Don’t mistake southeastern Newfoundland’s Chance Cove Provincial Park with the province’s town of Chance Cove! These two coastal destinations, while both beautiful, will bring you two opposite sides of Newfoundland, with Chance Cove Provincial Park located almost as far southeast as one can travel.
Credit: NL Parks
A trip to the day-use-only park will offer a serene and peaceful coastal experience, as most are on the southern tip of the Avalon Peninsula. Today, Chance Cove Provincial Park is one of the best remote spots along Route 10, or the “Irish Loop,” for a seaside picnic; however, the waters around the shores of the Provincial Park are steeped in legend and history that is not so calm and peaceful.
Stories of Chance Cove
Southern Newfoundland’s Chance Cove was once a small settlement and received its name, so the legend goes, due to the mishap or bad luck of the ships which passed by the shores. There are reports of two significant shipwrecks taking place in Chance Cove in the 19th century. Stories allude to more shipwrecks, but there is no confirmation of these.
As you explore the cobblestone beach around Chance Cove, consider the days when 50-or-so people called the area home, and ships constantly passed by or docked at the shores. Not a lot has changed in the region since then, as the southern tip of the Avalon Peninsula remains rural and relatively remote. However, there are still several things to see, do, and experience after or during a trip to the beach.
Seaside Activities
While at the Chance Cove Provincial Park beach, there are some fantastic sights to take in: the bright green of the land surrounding the blue ocean waters and grey beaches create scenic contrasts in almost every direction. Plus, picnic amenities like tables and outhouses help to make the day more comfortable. Pack a picnic or multiple meals, watch the waters and the shores for wildlife and birds, and sit back for the incredible nighttime light show!
- Angling is permitted in most Newfoundland parks, including Chance Cove Provincial Park! Cast off from the shores and try your luck at ocean species like sea-run brown trout.
- Marine wildlife viewing may be a highlight of a trip to Chance Cove Provincial Park, depending on the time of year. These waters are home to ocean fish, seals, otters, and whales! Spring and fall are especially great times for birding around the park as the Barachois Pond is an important habitat for migrating shorebirds. You also may be able to spot larger wildlife, too, like foxes, bats, caribou, hares, red squirrels, mink, or moose.
- Stick around for the light show with evening or nighttime stargazing from Chance Cove Provincial Park, where there is little to no light pollution to obstruct your view of the starry sky.
A Chance Cove Picnic & Day Trip
Whether you head into Chance Cove Provincial Park from the west on Highway NL-10 or from the north, the scenic routes pass by communities that offer services and amenities to grab before a day of picnicking at Chance Cove. Once here, there is a short trail between the parking lot and cobblestone beach, which is lined with picnic tables.
- From north to south, Highway NL-10 connects Chance Cove Provincial Park with St. John’s. Along the drive, communities like Bay Bulls, Witless Bay, and Battery all have a handful of takeout options to help cater a Chance Cove picnic.
Discover Mistaken Point & More Local Sights
Travel north or southwest from Chance Cove Provincial Park to enjoy some beautiful and memorable coastal experiences.
- The far eastern start to the Trans Canada Trail is south of St. John’s and an even shorter distance north of Chance Cove Provincial Park. The trail leads north from Renew-Cappahayden and closely follows the shore until it moves westward in St. John’s.
- A visit to Mistaken Point on the far southern edges of the province offers chances to learn about history and nature with trail access to fossil sites.
- No matter where you stop along these coastal highways, there will be ample opportunities for more birding and wildlife viewing.
Planning your Trip – Chance Cove Provincial Park
What: Chance Cove Provincial Park is a day-use beach park on the southern side of the Avalon Peninsula. The park lends itself to interesting Newfoundland history and legends of shipwrecks off the coast. The park’s cove is created by a wide cobblestone beach that separates ocean waters from a barachois pond, also an important location for migratory birds.
Location and how to get there: east of Route 10 on a dirt road marked with a sign for Chance Cove Provincial Park; 110km south of St. John’s on Route 10. (Directions)
Best time to go: June-September
Cost: free
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