National park · Canada
Terra Nova National Park
Give Terra Nova one full day if you are driving the Trans-Canada Highway between Gander and St. John's: pay the entry fee, walk the Coastal Trail from Newman Sound, and drive the Blue Hill auto trail. Skip it if you only have a half day — the detour is not worth it.
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
399 km²154 sq mi
approximate
Established
1957
Best months
Jun–Aug
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
At a glance
- Country
- Canada
- Area
- 399 km²154 sq mi
- About 399 km² of land and water along Bonavista Bay (check).
- Established
- 1957
- Best months
- Jun–Aug
- Permits
- For some areas
Terra Nova is Canada's most easterly national park, a 399 km² strip of boreal forest, bogs and rocky inlets on Bonavista Bay, cut through by the Trans-Canada Highway. It was set aside in 1957 to protect the eastern Newfoundland boreal forest. Most visitors pass through on the drive between Gander and St. John's; the park rewards a full day with coastal walking, kayaking in sheltered Newman Sound and a chance of whales, eagles and icebergs from the water.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1957.
Size and age
399 km²154 sq mi · national park since 1957
About 399 km² of land and water along Bonavista Bay (check).
Why go
- A full day of coastal walking and sheltered paddling on the drive between Gander and St. John's.
- Newman Sound is calm enough for beginners to kayak, with bald eagles and sometimes whales and icebergs.
- The Blue Hill auto trail gives a short climb to a wide view over Bonavista Bay without a long hike.
- Boreal forest, bogs and inlets that most highway drivers never stop for.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarAvoid
- AprCaution
- MayGo
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepGo
- OctCaution
- NovAvoid
- DecAvoid
- JanDeep winter; most services closed, some trails shut
- FebCold and snowbound; highway can be icy
- MarStill winter; limited access
- AprThaw and mud; services still closed
- MayCampgrounds and visitor centre open mid-May; cool
- JunLong days, icebergs possible offshore, whales arriving
- JulWarmest month; whales and puffins; book camping
- AugWarm, busy, best water conditions
- SepQuieter, cooler; some services wind down late Sep
- OctServiced camping ends mid-Oct; some trails close Oct–Jan
- NovTrail closures; few services
- DecWinter; check road conditions
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humpback, minke and fin whales offshoreJun–Sep · Best from boats; sightings not guaranteed. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Icebergs offshoreMay–Jun · Depends on the year's ice; ask locally. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Bald eagles and ospreysMay–Sep | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Moose and black bearMay–Oct · Watch for moose on Highway 1 at dawn and dusk. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Puffins and seabirdsJun–Aug | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
How to get there
From Gander
Drive Highway 1 southeast to the western gate; about 60 km.Drive Highway 1 southeast to the western gate; about 37 mi.
45 min
From St. John's
Drive Highway 1 northwest to the eastern gate; about 250 km.Drive Highway 1 northwest to the eastern gate; about 155 mi.
3 h
From Gander International Airport
Pick up a car and drive Highway 1 east; the park is about 67 km away.Pick up a car and drive Highway 1 east; the park is about 42 mi away.
50 min
From St. John's International Airport
Drive Highway 1 west; the park is about 220 km away.Drive Highway 1 west; the park is about 137 mi away.
2.5–3 h
From By bus
Intercity bus services on the island stop near the eastern and western gates; check the current timetable.
varies
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Newman Sound | The main visitor area: campground, visitor centre, estuary and sheltered water for kayaking. | Open with entry fee; campground booked in advance. |
| Blue Hill and the inland | Rolling forested hills, bogs and the short auto trail to a viewpoint over Bonavista Bay. | Open; drive and short walk. |
| Coastal fingers and inlets | Rocky headlands, coves and the Coastal Trail between Newman Sound and Headquarters Wharf. | Open on foot; some sections close October–January. |
| Marine zone | Bonavista Bay waters used by whales, seals and seabirds; boat access from Newman Sound. | Open; own boat or a guided tour. |
Sketch map
- 1Visitor Information Marine Centre, Salton's Brook · Headquarters≈48.578, -53.949Map ↗
- 2Newman Sound Campground · Sleep≈48.551, -53.975Map ↗
- 3Newman Sound Estuary · Beach≈48.587, -53.841Map ↗
- 4Malady Head Campground · Sleep≈48.649, -53.916Map ↗
- 5Blue Hill viewpoint · Viewpoint≈48.600, -53.900Approximate; reached by the auto trail.Map ↗
- 6Western gate on Highway 1 · Gate≈48.400, -54.200Approximate.Map ↗
- 7Eastern gate on Highway 1 · Gate≈48.650, -53.850Approximate.Map ↗
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry, adult | CAD 6–7 | person | 2026 estimate; Parks Canada entry is per day (check current rate). |
| Entry, family/group | CAD 13–15 | group | 2026 estimate; covers up to seven people in one vehicle (check). |
| Discovery Pass (annual, all Parks Canada sites) | CAD 75–80 | adult | 2026 estimate; worth it only if you visit several parks. |
| Newman Sound campsite, unserviced | CAD 26.5–28.5 | night | 2026 estimate; serviced sites cost more. |
| Malady Head campsite, unserviced | CAD 24 | night | 2026 estimate. |
| oTENTik (platform tent) | CAD 100–111 | night | 2026 estimate; sleeps up to six. |
| Backcountry campsite | CAD 17.5 | night | 2026 estimate. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Camping reservation permit or guide
Park rules
- Stay on marked trails
- Bogs and wet ground are fragile and easy to sink into; some trails close October–January.
- Food storage
- Keep food in your vehicle or a locker; black bears and coyotes visit campgrounds.
- Fires
- Use firepits only; check for fire bans before lighting anything.
- Drones
- Not allowed without a permit from Parks Canada (check).check
- Marine wildlife
- Keep your distance from whales and seals; do not chase them by boat or kayak.
Where to stay
In the park
Newman Sound Campground
The main campground, with serviced and unserviced wooded sites; book ahead in summer.
In the park
Malady Head Campground
Smaller unserviced campground with firepits, near the northern part of the park.
In the park
oTENTik platform tents
Ready-made tents with beds for up to six; a step up from a tent but still in the park.
Near the park
Motels and cabins near the park
Rooms in Port Blandford, Charlottetown and Glovertown, just outside the boundary.
Safety
Moose on the highway high
Cold water and weather changes medium
Rough coastal ground medium
Bears and coyotes low
Accessibility
- The visitor centre, campground areas and the Blue Hill viewpoint drive are reachable by car with short, mostly level walks.
- The Coastal Trail is rough and rocky in sections; not suitable for wheelchairs or limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Pack out all rubbish; there are few bins away from the main areas.
- Keep to marked trails to protect bogs and rare plants.
- Choose a boat operator that keeps a respectful distance from whales and seals.
- Buy supplies in Glovertown or Gander so nearby communities benefit from your visit.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Terra Nova National Park?
Entry is charged per person per day, roughly CAD 6–7 for an adult and CAD 13–15 for a family or group in a vehicle (2026 estimate). A Parks Canada Discovery Pass covers entry to Terra Nova and other Parks Canada sites for a year. Camping is extra.
What are the best hikes in Terra Nova National Park?
The Coastal Trail from Newman Sound to Headquarters Wharf is the classic walk, 2–4 hours one way over rocky shore. The Blue Hill auto trail is a short, easy climb to a lookout over Bonavista Bay. Some trails close between October and January.
When is the best time to visit Terra Nova National Park?
June to August: long days, whales offshore, icebergs possible in early summer and all services open. Serviced camping runs mid-May to mid-October. September is quieter but cooler, and many facilities shut after mid-October.
Can I visit Terra Nova without a car?
It is hard. The park sits on Highway 1 and intercity buses stop near the gates, but the visitor centre, campgrounds and trailheads are spread out. A car, or a booked tour, is the practical option.
Do I need a reservation for camping?
Yes in July and August. Newman Sound and Malady Head fill up; book serviced sites through Parks Canada in advance. oTENTik platform tents also need booking.
Is Terra Nova worth stopping for if I am driving to St. John's?
With a full day, yes: the Coastal Trail, a kayak on Newman Sound and the Blue Hill lookout make a good break in the drive. With only an hour or two, treat it as a leg-stretch and keep going.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go