In southeastern Newfoundland, there is an abundance of rural communities, rugged coastline, and remote wilderness. From Channel-Port aux Basques in the west to Fortune and Placenta Bays in the east, this coastline is marked by small rocky islands and long stretches of white sand.
With the remote nature of some of these coastal locations to the south comes an array of wildlife, conservation areas, and spots not accessible to the public.
There is a great place central to Newfoundland’s south coast that allows seasonal public access to those scenic features. This summer, make a day trip, road trip, or camping getaway around the pristine white sand beaches, important wildlife areas, and coastal views of Sandbanks Provincial Park!
A Stunning South Coast Destination
The Provincial Park’s name is quite literal. Not only does Sandbanks Provincial Park cover 7km of sandy coastline, but it also includes ecologically significant sand dune formations. For wildlife, such as the endangered piping plover, the sand dunes and surrounding forests or grasslands provide life. And for visitors, these beaches, dunes, and more offer gorgeous scenery, a chance to take a refreshing dip in the ocean, and one of the most scenic campgrounds in southern Newfoundland. This stretch of coast is lined with over 100 small islands; these help to create complex wave patterns off the south coast ,which help with the formation of those dunes, and more.
The park has many other natural features that contribute to the beauty of the surrounding beaches, some of which are unique to the area. This includes an intertidal brook that fills during high tide, connecting a park pond to the ocean. This part of Sandbanks Provincial Park is also a great showcase of the coast’s metamorphic rock formations that date back hundreds of millions of years. And when you combine the striped rocks and cliffs with the abundant wildlife, the white sand, the blue water, and the green forests, Sandbanks Provincial Park is an instant stunning south coast destination.
Exploring the Beaches & Trails
Sandbanks Provincial Park boasts roughly 7km of sandy beaches on Newfoundland’s south coast. The day use parking area is on the east end of this long and winding beach, which stretches southwest from here and then makes a sharp turn to run south to north. As a small peninsula shape on the water, there is a way to create a looping hike out of the east beaches, up the west side of the beaches, then across the forests and back to the campground for a 5km hike.
- That same trail and the beaches continue north from the Fox Point area and around a picturesque cove of ocean islands, also known as Upper Burgeo. The sand continues for another 7km as it leaves the Provincial Park.
- Officially, the town of Burgeo also includes the lands of Sandbanks Provincial Park. The core of Burgeo, where you’ll find services, shops, and restaurants, is on Grandy Island, about a 5-minute drive from the campground and day use area. Start a hiking adventure around the town of Burgeo with fresh air and a quick climb up the Maiden’s Tea Hill. This trail is a series of wooden steps which lead up the hill to provide incredible views of almost the whole town.
5 Beaches on 7km of Sand
Welcome to one of Newfoundland Parks’ biggest beaches, as well as one of the province’s most gorgeous stretches of sand! The Sandbanks Provincial Park’s 7km section of beach around the rocky islands of the south coast is that perfect, soft, white sand that lies in contrast with the bright blue-green waters. The beach area closest to the day use area parking lot, or First Beach, has a bit of shelter, too, from the large rocks and cliffs which shoot out into the ocean waters to create a small cove.
- Always be aware of the beach’s endangered resident, the piping plover bird, which uses the park shores as a nesting ground. While making your way out to the sand and beach, keep to the trails as there are fragile plants, shrubs, and ecosystems around Sandbanks Provincial Park.
- Pack a picnic, as the day use area features several picnic tables overlooking the ocean waters, as well as a playground, and outhouses.
- The beach closest to the park’s Heron Pond (north of the campground) also has a unique feature that offers some equally as unique views and scenery. The Grepsey Brook connects the freshwater pond to the ocean; so, during higher tides, the ocean saltwater and the freshwater from the pond start to mix.
Birdwatching, Wildlife, & Nature Photography on the Sandbanks
Those beaches offer plenty of opportunities for nature photography and enjoyment of ocean scenery. And as a south-facing beach, there are chances to catch both epic sunrises to the east and sunsets to the west. Plus, the more remote parks and these southern coastal areas, and all the marshlands or freshwater ponds around the coast, make it a perfect home for all sorts of wildlife.
- Sandbanks Provincial Park is part of an important bird migration route, with ocean shores and the freshwater ponds attractive to a variety of birds. This includes shorebirds, possibly eagles, the endangered piping plover (with only 44 adults recorded), and various waterfowl on the ponds.
- As you listen and watch for birds, explore the trails, or relax around the beaches and ponds, keep your eyes open for larger wildlife like moose, foxes, bats, or hares.
Peaceful Camping by the Ponds
The small, 30-site campground at Sandbanks Provincial Park is located between the ocean beach area, and one of the park’s many ponds. All of the 30 campsites are separated by thick tree cover and a great deal of distance. These campsites offer a truly peaceful escape that will make it feel as if you’re the only campers out here.
- These private sites each come with a fire pit and picnic table, while a comfort station is central to the campground. The comfort station has washrooms, showers, and coin laundry service. Additional outhouses are located around the park and beaches, too.
- The park’s checkpoint has firewood for sale, plus acts as a WiFi hotspot.
Planning Your Trip – Sandbanks Provincial Park
What: Sandbanks Provincial Park is a seasonal park on Newfoundland’s south coast. The relatively large park boasts a campground of over 100 sites and ocean beaches that stretch for 7km around Fox Point. The park is famous for its sand dunes and beaches, but the park is also located over ponds and marshlands inland, where there is an abundance of birds and other wildlife. Sandbanks Provincial Park is in a rural and more remote part of the province with one access road via the Trans Canada Highway.
Location and how to get there: 150 kilometres south of the Trans-Canada Highway on Route 480.
Sandbanks Provincial Park is located approximately 900 km (9 hr 30 minutes drive) from St. John’s.
Approximately 12 hr 30 minutes from Sydney, Nova Scotia via Channel-Port aux Basques ferry.
Best time to go: May-September
How much: Camping $20.15 per night
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