St. John's 
Get out this summer and enjoy the fresh, crisp, clean air of Newfoundland’s small slices of boreal forest. Notre Dame Provincial Park, conveniently located on the Trans-Canada Highway, is about halfway between Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor in central Newfoundland, where freshwater ponds dot the gentle, green hills.
Credit: NL Parks
Notre Dame’s own freshwater pond, Junction Pond, is a beautiful place for tons of seasonal recreation, as well as a quiet escape nestled in the trees.
Here are all the activities at Notre Dame Provincial Park, so that you can make the best of your trip to the park:
A Park at the Heart of it All
The central location of Notre Dame Provincial Park between two urban centres, and in the province in general, makes it an ideal day trip spot for several Newfoundlanders. It is around 50km from both Grand Falls-Windsor and Gander, 100km south of the tourism hub of Twillingate, and 300km from Cornerbrook. Plus, this Provincial Park is on the south side of the Trans Canada Highway to make it easy to find for anyone, including those from outside of the province
Being at the heart of the province and boreal forest of central Newfoundland, Notre Dame Provincial Park features all of the defining nature of the region. This includes the deep greens of the spruce and fir trees, an expansive pond that’s perfect for a dip, and gentle nature trails.
Summer Fun on Junction Pond
Notre Dame Provincial Park’s Junction Pond is the activity centre of the entire park. Here, there are multiple activities to enjoy through all sorts of spring, summer, or fall weather.
- Motorized boats are not permitted on Junction Pond. So when the other boats, like canoes, kayaks, inflatables, or paddleboards are out on the water, expect a calm and peaceful paddle setting. The pond has many narrow areas or small coves that make exploring on paddleboats an adventure with something to uncover around every bend. These quieter areas of Junction Pond may also be busy with beavers.
- Take to the sandy beach area for a day of swimming, sunbathing, lazy floating, or a waterfront picnic. Or, have fun with all of the above at Junction Pond beach.
- Fishing for the pond’s trout is also allowed from the shores or your boat.
Picnic by the Pond
Junction Pond’s shoreline and the day use area are perfect for a quick stop and snack by the water, a sunset picnic on the west-facing beach, or an entire day. Even campers can take a break from their site to enjoy a meal or outing at the Notre Dame day use area.
- Some of the facilities that make picnics easier to plan are the tables scattered around the meadow and beach, water taps, and washrooms. Plus, there are a wide array of activities, whether it be nature walks on cooler days, swimming on hotter days, watching for birds and wildlife, or paddling the pond.
- Kids can take advantage of two playgrounds within the park with one in the middle of the day use area.
- Whether you arrive from the east, west, or north, each of the three highways that lead to Notre Dame have sets of local takeout options that are perfect for catering the picnic.
Birds, Wildlife, & Nature Photography at Notre Dame
The Notre Dame Provincial Park boreal forest is teeming with a diverse range of wildlife! This includes over 100 species of birds, plus many other larger animals. The diversity of wildlife comes from the range of ecosystems that thrive in the trees, ground, and waters of the surrounding boreal forest.
- Watch or listen for those larger birds or birds of prey like the great horned owl, sharp-shinned hawk, or osprey. Other common birds of Notre Dame include gray jays, northern flicker, pine siskin, fox sparrow, white-winged crossbill, grouse, warblers, and chickadees!
- But that’s not all for birds; the park is home to various waterfowl like Green-winged Teal, geese, and Ring-necked or American Black Duck.
- Explore earlier in the morning or around dusk to get better chances at seeing other residents of Notre Dame Provincial Park like hares, foxes, beavers, or moose.
- Nature photographers, whether hobbyists or professionals, will revel in the colourful photo opportunities around the campground, Junction Pond and the beach, and this part of the Trans Canada in general. Along with the dense and varied boreal forest trees, this area is dense with lower growth plants along the forest floor. This includes a huge array of wildflowers!
Hiking Trails near Notre Dame Provincial Park
A stroll or bike ride around Notre Dame’s park and campground roads is about 4km of trail to explore. And nearby, along the Trans Canada Highway, are more opportunities for sightseeing on foot.
- The Eel Brook Nature Trail (gorgeous for a fall hike) has three main lookout areas along the simple 2.1km route. These look out over the Eel Brook, its waterfalls, and the Norris Arm.
- Newfoundland’s province-wide T’Railway follows much of the Trans Canada Highway near Notre Dame Provincial Park, but on the north side of the road. To reach views of the Norris Arm to the west, it is about 14km from Notre Dame Junction and back on the T’Railway. In the other direction, get scenic views of Indian Arm Pond on a roughly 7km out-and-back trek. The trail connects the park to Gander in the east and Grand Falls-Windsor in the west.
Camping & More Nearby Accommodations
There are so many reasons that will call for an overnight trip to Notre Dame Park, and spending as much time as possible within central Newfoundland’s boreal forest. Part of that reason is the setting that the forests provide for anyone camping at the Provincial Park campground.
- That campground has 100 campsites with roughly a third hooked up to electricity! All of the campsites have individual fire pits and picnic tables, while all campers have access to multiple outhouses, water taps, and a comfort station with flush toilets, showers, and a laundromat. More services include a camp convenience store and firewood sales
- A camping trip here can be spent stargazing and around the fires during the evenings, taking in the bright forest colours of the fall, or for a classic lake trip filled with water adventures.
- Find more options with the Bluewater Lodge & Retreat or the Woodhaven Island Lodge, both located on the other side of the Trans-Canada Highway and on Indian Arm Pond.
Planning Your Trip – Notre Dame Provincial Park
What: Notre Dame Provincial Park is situated in central Newfoundland and is conveniently located near the Trans-Canada Highway. The park surrounds Junction Pond, which is a source for many of the park’s activities. The park’s campground is packed with amenities to make for a comfortable stay within the surrounding boreal forests. These mature trees make for campsites that have shade and privacy. The summer fun at Junction Pond includes swimming, fishing, paddle boating, and picnics. Plus, Notre Dame Provincial Park is about as busy from May to September with wildlife as it is with campers and beachgoers.
Location and how to get there: 45km west of Gander, or 50km east of Grand Falls-Windsor on the Trans Canada Highway. Directions
Best time to go: May 14-September 15, 2025
How much: Camping $20.15 per night
Daily Vehicle entry fees: $10
For more information:
