In some of our waterfront campgrounds, you can pop on your PFD and launch right from your campsite.
Dog Walking
Dogs are welcome in all provincial park campgrounds and day use parks. And with our beautiful beaches, park roads, camping loops, hiking trails and all that crisp, fresh air it would be a shame to leave your canine buddies behind. Dogs must be leashed and be sure to clean up after your pet.
Note: Some of our sandy beaches are home to the endangered Piping Plover who return to Codroy Valley, J.T. Cheeseman and Sandbanks Provincial Parks each year to nest in the sand and raise their chicks. During nesting season from April to August visitors should pay close attention to signage, walk below the high water mark on wet sand and keep their dogs leashed at all times.
Events
Provincial parks play host to a variety of special events and programming. All camping parks participate in Canada Day celebrations on July 1st and numerous parks host specific festivals and events throughout the season. Sandbanks Provincial Park, for example, is involved in the annual Sand and Sea Festival in Burgeo. In Butter Pot Provincial Park you can enjoy the annual Butter Pot Star Party, hosted by The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. To host an event with a provincial park please complete a Special Event Application.
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. You can run your generator between 8:00 am and 11:00 pm; any exceptions must be approved by park staff. Place them on the 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!
Golf
Adjacent to Frenchman’s Cove Provincial Park campground you’ll find the Grande Meadows Golf Course where you can play a few holes under clear blue skies and enjoy the crisp, fresh air. This lovely nine hole course is privately operated and more information can be found by visiting Grande Meadows Golf Course.
Hiking & Walking
When you lace up your hikers in one of our provincial parks, you have no idea what lies ahead. Here a trail can take you through forests thick with birch, spruce and fir trees and just as easily place you on a head of land overlooking the wild ocean waves crashing against the cliffs below. There are trails for the experienced hiker and those just looking for a leisurely stroll. These opportunities are available year round; even when parks are closed in the off season, vehicles can be parked near the park gate without blocking access, and visitors are welcome to enjoy the trails within. Either way, don’t forget your camera.
Note: Some of our hiking and walking trails may take you across sandy beaches. At Codroy Valley, J.T. Cheeseman and Sandbanks Provincial Parks, these beaches are home to the endangered Piping Plover who return each year to nest in the sand and raise their chicks. During nesting season from April to August visitors should pay close attention to signage, walk below the high water mark on wet sand and keep their dogs leashed at all times.
For a description of all trails in provincial parks, see Hiking & Walking Trails.
Horseback Riding
In the T’Railway Provincial Park, horseback riding is permitted and you’ll love being able to walk this gorgeous trail, the wind ruffling your hair as your horse takes you through breathtaking natural beauty. It’s hard to say which one of you is enjoying it more. Visitors are reminded to clean up after their horses.
Hunting
Hunting and trapping is permitted in the Main River Waterway Provincial Park. These untamed woods are teeming with wildlife, and visitors with the proper permits and licenses are able to hunt waterfowl, small game and big game as well as trap and snare furbearers. Visitors are required to follow all firearm and hunting safety rules and precautions. For more information visit NL Hunting and Trapping Guide.
Kayaking
In our provincial parks kayaking is as popular as canoeing. Beautiful beaches, rushing rivers and peaceful ponds provide opportunities to launch your craft; sometimes even from your campsite! The waters around Sandbanks and Dildo Run Provincial Parks, for example, are dotted with islands just waiting to be explored. Please note that only expert kayakers should tackle the white-water rapids in Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park or Main River Waterway Provincial Park.
Off-Road Vehicles
The T’Railway Provincial Park is a linear park that runs along the rail bed of the former Newfoundland Railway. The trail stretches 900 kilometres from Port aux Basques to St. John’s and offers an extensive trail network for multi-use including off-road vehicles. And whether your vehicle of choice is a trike, a quad, a side-by-side or a snowmobile, you’ll be travelling through beautiful wilderness. Off-road vehicles can access the trail from Port aux Basques to Indian Pond in Conception Bay South. The section running from Conception Bay South to St. John’s, however, is primarily for non-motorized use. Additional information can be found on Crossing Newfoundland by ATV . Visitors may find this information useful in planning their trip, however Parks Division takes no responsibility for the content found on that website.
Park Attraction
The attractions in our provincial parks are numerous; some natural and some man-made. At La Manche Provincial Park, for example, visitors can cross a river on a 50 metre suspension bridge that leads to the remains of a resettled fishing village. At the Dungeon Provincial Park you can stand at the edge of a collapsed sea cave, the ocean waves crashing below. Similar waves have carved passageways out of the rock at the Arches Provincial Park. At Cataracts Provincial Park you can marvel as much at the waterfall and gorge as you can at the beautiful 1920’s deck-arch bridge, the only one of its kind in the province. Perhaps the biggest attraction of all, however, is the natural beauty and the crisp, clean fresh air you can find in any of our provincial parks.
Photography
The natural beauty of our provincial parks makes them an excellent backdrop for the enthusiast photographer. Whether you’re capturing the panoramic view from a look-out post hike or closing in on our unique plants and wildlife, you won’t be long filling up an SD card. In fact, you might want to bring along a couple extra.
Picnics
Around here, there’s so much to see and do, you’ll want to stop, catch your breath and soak up the natural beauty; a perfect excuse for a picnic. Many of our parks feature day use areas with parking, picnic tables and swimming areas. Pack some snacks and treat yourself to a feast for the body and the soul.
Playground
Every provincial park has a playground area which includes slides, climbing structures, swings, and accessibility features. These areas can be enjoyed by the young and the young at heart! Have a swing and feel the wind in your hair!
Powerboating
If powerboating is more your speed, several of our parks have launches from which you can hit the water and enjoy our wilderness from a new and exciting point of view. The ponds in Barachois, Butter Pot and Lockston Path Provincial Parks can be enjoyed by watercraft having less than 10 horsepower engines.
Skiing
While visitor services are closed in the winter season and provincial parks are unstaffed, many people continue to visit provincial parks year round. Where snow conditions allow, vehicles may be parked near the park gate without blocking access, and the public is welcome to enjoy provincial parks on foot during the off season. Our parks look pristine when covered in a crisp blanket of white snow and, at Butter Pot Provincial Park, the Avalon Nordic Ski Club provides winter recreation activities including cross country skiing. For more information, please visit Avalon Nordic.
Snowmobiling
Winter here can pack a wonderful wallop. And snowmobiling can be enjoyed in both the Main River Waterway and the T’Railway Provincial Parks. At Main River, a beautiful snowmobile trail heads west from Sop’s Arm leading to Four Ponds, with diversions along six of the river’s beautiful tributaries. The T’Railway Provincial Park can be enjoyed via snowmobile between Port-aux-Basques and Indian Pond in Conception Bay South. The Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation (NLSF) grooms a large portion of the T’Railway and is responsible for snowmobile pass sales.
Snowshoeing
While visitor services are closed in the winter season and provincial parks are unstaffed, many people continue to visit provincial parks year round. Where snow conditions allow, vehicles may be parked near the park gate without blocking access, and the public is welcome to enjoy provincial parks on foot during the off season. Visitors are reminded that there are no services available during this time.
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. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada hosts the Butter Pot Star Party annually at Butter Pot Provincial Park.
Swimming
A summer in Newfoundland and Labrador can get so hot, the sun can just about split the rocks! And nothing is more refreshing than a dip in crystal clear waters. Most of our parks feature either freshwater or saltwater swimming; some even have both! The terrain can be well-worn cobble or warm summer sand. Designated freshwater swimming areas are roped off for your enjoyment and, while unsupervised, water rescue equipment is always located nearby.
Note: Some of our sandy beaches are home to the endangered Piping Plover who return to Codroy Valley, J.T. Cheeseman and Sandbanks Provincial Parks each year to nest in the sand and raise their chicks. During nesting season from April to August visitors should pay close attention to signage, walk below the high water mark on wet sand and keep their dogs leashed at all times.
Waterfall
There’s nothing quite like the roar of a waterfall and the feel of the spray as it crashes onto the rocks below. There are waterfalls located in five provincial parks: Cataracts, J.T. Cheeseman, La Manche, Main River, and Sir Richard Squires Memorial. All of these natural cascades provide beautiful viewpoints that you’ll want to capture with your camera. Big Falls at Sir Richard Squires Memorial also provides a unique opportunity to view salmon leaping up the waterfall during the salmon migration season in late June and early July.
Wildlife Watching
Around here if it feels like you aren’t alone, you’re right! Our neck of the woods is home to a great deal of wildlife. From the towering moose to the elusive lynx and the threatened Newfoundland marten, there’s lots to see. The best time to experience wildlife in the park is in the morning or evening; keep quiet and keep your eyes peeled.
When driving be sure to keep your eyes peeled as roads can sometimes cross migratory routes and you never know when a moose might dart out of the woods. If you stop to view wildlife, be sure to use your indicators and pull safely off the road.
If you come in contact with wildlife please do not disturb them and give them space. A great rule to follow is this: if an animal reacts to your presence, you are too close. Use binoculars or a zoom lens to grab a close-up of these beautiful creatures. If you think you’ve spotted a rare creature or an animal that appears to be acting strangely, alert park staff.
When camping, store your food safely and remove any trash from your site and please don’t feed the animals; this can lead to animals becoming dependent on food from visitors and possibly becoming aggressive.
Following the above guidelines will ensure that both you and wildlife can continue to enjoy the natural beauty of our provincial parks.
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 some parks.
Accommodation
Some of our parks offer privately operated accommodation. The Grand Fairways Resort in Frenchman’s Cove Provincial Park rents cottages as does Kittiwake Cottages within Notre Dame Provincial Park. In Sir Richard Squires Memorial Park accommodations are available at Humber Lodge Big Falls.
Activity Centre
Barachois Pond, Pinware River, Lockston Path and Notre Dame Provincial Parks features lovely activity centres that are used for special events hosted by park staff. These buildings are also available for private rental.
Boat Dock
Lockston Path Provincial Park features not only a boat launch but also a 20 metre long dock on beautiful Freshwater Pond.
Boat Launch
Barachois Pond and Lockston Path Provincial Parks both feature boat launches for canoers, kayakers and powerboaters alike. Some waterfront campsites in Barachois Pond allow you to launch your canoe or kayak directly onto the water.
Boat Rental
Watercraft can be rented at two of our parks. Butter Pot Provincial Park offers canoe rentals and anyone with a valid salmon fishing license can rent a two-person dory at Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park.
Camping
Our 13 provincial camping parks feature campsites in lovely forested areas. All campsites feature picnic tables, fireplaces and space for your vehicle, many accommodating larger RVs. Some offer electrical service hook-ups and visitors can find water taps and outhouses throughout our parks. All camping parks feature wheelchair accessible comfort stations, including flush toilets, showers, and trailer dumping stations.
Camping – Group
Group camping is available in all of our provincial camping parks, free of charge for not-for-profit organizations, depending on availability. Some parks feature designated group camping, others can offer campsites or areas upon request. Bookings can be made by contacting the park directly and completing a Group Camping Application . Group camping may also be available for off season use.
Cell Service
Most parks offer cell phone service, however visitors should note that reception can range from none to excellent, depending on the location.
Change Table
All comfort stations have change tables.
Checkpoint
Park staff are on duty at park checkpoints between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm daily.
Convenience Store
Privately operated convenience stores with a variety of goods can be found in both Notre Dame and Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park.
Electrical Hook-up
Some of our parks (Dildo Run, Frenchman’s Cove, J.T. Cheeseman, La Manche, Lockston Path, and Notre Dame) offer some sites with electrical hook-ups of either 15, 30 and/or 50 amps. If you are looking for this service, please book early.\
Emergency Preparedness
Every provincial camping park has an emergency preparedness plan and map. Please familiarize yourself with the automated external defibrillator, first aid and muster locations.
Firewood
Our campgrounds offer firewood for purchase (cash only). 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 for plants and animals.
Golf
In Frenchman’s Cove Provincial Park you’ll find the Grande Meadows Golf Course. This nine hole course is privately operated and more information can be found by visiting their website.
Laundry
All of our campgrounds offer coin-operated laundry services, usually located in the comfort station. Be sure to bring change!
Outhouse
Outhouse facilities are located throughout our parks.
Parking
All camping and day use parks feature parking areas, many accommodating larger RVs.
Picnic Area
Most campgrounds feature day use areas with access to picnic tables, playgrounds and/or swimming areas. Most day use parks feature picnic tables.
Picnic Shelter
Some campgrounds feature picnic shelters in their day use areas for shelter during inclement weather.
Playground
Most campgrounds feature playground facilities for the young and the young at heart. Most feature sand play areas, swings, climbing structures and/or slides.
Portage Trail
For canoers and back-country campers, Main River Waterway Provincial Park features a portage trail. The Big Steady Portage Trail is 5.7 kilometres of rough terrain taking about 2.5 to 3 hours. Hiking in this area is seasonal, to say the least, with the best conditions occurring in August when water levels are low.
Restaurant
Two campgrounds have restaurants in the immediate vicinity. At Frenchman’s Cove Provincial Park you can enjoy Mulligan’s Restaurant located in the Grande Meadows Golf Course. At Sir Richard Squires Memorial Park, The Buchans Reef restaurant can be found in Humber Lodge Big Falls.
Showers
Shower facilities can be found within our comfort stations.
Trailer Dumping
All of our camping parks feature trailer dumping stations.
Trailer Storage
If you plan to return (and most do!), all of our campgrounds offer both summer and winter storage for camping equipment. See Other Fees for prices.
Washrooms
In our camping parks, modern washrooms are located within the comfort stations.
Water Rescue Equipment
Water rescue equipment can be found near the beaches and designated swimming areas.
Water Taps
There are water taps located throughout our parks. 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
Most of our campgrounds feature WiFi hotpoints. Please note that access may only be available within the immediate vicinity of the hotspot. Passwords can be obtained from park staff.
