Terra-Nova National Park - Wikivoyage, the free collaborative travel and tourism guide - Parc national de Terra-Nova — Wikivoyage, le guide de voyage et de tourisme collaboratif gratuit

Terra-Nova National Park
(Terra Nova National Park (in))
NLC TerraNova2 tango7174.jpg
Information
Country
Region
IUCN Category
Administration
Area
Tourist information office
Location
48 ° 31 ′ 50 ″ N 53 ° 55 ′ 41 ″ W
Official site

the Terra-Nova National Park is a national park of canada located there East Coast of the island of Newfoundland along several inlets of Bonavista Bay. It is the most easterly national park in Canada and serves to protect and enhance the beauty and diversity of the land. It is a great place to experience Newfoundland nature.

Understand

The Newfoundland marten lives in the park. It is an endangered species living only on the island of Newfoundland.
The park visitors center

Terra-Nova National Park covers an area of 400 km2 in L'Eastern Newfoundland Island. It is located along the coast in the head of Bonavaista Bay and includes several inlets including Newman Fjord as well as the north shore of Close Fjord. In fact, it covers 238 km along the coastline and has a maximum width of 5 km. It borders on two marine protected areas: the Terra-Nova Bird Sanctuary and the Eastport Marine Protected Area.

The landscape of the park is typical of the northeast coast of the island, but also includes remnants of the Appalachian mountain range contributing to the region's varied and rugged topography. The park includes 86 courses water and 134 ponds the most important of which is Dunphy Pond. Wildlife in the park includes moose, black bears, foxes, lynxes, beavers, ospreys, bald eagles and Atlantic salmon. In addition, the park is one of the few places where the Newfoundland marten lives. (Martes americana atrata), an endangered species found only on the island of Newfoundland. Censuses of its population in 2007 estimated that there are only between 286 and 556 adults on the island. The park protects an element of the eastern boreal forest natural region.

The name of the park is the name of Newfoundland in Latin, but also the name Portuguese originally donated to the region. Terra-Nova Park was inaugurated in 1957 and it is the first National Park created at Newfoundland and Labrador.

The park is open year round. However, campgrounds with electric service are only available during the summer season.

  • Visitors center Salton's brook, Logo indicating a telephone number  1 709-533-2942 Logo indicating timetables May to October. – Accessible, without assistance, to people with reduced mobility Main park information center. This also includes an interactive exhibit on marine life in the North Atlantic.

Weather

Newfoundland does not experience the extremes that other places with similar latitude experience. On average, the coldest temperatures in winter are around −15 ° C while the hottest temperatures in summer are around 22 ° C.

To go

Entrance fees

The same entrance fees as for most national parks of canada apply to Terra-Nova National Park. All revenues are used to maintain and improve park facilities. Note that if you are spending more than five days in the park, it is more beneficial to purchase the annual pass than day passes. In addition, annual pass holders can camp at the off-season rate throughout the camping season. Also note that there are also additional costs for camping, fishing and mooring.

Entrance fees to Terra-Nova National Park
CategoryDay passAnnual pass (early bird) *Annual Pass
Adult (17 to 64 years old)5,8 $ C23,5 $ C29,4 $ C
Elder (65 years and more)4,9 $ C19,6 $ C24,5 $ C
Young (6 to 16 years old)2,9 $ C11,7 $ C14,7 $ C
Family or group (up to 7 people in the same vehicle)14,7 $ C36,8 $ C73,6 $ C
* Annual early bird passes are available from 1er May to June 30

By plane

The closest airport to the park is the international airport of Gander at about 90 km west of the park. The second closest airport is that of Saint Jean To 200 km to the East. The latter is bigger, has more flights and these are often cheaper. A third airport is located at Deer lake To 390 km west of the park. If you get to Newfoundland by plane, it is recommended to hire a car on arrival.

By car

It is possible to go to the island of Newfoundland by car using a ferry (ferry) from North Sydney in New Scotland. This one goes either to Argentia To 126 km east of the park either at Port-aux-Basques To 655 km West. The crossing from North Sydney to Argentia takes 2 p.m. and is in operation from mid-June to September while the crossing to Port-aux-Basques lasts from 4.5 to 6 h and operates year round.

Once on the island, it is easy to get to the park. This is located on the Trans-Canada Highway 1 (Trans-Canada 1) which crosses the park on 40 km. The park is located at 200 km to the east of Saint Jean and to 180 km to the east of Grand Falls-Windsor. Along the Trans-Canada Highway in the park, there are clear signs indicating directions for campgrounds, swimming areas, walking trails and other park attractions.

On a boat

If you have your own boat, the park is directly accessible by boat with GPS coordinates 48 ° 34 ′ 45.35 ″ N53 ° 05 ′ 51.31 ″ W / 48.5792639, -53.0975861. There are mooring and launching facilities at Salton's Brook. Mooring costs are 0,90 $ per foot per night or a seasonal entitlement of 9,80 $ per foot.

Circulate

The Trans-Canada Highway crosses the park making it very easy to access. This road provides easy access to all of the park's attractions including campgrounds and trails. There are signs along the route indicating the direction of attractions.

To see

View from Ocher Hill looking north
Newman fjord
  • Blue Hill (Blue hill) (a five-minute drive west of the Newman Fjord campsite) – Access limited to people with reduced mobility. Climbing Blue Hill allows you to observe Terra-Nova Park from above. There are two lookouts with viewing glasses and interpretation panels. The first is easily accessible, even in a wheelchair. The second is located at the top of the hill, the highest point in the park.
  • Ocher Hill (Ocher Hill) (only a few minutes drive from the Trans-Canada Highway, east of the Newman Fjord campsite, opposite the entrance to Sandy Pond) – At the top of the hill, there is an exhibition to understand the power of glaciers. Along the trail near the summit, you can observe exposed ancient conglomerate rocks.
  • Newman fjord estuary (Newman Sound Estuary) (near the Newman fjord campsite, accessible on foot or by car) – The Newman Fiord includes a bird exhibit where it is possible to learn about the life of bird species feeding in the shallow waters of the fjord such as the bald eagle, fish eagle, the great yellow-legged knight and black duck. When the tide is low, you can venture into the estuary.
    • Coastal Connections Ecotour Logo indicating a link to the website Departures from the visitor center at Salton's Brook, Logo indicating a telephone number  1 709-533-2196 Logo indicating timetables Two departures per day from mid-May to early October. – Newman Fjord boat tour combining sightseeing experience with education. Indeed, you will be able to observe the bald eagle in its natural environment, collect water samples, recognize different animal species as well as discover the natural and cultural history of the region. An information booth is located in the main visitor center of the park.
  • Sandy Pond (Sandy pond)  – Accessible, without assistance, to people with reduced mobility A trail of 3 km goes around the pond. On the way, you can observe beavers and ducks as well as the local flora including pitcher plants, the emblematic flower of the province. The latter is mainly found in swampy areas and is easily recognized by its red flower in the shape of an inverted wine cup and its leaves in the shape of a hollow cone that fill with water to trap insects. The trail is dotted with interpretive panels. The pond includes a sandy beach, which is a notable fact since the majority of the beaches of Newfoundland and Labrador are rocky and unwelcoming. In fact, the water in Sandy Pond is always warmer than most other ponds in Newfoundland thanks to its shallow water. It is possible to swim there. The site has several picnic tables and an on-site kiosk sells snacks. It is also possible to rent a canoe to paddle the pond.
  • Marine interpretation center (Marine Interpretation Center) Salton's brook – Accessible, without assistance, to people with reduced mobility Interactive exhibition on marine life in the North Atlantic. Children of all ages will enjoy being able to touch aquariums as well as being able to hold a live crab or starfish in their hands. The interpretation center also includes a restaurant. It is also possible to explore the coast near the center which is littered with seaweed and seashells.
  • Newman Fjord Campground Trail (Newman Sound Campground Trail)  – A path forming a loop of 4 km located in the center of the Newman Fjord campground dotted with interpretive panels on the history of the region such as the introduction of invasive species and the evolution of the composition of the boreal forest. You may observe trout passing through Big Creek on their way to Newman Fiord. In addition to these, you will be able to observe red squirrels, moose, bald eagles, spruce grouse and black-backed woodpeckers.

Do

In summer

  • Bathing  – In freshwater, at Sandy Pond which includes one of the few sandy beaches in the province. At sea, at the beaches of Eastport and Sandy Cove.
  • Canoe
    • Boat rental , Logo indicating a telephone number  1 709-533-9797 – Canoes and pedal boats can be rented at Sandy Pond.
    • Canoe-camping , Logo indicating a telephone number  1 709-533-2801 – There are rudimentary campsites on the canoe route through Sandy Pond, Beachy Pond, and Dunphy Pond.
  • Kayak  – In the secluded waters of Newman Fiord.
  • Trout fishing , Logo indicating a telephone number  1 709-533-2801 Logo indicating timetables mid-May to mid-August. Logo indicating tariffs 9,8 $ C per day or 34,3 $ C for the season. – Call to find out which waterways are open or closed for fishing as well as to find out the catch limits (generally 10 brook trout and none for all other species). Only artificial fly fishing is permitted on streams and rivers while on ponds and lakes, in addition to artificial fly fishing, bait and lure fishing is permitted. In addition to the fishing license in the national park, the right to access the park must be paid. Young people under 16 years old do not need a permit if accompanied by a permit holder aged 16 years old and more, but their catch is added to the holder's catch, otherwise, they can buy their own license to have their own maximum catch limit.
  • Salmon fishing , Logo indicating a telephone number  1 709-543-2220, e-mail : Logo indicating timetables Early June to early September. – Recreational salmon fishing is permitted on the Northwest River. The number of permits is limited and the allocation is made by drawing lots. To be eligible for the draw, you must have a salmon fishing license at Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • Hiking (hiking)  – The Terra-Nova park includes 15 trails hiking trail with a length of 1 to 29 km going from a simple nature walk easily accessible by young children and even wheelchairs to hiking trails hiking presenting a good level of difficulty even for experienced hikers.
    • Backpacking (backpacking) , Logo indicating a telephone number  1 709-533-2801 – There are rudimentary campsites on the Outport Trail and Dunphy Pond Trail.
  • Mountain bike
  • Beach volleyball  – At Eastport Beach.

In winter

  • Winter camping
  • Ice fishing , Logo indicating a telephone number  1 709-533-2801 Logo indicating timetables End of February to end of March. Logo indicating tariffs 9,8 $ C per day or 34,3 $ C for the season. – At Dunphy Pond. You need a right of access to the park and a fishing permit in the national parks.
  • Snowshoe hike  – Call the visitor center (see section Understand above) for recommended snowshoe trails.
  • Hiking
  • Cross-country skiing Logo indicating timetables January to March. – On Newman Fiord and Sandy Pond. Call one of the two ski clubs below for more information.
    • Nordic Ski Club Airport (Airport Nordic Ski Club) , Logo indicating a telephone number  1 709-651-3169
    • Clarenville Nordic Ski Club (Clarenville Nordic Ski Club) , Logo indicating a telephone number  1 709-466-1066

To buy

There is a small grocery store at the Newman Fjord Campground.

Eat

There's a restaurant, The Starfish Eatery, in the marine interpretation center. Snacks are also available at Sandy Pond in the park.

Have a drink / Go out

Housing

The only accommodation option directly in the park is camping. However, the surrounding localities, in particular Port Blanford, offer hotels, bed and breakfasts, cabins and other forms of accommodation.

Campsites

It is recommended to book your campsite in advance, especially for sites with electric service. Reservations for Terra-Nova National Park campgrounds are made through the Parks Canada reservation service online or by phone. For wild camping, you must obtain a permit. In addition to the rates for the campsite, you must pay the entrance fee to the park. The price for rudimentary camping with pits is 15,70 $ per night, for other rates, see the respective campground listings below.

  • Parks Canada Reservation Service Logo indicating a link to the website, Logo indicating a telephone number  1 877-737-3783 (free number) Logo indicating timetables 24h and 7 days a week in line ; 8 30 To 18 30, local park time, by phone. – Service operated by Parks Canada allowing advance reservation of a campsite in 27 parks nationals and national historic sites of Canada including Terra-Nova National Park (does not include wild camping). It is possible to book online or by phone.
  • Newman Fjord Campground (Newman Sound Campground) Logo indicating timetables May 18 to October 9, 2016. Logo indicating tariffs For 8 consecutive nights or more, price per night: 25 $ C fitted out with electricity, 20 $ C fitted out with electricity for annual pass holder and for shoulder season (after Labor Day until Thanksgiving), 21,7 $ C not fitted out with toilets and showers, 15,8 $ C unfinished with toilets and showers for annual pass holder and for shoulder season (after Labor Day until Thanksgiving); less than 8 consecutive nights, price per night: 29,4 $ C fitted out with electricity, 23,5 $ C fitted out with electricity for annual pass holder and for shoulder season (after Labor Day until Thanksgiving), 25,5 $ C not fitted out with toilets and showers, 18,6 $ C unfinished with toilets and showers for annual pass holder and for shoulder season (after Labor Day until Thanksgiving). – 400 sites with or without services located in a wooded environment. Also offers oTENTik tents offering a good bed and a camp already set up halfway between the tent and the rustic cabin. The site includes sanitary facilities for showering and doing laundry including hot water. It also includes a convenience store that offers essential items as well as a small selection of prepared food.
  • Malady Head Campsite (Malady Head Campground) Logo indicating timetables June 15 to September 17, 2016. Logo indicating tariffs For 8 consecutive nights or more, price per night: 18,3 $ C not fitted out with toilets only, 14,1 $ C not equipped with toilets only for annual pass holder; less than 8 consecutive nights, price per night: 21,5 $ C not fitted out with toilets only, 16,6 $ C not equipped with toilets only for annual pass holder; group camping for one night, price per person: 5,8 $ C with showers. – 60 sites without service with fire holes. Also offers oTENTik tents offering a good bed and a camp already set up halfway between the tent and the rustic cabin.
  • Wild camping , Logo indicating a telephone number  1 709-533-2942, e-mail :  – Sites without service in the park's backcountry. Registration is required and you must purchase a wilderness camping permit. It is only permitted to camp in the places provided for this purpose. There are natural springs close to all locations except South Broad Cove. It is recommended to boil water before consuming it. Campfires are only permitted at the Minchin Cove and South Broad Cove locations; wood is provided. Remember to return your camping permit to a staffed facility, otherwise you may be charged for your research expenses.

Respect

No matter what activity you do in the park, there is a golden rule to follow: do not leave any evidence of your passage except footprints.

Pet dogs are allowed in the park, but they must be on a leash. They are allowed on the beaches with the exception of the beach and the Sandy Pond Boardwalk. In winter, on cross-country ski trails, dogs should be kept on the ungroomed side.

Security

Be on the lookout for wildlife that may end up on the road, especially when driving at night or when visibility is poor. Keep campsites clean and tidy so as not to attract wildlife. No campfires or charcoal barbecue are permitted at Newman Fiord Campground.

Report fires or suspicious smoke to park staff or by calling 1 709-533-6090.

Around

  • 1 Eastport Peninsula  – Arm of land in the center of Bonavista Bay adjacent to Terra-Nova National Park comprising a few small communities.
  • 2 Bonavista Peninsula  – Large peninsula separating Bonavista and Trinity Bays recognized as the first place where explorer Jean Cabot made landfall in America in 1497.
  • 3 Avalon Peninsula  – PeninsulaEastern Newfoundland comprising 49% of the population of the province.
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Complete list of other articles in the region: Eastern Newfoundland