St. John's 
Western Newfoundland blends dramatic coastlines, forested mountains, and serene lakes, offering unforgettable scenery and outdoor adventure, especially at the stunning Barachois Pond Provincial Park.
Credit: Newfoundland & Labrador Parks
The west coast of Newfoundland has some stunning scenery. Along the rocky shorelines are towering cliffs, low rolling mountains, the Gulf of St. Lawrence waters, lighthouses, sandy beaches, and deep river valleys. Some of western Newfoundland’s best views, scenery, and natural experiences can also be enjoyed inland, as the low-lying coast becomes the Western Newfoundland Forest (or St. George’s subregion) and Long Range Mountains.
These mountainous and forested parts of the province are also dotted with lakes, both large and small, and the surrounding scenery makes these lakes all the more beautiful. A spring, summer, or fall visit to the region’s Barachois Pond Provincial Park will bring your trip right out onto one of those lakes near the base of a small mountain.
The seasonal park has a lot to offer, such as a day or weekend getaway in between all the photography and sightseeing and here’s how to make the most of your Barachois Pond getaway:
More about Barachois Pond Provincial Park
As mentioned above, Barachois Pond Provincial Park is right on the water. More specifically, the parklands cover a peninsula that is part of the Barachois Pond shoreline. While the idea of it lying on a peninsula may make it sound like a small park, Barachois Pond Provincial Park is one of the largest in western Newfoundland.
One of the park’s defining characteristics, on top of Barachois Pond, is the dense vegetation and forest area around the pond. The trails are lined with ferns and moss while being shaded by tall and mature balsam firs. The vegetation and bogs around the area make the moose a regular visitor to the park.
Fun on Barachois Pond
As the Provincial Park’s major natural feature, the Barachois Pond is also a source of warm-weather activities and recreation.
- Fishing from Barachois Pond is permitted in the Provincial Park with chances to catch salmon, sea trout, or brook trout, depending on the month.
- This park offers two beautiful beaches for swimming, sunbathing and relaxation, picnics, or all of the above. The beaches are on either side of the Peninsula, offering a beach within walking distance of all campsites.
- The 9 km-long shoreline of Barachois Pond is best explored while meandering along the water in a canoe or a kayak. Powerboating, with speed restrictions, is also allowed on the pond.
Hiking, Biking, & Wildlife Viewing
The hiking trails at Barachois Pond Provincial Park surround Erin Mountain. The first Ering Mountain Lookout trail is 3.2km out-and-back, with views over Barachois Pond. Add more of a challenge to the day with a hike to the Erin Mountain summit at 7km out-and-back. The views from the top of Erin Mountain will be worth every step of the climb, as it includes the Bay of St. George, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the Long Range Mountains.
- The campground roads create another 4km to see and explore and are open to cyclists.
- Along these trails are exceptional birding and wildlife viewing or photography opportunities. Watch for moose, caribou, foxes, chipmunks, or otters by the river.
- Over 100 birds call the pond and park home, with several types to see and hear over the spring, summer, or fall. Visit more closely with some of the birds by attending one of the banding programs that take place every ten days from June to August.
Front and Backcountry Camping
Barachois Pond Provincial Park is home to 150 front-country campsites for tents, trailers, or RVs. Among those sites are several that are set against the water to offer canoes or kayakers direct lake access from their campsite. Every campground is equipped with a picnic table and fire pit, while all campers have access to a comfort station with showers and washrooms. Access to the backcountry camping area involves a hike partway up Erin Mountain. The sites sit between two small ponds with picnic tables and outhouses.
A cozy spot next to the campground, on the beaches, or on the shorelines makes for perfect stargazing. Barachois Provincial Park is virtually untouched by light pollution, so the clear nights here have a lot to offer.
Stephenville for Sightseeing, Services, & More
It is a scenic 20-30km drive between Stephenville and Barachois Pond Provincial Park. This helps make the coastal community an option for hotel or lodge rooms for those who don’t like to camp or who may want to see beyond the park during a camping trip!
- There are a handful of hotel and motel options along Main Street in Stephenville, with a mix of locally owned spots and chain hotels. The area between Stephenville and the park is also filled with many private rental options.
- That same Main Street is also a good place to find the local restaurants and eateries, whether for a sit-down meal, road trip snacks, or a picnic at Barachois Pond.
- Tour the area’s attractions like the Stephenville Theatre Festival (July-August), the Regional Museum of Art & History, or the summer car and antique shows.
Planning your Trip – Barachois Pond Provincial Park
What: The Barachois Pond, which is more of a lake, is near the west coast of Newfoundland and Stephenville, but is set inland within the low mountains. The park sits on a large peninsula of Barachois Pond, with a campground taking up most of the peninsula. The pond sits at the base of Erin Mountain, where the park’s backcountry campground is located.
Location and how to get there: 30km east of Stephenville via NL-490S, and the Trans Canada Highway
Barachois Pond Provincial Park is located approximately 750 km from St. John’s.
Best time to go: May-October
Cost: day use $10 per vehicle/group; camping $20.15-$30.90 per night
For more information:
Barachois Pond Provincial Park
