Paddling

Terra Nova National Park

Over 200 km of rugged coastline and numerous rivers, lakes, and ponds beckon water enthusiasts to Terra Nova National Park. Travel far on multi-day trips, or experience the tranquility of shorter, calmer routes by canoe or kayak. Head out on the water for a few hours or pack a lunch and make a full day of it. You can even spend the night at one of our backcountry campsites, sleeping under the stars to the rhythm of the waves.

Take a look at the recommended routes below and start planning your adventure. Park admission required.

Self-guided

  • Sandy Pond
    two individuals paddling a canoe on a pond around a forested point of land

    This shallow pond is the perfect place for a family paddle, or as a starting point for a bigger adventure to Beachy Pond or Dunphy’s Pond.


    Name Distance (return trip) Time Canoe or kayak? Description Where to start
    Sandy Pond 2 km
    (around the pond)
    1 hour Great for gentle canoeing! Freshwater Sandy Pond beach
    Sandy Pond to Beachy Pond 6 km
    (with 400 m portage)
    2 hours Canoe Freshwater Sandy Pond beach
    Sandy Pond to Dunphy's Pond
    **extension of Sandy Pond to Beachy Pond
    20 km
    (with 400 m portage)
    8-10 hours Canoe Freshwater Sandy Pond beach

    Backcountry camping available at Beachy Pond and Dunphy’s Island, and Dunphy’s Pond. Reservations required.

  • Inner Newman Sound
    Two individuals in silhouette kayaking at sunset

    Explore where the ocean meets the forest along one of the fingers of the sea – a special feature of Terra Nova National Park.


    Name Distance (return trip) Time Canoe or kayak? Description Where to start
    Inner Newman Sound 12 km
    (around the Sound)
    5 hrs Kayak - Saltwater
    - Tides can be low
    - Visitor Centre
    - Newman Sound Day-use Area beach

    For kayak rentals, contact our friends at Happy Adventure Tours

  • Outer Newman Sound
    A kayaker paddling away from the camera with a brightly-coloured life jacket and paddles

    Discover the rugged coastline of the Bonavista Bay area. Paddle below the stunning cliff-edge of Mount Stamford and step back in time with a visit to Minchin’s Cove and South Broad Cove, both of which were sites of historic logging communities.


    Name Distance (return trip) Time Canoe or kayak? Description Where to start
    Outer Newman Sound 19 km
    (return from South Broad Cove)
    7.5 hrs Kayak - For experienced paddlers
    - Saltwater
    Visitor Centre

    Backcountry camping available at Minchin’s Cove and South Broad Cove. Reservations required.

    For kayak rentals, contact our friends at Happy Adventure Tours

  • Southwest Arm
    A light blue canoe on a beach next to a calm, hill-side body of water

    A saltwater paddle with a freshwater feel! Travel beneath Malady Head into the tranquil waters of Southwest Arm.


    Name Distance (return trip) Time Canoe or kayak? Description Where to start
    Southwest Arm 11 km
    (around the Arm)
    5 hrs - Canoe
    - Kayak
    Saltwater - Eastport Causeway boat launch
    - Southwest Arm backcountry camping area

    Backcountry camping available at Southwest Arm. Reservations required.

Guided

Launch from the Visitor Centre on a guided adventure.

Our friends at Happy Adventure Tours offer kayak rentals and exciting marine experiences in and around Newman Sound. To learn more about their offers, visit their website or their kiosk at the Visitor Centre.

Map of paddling locations

map of Terra Nova National Park outlining paddling routes

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