Terra Nova National Park

Welcome to Terra Nova National Park, an extraordinary place where spectacular rocky headlands provide shelter from the unforgiving ravages of the Atlantic Ocean. Created in nineteen fifty-seven, Terra Nova stands proudly as…

Looking inland, one is immediately struck by the vast, unbroken canopy. Over eighty percent of Terra Nova is heavily forested, making it the major foundation of the park's ecosystems. …

Historically, Parks Canada's methodology was to suppress forest fires as quickly as possible. However, this well-intentioned policy proved disastrous for the Black Spruce. …

While fire helps the spruce, the other dominant tree—the Balsam Fir—faces a completely different and voracious enemy. Introduced to Newfoundland a little over a century ago, the moose population has exploded due to a lack of…

To visibly demonstrate the devastating impact of the moose, park scientists constructed massive fenced areas known as moose exclosures. Stepping inside one of these protected zones is like stepping back in time to a healthy,…

Leaving the dense forest, we ascend to the top of Ochre Hill, the site of the historic fire tower. From this elevated vantage point, the true scale of Terra Nova reveals itself. …

Finally, we descend to the rugged coastline, where the boreal forest violently meets the sea. The park features a coastal trail leading to Pissamemir Falls, winding through a sanctuary where one can easily spot majestic eagles…

Our scholarly transit through Terra Nova National Park brings a sobering but hopeful realization. For over fifty years, this park has invited the world to experience its rugged coastline and spectacular natural wonders. …