St. John's 
The parks of Newfoundland, National or Provincial, have allowed for public access to some of the most beautiful parts of the province. And provincially, these parks have done so for over 60 years. It all began in 1959 with the establishment of Sir Rich Squires Memorial Provincial Park around the Humber River.
Just over an hour from Corner Brook, it offers salmon viewing, world-renowned fishing, short trails to stunning viewpoints, and rich wildlife. Here are the top activities and ways to make the best of your trip in this beautiful Boreal forest destination.
Protected for Beautiful Reasons
There are a couple of features of Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park that make it a region worthy of conservation. These features lead to even more reasons to keep this natural part of the province as pristine as possible for the diverse wildlife, and for our own enjoyment. Sir Richard Squires Park, locally referred to as Big Falls Park, encompasses the Humber River near its rapid waterfall: Big Falls. While not tall, the wide waterfall, which crosses the entire 87m of the river’s width, is beautiful to take in during the spring, summer, and fall, all on its own. And from May to September (also while the park is open), the Atlantic salmon of the Humber River add a bit more to the scenery.
These Atlantic salmon are making their way upstream for the spawning season. And on the way, the salmon jump and leap over the waters, especially around the base of Big Falls. Even for those who don’t fish, the scene can be pretty spectacular. These riverbanks are teeming with tons of other wildlife, too, thanks to the diversity of central Newfoundland’s Boreal forest.
Seeing the Big Falls
As the swift Humber River makes its way through Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park, it rushes over a relatively short 3-m drop. This waterfall, known as the park’s Big Falls, is not impressive for its height, but rather its width! Take the park’s Big Falls trail or Viewpoint trail, to get the best views of both the river and the waterfall. Both trails are short routes that take only about five minutes to walk before you reach the views.
- Both trails depart from the day use area parking lot. There are also the Little Falls that are visible from the Cormack Road Bridge.
World-Renowned Fishing
The Big Falls area of the Humber River is world-renowned for a specific type of fishing: this river is part of the Atlantic Salmon’s route upstream before they spawn. Anglers come from all around to get a shot at fishing for the fairly large salmon. They often swim around the pools at the bottom of Big Falls, or the salmon are usually spotted in the summers, making leaps and jumps out of the water. Get a bit closer with the dory boat rentals available from the park checkpoint.
- The mighty Humber River is ideal for experienced white-water rafters, canoers, or kayakers.
Birds & Wildlife of Sir Richard Squires Park
Keep binoculars, a camera, or a phone close at hand for all sorts of wildlife, big and small. This could include little critters like snowshoe hares, red-backed and red squirrels, and chipmunks, or bigger wildlife like black bears, deer, or moose. The birds of the park’s river and forests also include large and small species, such as northern flickers, ospreys, gray jays, grouse, sharp-shinned hawks, various warblers, and great horned owls.
These diverse central Newfoundland forests, also the Boreal, are part of the reason for the array of wildlife. The park has a dense population of balsam fir, along with several larch, spruce, and birch trees. Plus, the forests and riverbanks are decorated with an array of flowers, including Indian pipe, Labrador tea, pearly everlasting, and the pitcher plant.
Camping Beside the Humber River
Camping at Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park offers a choice of 148 campsites in the forest beside the Humber River. These sites offer space to relax around the fire pit, and each comes with a picnic table. The campground also has comfort stations with coin laundry, showers, and washrooms (wheelchair accessible), and firewood sales.
More to See & Do in Deer Lake
At roughly 37km south of the Provincial Park, Deer Lake may be a convenient place to stop on your way in, or a day trip destination from the campground. The town sits on the shores of the lake of the same name, which is part of the Humber River. Deer Lake and its waterfront setting make for an ideal stop on a hotter day with the local beach located within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and other town services.
- One of Deer Lake’s most unique attractions is also one of the more interesting places to visit in Newfoundland: learn all about bugs at the Insectarium!
- Find local dining in Deer Lake on Main Street, near the beach, or on the north side of town along Highway 1.
- There are several accommodation options across Deer Lake for those who prefer lodge or hotel rooms over a tent and trailer. There are also more camping options in Deer Lake!
Planning Your Trip – Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park
What: Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park surrounds the banks of the Humber River in central Newfoundland. This section of the river, north of Deer Lake, is protected and considered special for a handful of reasons. The park and river are part of an important Atlantic salmon migration route, while salmon fishing is also permitted for license holders. The park’s major attraction, next to the salmon, is the Big Falls waterfall located near the day use area and campground. The waterfall is an impressive 87m wide and is a great place to see the salmon jumping up the river.
Location and how to get there: 90km NE of Corner Brook via the Trans Canada Highway; 37km north of Deer Lake via Route 422
Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park is 610 km (6 hr 15 min drive) from St. John’s and only 90 km (1 hr 20 min) from Corner Brook.
Best time to go: May-September
How much: Camping $20.15 per night
Vehicle entry fees: Daily passes at $10, nightly at $7.
For more information:
Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park
