We had originally scheduled our stop at Terra Nova National Park as a mere pit stop on our way to Gros Morne National Park, however as soon as we arrived at the park we realized that we would already need to come back.
Terra Nova National Park is located in the North East Corner of Newfoundland, and is a park that has long inlets that stretch into the Bona Vista Bay. It’s a stunning park that offers visitors a variety of experiences including hiking, freshwater lakes, oceanside activities like kayaking, boat tours, and beach combing, beautiful campsites, and great programming.
Recommended Experiences:
Discovery Centre
As soon as you walk into the Visitors Centre you’ll be welcomed into the Discovery Centre, an amazing place. The parks interpreters quickly invited us to the touch pool where my kids could be kids and get up and close with the locals. They loved holding starfish, crabs, poking at anemones, and searching for the hermit crab.
The Discovery Centre opened up into a classroom filled with all sorts of resources and educational assets for the kids. I wish we could have attended one of their programs but unfortunately we were there a few days before they started.
Sandy Pond Beach
Sandy Pond beach is a freshwater lake that is lined with pristine sand, welcoming you to its beaches. The very shallow sloping water makes this beach perfect for young children and families. There are also walking trails around the edge of the lake and beautiful 360 degree scenery. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit, towel, sand toys, and sunscreen!
Coastline
A trip to Terra Nova wouldn’t be complete without taking the time to explore the coastline. I recommend guided tours when exploring a new region, and Terra Nova offers a variety. From kayaking to canoeing, or motorized boat tours, a guided tour provides you with a local host and expert on the region who will be sure to unlock a variety of hidden gems that would go otherwise unnoticed.
Go Iceberg Hunting
One of the highlights of our trip was our when we took a boat tour and headed out into the Bon Vista Bay looking for Icebergs. Check out this amazing 80 foot tall iceberg… and keep in mind that this is only 10% of the overall structure! Check out more photos and our full experience in this article.
Camp in an oTENTik
We love staying in an oTENTik and Terra Nova has a host of new oTENTiks for guests to stay in. They are a comfortable and affordable way to experience our national parks. The best part about Terra Nova’s oTENTiks? The brand new washrooms that accompany them… quartz counter tops, beautiful showers, nothing makes for a happier camper than nice washrooms to come home to!
Terra Nova National Park is a real gem and I can’t wait to go back and explore it more. I’d recommend spending a minimum of 2 days to really be able to explore the park and take advantage of all of the amazing experiences available.
Is this a sponsored post?: Yes, however my opinions and reviews are my own.
Read more about our East Coast Adventures here:
Cape Spear National Historic Site
Signal Hill National Historic Site
How to Explore St. John’s in One Day
Hunting for Icebergs in Newfoundland
Gros Morne National Park
All Aboard – Gros Morne Boat Tour! Music, Memories and More!
Butterflies, Bugs and Bees – Hands on Experiences at Newfoundland Insectarium
The Fortress of Louisbourg
Essential Louisbourg Experience – Beggar’s Banquet
Silver Dart Lodge
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
PEI National Park
Stepping Back to Simpler Times at Shaw’s Hotel
Learning the Lobster Trade with Top Notch Charters
What Brings You to PEI May Not Be What Keeps You There…
East Coast Road Trip Summary
