St. John's 
While Dildo Run Provincial Park is on the far north shores of Newfoundland, summers here are some of the warmest in the entire province. The North Shore Forest region of Newfoundland, also a dry area, follows the northeast coast of the province, where there are thousands of small and large islands dotting the waters.
Credit: Parks NL
The warm weather, combined with saltwater beach access, the park’s proximity to other attractions and charming towns, and the coastal scenery, all help to make Dildo Run Provincial Park a must-visit among coastal areas in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Here are all the ways to make the best of your trip to Dildo Run Provincial Park:
Location, location, location!
There are many destinations along Newfoundland’s northern coast which will bring your stay directly to the shores of the Atlantic. But in places like Dildo Run Provincial Park, the surrounding waters are sheltered by the hundreds of islands to the south or east of the shore. The park is also on the south side of New World Island which also helps to shelter the coastline around the park.
The location of Dildo Run Provincial Park’s on New World Island creates an ideal beach destination, as well as accommodation option with the campground for exploring nearby areas. Directly north of Dildo Run Provincial Park is the beautiful town of Twillingate on South Twillingate Island. From the town to the coastal shores of South Twillingate Island are dozens of natural attractions. And in the other direction, to the northeast of Dildo Run, is ferry access from Port Albert to Fogo Island.
And last but not least, Dildo Run Provincial Park’s spot on New World Island is a place for breathtaking coastal scenery. This is a generally rocky part of the Newfoundland coast, strongly eroded by wind and saltwater. Along the red and rocky surfaces are forests of various spruce trees to create a colourful landscape around the ocean water.
Beach Day at Dildo Run
The day use and beach area for Dildo Run Provincial Park will offer the option to set up for the day on the grass, sandy patches, chairs on the cobblestones, or at one of many picnic tables. And along with recreation, the day use area offers a small glimpse into the area’s history.
- Before heading to the beach, check out the abandoned tramway and tracks left here from when the tram was used to transport fish or lumber. The tramway once ran across New World Island.
- The park’s main day use and picnic area is set a little way away from the beach and near a grassy meadow; bring frisbees, balls, or have kids enjoy time at the playground.
- Cast off from the shore areas and away from the beach for a chance at catching salmon or trout.
Birding & Hiking the Blackhead Trail
The park’s Blackhead Trail and main hiking trail will bring your trek 2km or so along the shores, away from the campground and day use area. The linear trail creates a hike of about 4.5km total out-and-back and extends out onto a small peninsula. Here there will be a viewing platform with sweeping views of Dildo Run and its hundreds of islands. The trail also includes a few rest areas along the way with benches facing the water.
- This northern region of Newfoundland is home to several seabird colonies, with the Blackhead Trail offering excellent birding opportunities, especially in early or late summer.
- Among commonly spotted seabird species are Leach’s storm-petrels, gulls, common or arctic terns, black-legged kittiwakes, and Atlantic puffins.
- Many other birds call the area home like owls, bald eagles, osprey, and warblers.
Sea Kayaking or Canoeing
The calm waters of Dildo Run create a scenic, relaxing, and simpler setting for a sea kayak or canoe trip. A loop around the first few closest islands to the beach create 4-7km loops, depending on how far out you’d like to paddle. And if there is somewhere to safely beach the canoes or kayaks, these islands are open to the public granted you take out everything you bring.
A Day in Twillingate
Explore more of New World Island with a drive across it toward South and North Twillingate Islands, and the town of Twillingate. As a northern coastal town that faces north into the Atlantic, Twillingate is also considered part of iceberg alley where the frozen beasts are viewed floating across the waters.
- An exciting way to explore the area is with one of the numerous boat tours that depart from Twillingate. These include fishing tours, and sightseeing or wildlife viewing tours.
- The South Twillingate Island is home to Newfoundland’s popular Rock Cut trail system from which hikers can create short to long day or overnight hikes.
- The Twillingate coast has incredible views from many different lookout points and trail areas.
- The town is busy all summer with the arts and cultural scene, local festivals, and the Twillingate Famers’ Market.
North Coast Camping
A little under half of Dildo Run Provincial Park’s 55 campsites are equipped with electrical hook-ups, while the remaining sites offer the more rustic experience with no services. But no matter which type of site you choose, the Dildo Run campground has amenities for campers like outhouses, a comfort station with showers, laundry, and flush toilets, a trailer sani-dump, tap water, and firewood for sale.
- Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and firepit.
- And while there is no cell service within the park, the office has a Wi-Fi hot spot for guest use.
- Don’t forget to look up at night while sitting around the campfire; Dildo Run Provincial Park is in a perfect location for oceanside stargazing.
Planning Your Trip – Dildo Run Provincial Park
What to See and Do: Find Dildo Run Provincial Park on northern Newfoundland’s New World Island, accessible by car and bridge. The name Dildo Run comes from the body of water and large bay next to the Provincial Park. This large bay is dotted by hundreds of islands, with Dog Island as the largest among them. The park is an excellent summer destination on its own, offering campgrounds, beach access, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, picnic areas, and trails. Plus, Dildo Run Provincial Park makes a perfect base camp when exploring other parts of the northern coast. Other features which help to make it an ideal summer destination include the warm and dry weather and its coastal scenery that is easily enjoyed via hiking trails.
Location and how to get there: 20km south of Twillingate via route 340.
Dildo Run Provincial Park is located 420 km (4 hr 30 min drive) from St. John’s and 330 km (4 hr drive) from Bonavista.
Best time to go: camping May 30-September 14; open year-round for winter hiking and snowshoe access
Cost: camping $20-$30
Day: Vehicle entry fees – $10.
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