Terra Nova National Park is in Eastern Newfoundland. It joined Canada's National Parks system in 1957. It is Canada's most easterly national park. Terra Nova is an excellent way to experience the nature, discovery and adventure of eastern Newfoundland. It is a place where sheltered Atlantic fjords stretch inland to touch the boreal landscape.
The Terra Nova region is rich in natural resources, such as fish and sea mammals. These resources have attracted people to the Terra Nova area for at least 5,000 years. Prehistoric peoples and European settlers depended on the rich resources of the sea and land, as do many people in the region today.
Terra Nova National Park covers an area of 399 km² (154 sq mi), which is a bit smaller than the island Montreal.
Terra Nova National Park is on the east coast of Newfoundland along several inlets of Bonavista Bay. The park takes its name from the Latin name for Newfoundland; it is also the original Portuguese name given to the region.
Terra Nova National Park was established in 1957 to protect the Eastern Island Boreal Forest natural region. This region covers most of the island of Newfoundland, east of Deer Lake.
Organized activities and serviced campsites are only available mid-May to mid-October. Some trails are closed between October and January. Contact the park office +1 709-533-2801 or email: info.tnnp@pc.gc.ca
The first European settlers in Canada landed at Alexander Bay; what is now the coast of Terra Nova National Park.
Terra Nova's landscape is typical of the northeast coast of Newfoundland, but with remnants of the Appalachian Mountains contributing to widely varied and rugged topography throughout the region. The park's seacoast consists of several rocky "fingers" jutting into Bonavista Bay along an area stretching from just north of Port Blandford to the vicinity of Glovertown. The coastline varies from cliffs and exposed headlands to sheltered inlets and coves, contributing to Newfoundland's prime recreational boating area.
Inland areas consist of rolling forested hills, exposed rock faces, and bogs, ponds and wetlands. Wildlife protected by the park range from small to large land mammals, migratory birds, and various marine life. Terra Nova also protects an area containing remnants of the Beothuk Nation, as well as many of the early pioneer European settlements in the region.
Animals that inhabit this national park are coyotes, black bears, moose, caribou, black ducks, red foxes, beavers, bald eagles, red squirrels, river otters, lynxes, puffins, snowshoe hares, ospreys, pine martens, and minks. Marine animals that inhabit offshore are humpback whales, minke whales, fin whales, pilot whales, harp seals, orcas and dolphins.
It is characterized by black spruce trees with pockets of balsam fir, white pine, mountain ash, tamarack, maple and other deciduous tree species.
- Daily fees: Adults $5.80, seniors $4.90, children under 18 free, families $11.75.
- Annual passes (purchased between May 1 and June 30): Adults $29.40, seniors $24.50, children under 18 free, families $58.90. Annual passholders may camp at shoulder season rates throughout the entire camping season.
- Fishing permits: Daily $9.80, annual $34.30.
- Newman Sound Estuary.
- Bonavista Bay.
Newman Sound Estuary.
Bonavista Bay.
- Newman Sound Amphitheatre. Number of shows
- Visitors Centre and Marine Interpretation Centre. interpretive video and interactive exhibits
- Coastal Trail. from Newman Sound to Headquarters Wharf
- Kayak Newman Sound. Sheltered waters in the sound make for good kayaking.
- Coastal Connections, +1 709-533-2196. Offers boat tours with a chance of seeing bald eagles, whales, and icebergs.
- Twin Rivers Golf Course.
Newman Sound Amphitheatre. Number of shows
Visitors Centre and Marine Interpretation Centre. interpretive video and interactive exhibits
Coastal Trail. from Newman Sound to Headquarters Wharf
Kayak Newman Sound. Sheltered waters in the sound make for good kayaking.
Coastal Connections, +1 709-533-2196. Offers boat tours with a chance of seeing bald eagles, whales, and icebergs.
Twin Rivers Golf Course.
- Heritage Foundation Gift Shop, +1 709 533-3142. 10AM-5PM.
Heritage Foundation Gift Shop, +1 709 533-3142. 10AM-5PM.
- Sandy Pond. Snacks available in the park.
- Mary Brown's, +1 709-533-2541. Chicken chain restaurant
Sandy Pond. Snacks available in the park.
Mary Brown's, +1 709-533-2541. Chicken chain restaurant
- Eastport Peninsula and Avalon Peninsula
- Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the west coast of Newfoundland.