Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guide for a self-guided tour of Terra Nova National Park in Newfoundland - Newfoundland Purple Travel Guide
Terra Nova National Park is Canada’s most easterly national park. We provide detailed information and a self-guided tour with the best things to see and we show lots of photos so you know what you can expect.
It has 12 maintained trails that are more than 50 miles (80 km) long.
We liked the Ochre Hill trail and the Heritage trail.
Table of contents
Ochre Hill trail
Ochre Hill trail is a moderately difficult trail that consists of two parts. The first part is a 1-mile (1.5 km) loop around Ochre Hill Pond. This trail is easy with a couple of moderately difficult areas. You will pass bogs, ponds, and mature forest habitats.
Branching off almost at the half-way point is a moderately difficult trail extension that is 2.2 miles (3.5 km) back and forth. It ends at a lookout of beautiful Bread Cove and Clode Sound.
Parts of the trail were severely damaged by Hurricane Igor in 2010 and you can see lots of downed trees and how nature is reclaiming this habitat.
The trail begins near Ochre Hill Viewpoint tower (map), which is not part of the trail, but our recommendation is to go there first and hike up. The upper observation lounge is closed, but you can walk to the deck below for fantastic 360-degree views of Terra Nova National Park.
The trail begins near Ochre Hill Viewpoint tower, which is not part of the trail, but our recommendation is to go there first and hike up. The upper observation lounge is closed, but you can walk to the deck below for fantastic 360-degree views of Terra Nova National Park.
Heritage Trail
The Heritage Trail begins at the foot bridge near the Terra Nova National Park Visitor Center. It is an easy stroller-friendly 0.3-mile (0.5 km) loop. The trail goes by a kid’s playground.
When you are on the bridge, take a close look at the river below you. We saw quite a few jellyfish and some small fish.
If you are planning to do the 2-week self-guided tour, then you continue on to the Fortune area, which is a 3 h drive. Continue reading here.
If you are planning to do the 3-week self-guided tour, then you continue on to Rocky Harbour, which is a 5 h drive.
Rocky Harbour (in the past it was called Small Bay or Little Harbour) is located on the western edge of Newfoundland. It is the gateway to Gros Morne National Park where you will spend the next two days.
Where to stay in Rocky Harbour
Rocky Harbour has a population of about 940 people. It is the gateway to Gros Morne National Park and has some hotels and Airbnbs, which may quickly fill up in summer, so make sure to reserve your accommodation in advance.
This concludes your tour for today.
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