Terra Nova Takes Us to New Heights in Newfoundland

Bro eyeing up the Ochre Hill Tower

From the Baie Verte Peninsula we moved one peninsula over to the Bona Vista Peninsula. The Bona Vista Peninsula is home to the parks and trails of the Terra Nova National Park, the historic site of John Chabot, the arches and cliffs of the Dungeon Provincial Park, the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse, the Historic District of Trinity and the union town of Port Union. The sites ranged all over the map – there was a full plate of history, hiking and sightseeing highlights.

The plan was to set up camp at the base of the Bona Vista Peninsula so we could capitalize on the central location and the quick access to our adventure destinations. Saving the best for last… well, that sometimes does not go very far with us brothers. In the case of the Terra Nova National Park there was no waiting involved… notta! The next day I was out the door by 6 AM… all packed up and on the road eager to get in and prowl the trails and parks. Pitter patter lets get at ‘er!

The Terra Nova Park has something for all ages and abilities. This is good. For the avid hiker there are some challenging backpacking trails leading deep into the backcountry grind. Some trails lead to mountain tops, remote lakes and follow rugged coastlines. Nights are spent under the light of the stars and moon tenting in nature’s wilderness campsites.

For the casual hiker and walker there are easy-going day hikes exploring along boardwalks and gravel paths… and… get this, there are gravel roads to drive leading to viewpoints overlooking the entire park. How is that for “cherry on the sundae” stuff. Pretty good right. Not only is this good but it gets better because many are very easy to access so all can appreciate Mother Nature.

Near the Visitor Centre in the park there are two trails which caught my eye because they follow the shoreline of Newman Sound in Bona Vista Bay. The Coastline Trail (9 km) explores south of the Visitor Centre and the Buckley Cove Trail (10 km) explores north. Both trails are considered not easy but not challenging either so somewhere in the middle.

They are both level walking trails with some steep sections. They both have periods of boardwalk. They both follow the coastline so you can expect to see exposed tree roots, mud puddles, foot bridges, ocean glimpses and windy conditions.

Views of Bay from Visitor Centre

The Buckley Cove Trail follows the coastline for about half way providing peek-a-boo ocean views and some beach access. The trail does eventually dip into the forest, now and then, before connecting to a private cove. At times, the cove is all yours to enjoy as others have come and gone. The trail is mostly single track trail… conditions can get slippery with so many exposed tree roots and boulders on this route.

The Coastal Trail follows the coastline under about the same conditions as the Buckley Cove Trail except that the Coastal Trail follows the coastline most of the way providing more views with some beach access before connecting to a parks wharf, waterfall and a campground. The waterfall is a nice addition to the trail. It is tucked away hiding in the backyard forest near the park wharf.

For the casual walkers who enjoy a day outdoors there are some trails and beaches also. At the Visitor Centre, on the far side of the long suspension bridge there is a short 1 kilometre interpretive trail which is wide, level and well maintained called the Heritage Trail. I believe there is also an audio headset you can rent from the park office on this one. Have to confirm that though?

The Sandy Pond Trail is another gem for all ages. The boardwalk and gravel paths loop around the lake. They are wide and level. It is an easy going route, often packing a great view. And it is only 3 kilometres long with much of it in shade. What is even better is that there is an easy access sandy beach too for swimming, suntanning, kayaking and for reading a good book under the sun.

Falls on Coastal Trail

Most trails in the park are mid sized trails ranging from 5-10 kilometres. Some are day hikes only and some lead to wilderness campsites for people who wish to spend the night outdoors. It is important to prepare well for all weather conditions as temperatures change on a dime on all three coastlines of our country.

Some of the longer day hikes include the Malady Trail (5 km), Blue Hill Pond Trail (7 km), Ochre Hill Trail (8 km), Platters Beach Trail (10 km) and Dunphy’s Pond Trail (10 km). The challenging backpacking trail in the park is the infamous Outport Trail (45 km).

The Outport Trail is THE challenging trail in the park. It has been made even more challenging since the onslaught of Hurricane Igor last year. The backpacking route follows the southern coast of Newman Sound visiting and teasing with the the peak of Mount Stamford before dropping into the remote coves of Minchin Cove, South Broad Cove and the Lions Den.

Views from the Ochre Tower

For those who like heights there is a fire watch tower (at least we think it is) at the end of the gravel road leading to the Ochre Trailhead. The trail is an excellent route for exploring low lying brush, stunted trees and boulders while exploring a lake and creek. 

The metal tower at the end of the gravel road, pass the trailhead, steals the show when it comes to nerves. It is thin and tall painted like a barber pole with an “egg shell” capsule balanced on the top . It must be close to 80 feet in the air.

The tower provides the best – easy access – views of the Terra Nova National Park. You can see everything in every direction on a beautiful day. There are views of connecting lakes, rivers, mountains, ocean, hills, forests and even the Trans Canada Highway.

If you got the nerve then the climb is worth the view.  However…  we found out the hard way that the the top lookout capsule is locked – makes sense for safety concerns but still a drag –  is locked so access to the “eggshell capsule is denied… but… still you can get pretty close to the top.

PS… just a quick thought you should know… on windy days the tower leans back and forth just for that extra scare factor.