Paddling

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

  

  
  

  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

  

  
  

  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

  

  
  

  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 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