Teacher Resource Centre

Terra Nova National Park of Canada

Location
Terra Nova National Park is located on the eastern shore of Newfoundland about 222 km north of St. John's. Canada's 18th national park, here on the shore of Clode Sound in Bonavista Bay, was established in 1957. The park protects 397 km² of remote and rocky shorelines, and represents Canada's Eastern Newfoundland Island Atlantic Region. It is Canada's most easterly national park. A place where long fingers of the sea touch the sheltered landscape of a boreal forest. Terra Nova is part of the Boreal Shield Ecozone.

© Parks Canada

Climate
The region owes its temperate climate to the influence of the sea. The warm Gulf Stream flowing past this island province both delays and moderates winters, while cold air from the Labrador Current chills the spring and early summer months. This current brings icebergs from Greenland and the Polar Ice Cap past the coast in the spring.

Geology
Terra Nova protects a part of the ancient Appalachian mountains. These mountains, worn down to rounded peaks by repeated glaciations and continuous erosion, are part of a chain that runs all along the eastern coast of the continent. The shoreline is splintered with numerous arms, sounds, coves, inlets, sea caves, and rocky headlands.

Vegetation
The park's moderate climate effects the plantlife that can grow here. The rolling hills are covered with boreal forest species like balsam fir, black spruce, white birch and poplar. There are a number of wetlands in the park. These provide habitat for mosses, orchids, the insectivorous pitcher plant, bog laurel, Labrador tea, and rare species like curly grass fern. Unusual species include wild sarsaparilla, pink ladyslippers, and mountain ash.

Wildlife
The large bodies of water that separate Newfoundland from the mainland prevent many animals from inhabiting the island. There are no skunks, porcupines, or snakes. Species native to the island include black bears, otters, red fox, lynx, beaver, marten, and weasel. Some introduced species like moose, snowshoe hare, and ruffed grouse are now plentiful. Offshore there are humpbacked, fin, pothead, and pilot whales, as well as bay seals and Atlantic white-sided dolphins. Sea urchins, starfish, mussels, and rock crabs live along the rocky coast. In the Newman Sound area, one can find marine worms and clams. Here you may also see bald eagles, ospreys, ducks, and shorebirds. Over 63 species of birds nest in the park.

Activities
The park's watery nature provides opportunities for sailing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, scuba diving, and fishing. Visitors can enjoy picnics, golf, camping, scenic lookouts, or hiking on over 100 km of trails. The park also offers an intensive interpretive program in which visitors are invited to participate. The program includes campfires, guided walks, boat tours, and many special events.

For more information, contact:
The Superintendent
Terra Nova National Park
Glovertown, Newfoundland
A0G 2L0
Telephone: (709) 533-2801
Fax: (709) 533-2706
Website: www.pc.gc.ca/terranova