From May 16 to June 19, 2025, the Visitor Centre is open Thursday to Monday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. From June 20 to September 1, 2025, it’s open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
At Terra Nova National Park, the daily entrance fees are $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for seniors, and free for youth under 18. A family/group rate is $13.50. Annual passes are available, or you can purchase a Parks Canada Discovery Pass for $75.25 per adult, $64.50 per senior, or $151.25 for a family/group, which grants access to over 80 Parks Canada sites for a year.
By Car: Via Trans-Canada Hwy (Route 1), then Route 330 or 310 (west access) or Route 1 to Clarenville then Route 310 (east access). By Air: Fly into St. John’s International Airport (YYT), then 3-hr drive. Boating: Dock at Newman Sound marina.
Terra Nova National Park has ample parking for cars, RVs, and motorcycles. Both campgrounds, Malady Head and Newman Sound, offer parking for RVs of various sizes. Parking is available near facilities and trailheads. Overnight parking is permitted for campers, but there are no public transport options. Parking fees are included in daily visitor fees.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Terra Nova National Park on Newfoundland’s eastern coast blends rugged cliffs, serene forests, and oceanfront beauty. Hike Ochre Hill Trail for panoramic views, paddle Newman Sound to spot seals and bald eagles, or stroll the Sandy Pond Trail’s boardwalk and swimming area. The Coastal Trail offers dramatic shorelines and whale-watching opportunities. Camp at Malady Head or explore Eastport Peninsula’s heritage sites. This coastal gem is perfect for hikers, kayakers, and families seeking wilderness adventures. Book your coastal escape today on Lake.com!
- Area (km²)
- 247.84
- Annual visitors
- 34 000
- Established year
- 1957
Top 3 Facts about Terra Nova National Park
This park features over 80 kilometers of trails, offering nearly 2 kilometers of hiking trail for every kilometer of the Trans-Canada Highway that passes through it. The trails range from easy afternoon strolls to challenging multi-day backcountry camping adventures.
The park welcomes around 100,000 visitors annually, a growing figure as its beauty is discovered.
Over 200 campsites—from serviced to backcountry—allow immersive wilderness stays with modern conveniences.
Family programs
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Ranger-led Tours
- Night Sky & Astronomy
- Water-based Adventures
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Research trails, facilities, and seasonal closures on Parks Canada; reserve campsites early.
Pack Appropriately
Bring sturdy footwear, layered clothing, rain gear, water, snacks, insect repellent, and marine safety equipment.
Respect Wildlife
Observe wildlife from a distance, never feed animals, and respect marine and terrestrial habitats.
Stay Informed
Check Parks Canada website or visitor centre for alerts, trail/road conditions, and wildlife advisories.
Seasons
April – June: spring bloom, cascading streams, migratory birds, and mild hiking conditions.
June – August: warm days, long light hours, ideal for hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and beach activities.
September – October: crisp air, autumn foliage, salmon runs, fewer crowds; perfect for scenic hiking and photography.
December – March: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and quiet winter landscapes; some roads may close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Terra Nova National Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The closest major city to Terra Nova National Park is Gander, which is about 60 kilometres northwest of the park. Gander also has an airport, making it a convenient option for travelers. The park is also approximately 250 kilometres northwest of St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador.
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The easiest hiking trail is the Salmon River Walking Trail, which is 435 metres long and takes about nine minutes to complete. Another easy option is the Mill Cove Lookout trail, a 1-mile out-and-back hike with a short climb to a barren rock for great views. The Terra Nova Coastal Trail is also easy, meandering along the coast with minimal elevation changes.
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Dogs are allowed on the trails but must be kept on a leash. They can accompany you on over 80 km of trails, ranging from easy walks to multi-day hikes. However, dogs can stress wildlife, so it’s important to respect trail guidelines.
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You can camp overnight in your RV, including camper vans, motorhomes, and trailers, at the Newman Sound campground, which offers various sites with electricity, water, and sewer hook-ups. The campground is open from May 17 to October 13. There are no specific size restrictions mentioned, but each site can have a maximum of one wheeled camping unit and one regular vehicle.
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You can go camping, hiking on trails like the Coastal Trail and Ochre Hill hike, and enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, and sea kayaking on Newman Sound. Guided walks with interpreters are available to spot wildlife and taste edible plants. Other activities include bird watching, stargazing, swimming, and visiting the Canadian Wildlife Bird Sanctuary to see bald eagles and ospreys.