St. John's 
Codroy Valley Provincial Park offers a perfect mix of coastal beauty, wildlife, and outdoor adventure. Spend the day strolling its long sandy beach, where sunsets over the Gulf of St. Lawrence and sunrises over the Long Range Mountains are unforgettable. Birdwatchers can spot the endangered piping plover alongside diverse local wildlife.
Among the several beautiful beaches around southern Newfoundland alone, Codroy Valley Provincial Park is one of the easiest to access. Simply take a turn from the Trans Canada Highway onto Route 407 and follow the road until it leads right through the middle of Codroy Valley Provincial Park. While this small and unassuming day-use park is made up mainly of a large sandbar, there is a lot to discover to both the west, along the sands that follow the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and to the east, within the Grand Codroy River Valley.
The Best of Newfoundland in One Small Park
Some of the best parts of exploring the coastal waters and shores of Newfoundland include the huge variety of birds, wildlife, and marine life, or the landscape that changes drastically from coast to coast. The arts, culture, heritage, and history of Newfoundland are also among some of the best reasons to explore anywhere in the province; and while these opportunities are not found right in the provincial park, they’re all within a short drive from Codroy Valley and in Port aux Basques.
When it comes to the scenery that surrounds Codroy Valley Provincial Park and the Grand Codroy River, there are drastic changes with every slight turn. In one direction, catch an epic sunset over the Gulf; in another direction, see the sun rise over the Long Range Mountains; or, follow the area trails to see all of this in one vista, to see the Long Range Mountains up close, or for more coastal views.
Birdwatchers, general nature lovers, and any Codroy Valley visitor may have a unique chance when it comes to the wildlife viewing opportunities of NL Parks. These sands are home to nesting areas for piping plovers, an endangered bird species. These adorably stubby and little white birds, their nests, and their babies, are not to be disturbed, but admired from afar.
And lastly, anyone looking for the scenic outdoor adventure opportunities offered by those beautiful landscapes can wholly take advantage of the park, the nearby trails, and the closest accommodations.
A Beach Day at Codroy Valley Provincial Park
Credit: Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism
The long stretch of sandy white beaches along the Atlantic and part of Codroy Valley Provincial Park help to separate the Grand Codroy River from the ocean. The scenery is marked by the beach and waters, small but bright and lush green hills, and the Long Range Mountains to the Codroy River Valley. The beach of Codroy Valley Provincial Park offers exceptional scenery, including sunsets over the ocean and sunrises over the Long Range Mountains.
- Park at the lot on the northwest side of the park and follow the clear trail along the sand toward the beach! On the other side of the parking lot is an excellent view of the widest part of the Grand Codroy River.
- The sunrises and sunsets from Codroy River Provincial Park are equally as stunning as the stargazing opportunities.
- There are no formal picnic areas, but the entire park is open to day-use visitors for walking, beach strolling, swimming (unsupervised), or laying out towels and beach chairs.
The Protected Piping Plover & More Wildlife
Some of the most diverse wildlife regions in Newfoundland are home to protected nests for the endangered piping plover
- Thrushes, woodpeckers, and various types of birds of prey, such as northern harriers, sharp-shinned hawks, rough-legged hawks, red-tailed hawks, American kestrels, and golden eagles, are commonly seen during the fall migration season.
- The larger wildlife includes moose, mink, lynx, black bear, and the red fox, while there may be muskrat, beaver, or otters, splashing around the waters. There are also good chances to spot smaller critters of the Codroy Valley, like hares, chipmunks, squirrels, or shrews.
More Sightseeing around the Codroy Valley
Those travelling to Codroy Valley Provincial Park from the north or the south will have opportunities along their Trans Canada route to stop for sightseeing.
Credit: FancyLady/Flickr/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
- Many hiking trails which lead to excellent ocean or mountain views start from the Trans Canada Highway. This includes Newfoundland’s province-wide T’Railway, which closely follows the Trans Canada from Port au Basques, past the Grand Codroy estuary, and then heads northeast toward Codroy Pond and Cartville.
- Get out on the peaceful wetland trail near the Grand Codroy riverbanks for a simple 2.5km out-and-back trek. Interpretive signs along the trail will guide you on birding and wildlife viewing throughout the hike. And for anyone looking for more of a challenge with their sightseeing, the area also offers the Starlite Trail, a 5km out-and-back hike up the Long Range Mountains. The halfway point of the Starlite Trail provides sweeping views of the mountains, the Grand Codroy River estuary, and the river valley as it carves through the mountains.
Where to Stay in the Codroy Valley
Even when accommodations aren’t available in Newfoundland’s day-use parks like Codroy Valley, there are usually options for places to stay overnight near these parks. This includes accommodations on both sides of the Grand Codroy River near the Provincial Park.
- Among the closest accommodations to Codroy Valley Provincial Park are several types of stay options, including camping with Grand Codroy Tent-RV Camping Park, cabins with Codroy Valley Cottage Country, and the choice between cabins or lodge rooms with Inn on the Grand, and Sunny Acre Lodge.
- The ferry port and town of Channel-Port aux Basques, about 40km south of Codroy Valley, have several more options for hotels, inns, cabin rentals, and campgrounds.
- Get more beautiful beach experiences and a campsite at J.T. Cheeseman Provincial Park, about 30km south of Codroy Valley.
Planning Your Trip – Codroy Valley Provincial Park
What: There is a long and narrow sandbar which separates the Grand Codroy River and is an expansive estuary with the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The entire stretch of sand is part of Codroy River Provincial Park, a year-round day-use park. The area is home to Newfoundland’s protected and endangered piping plover and their nests.
Location and how to get there: 40km northwest of Channel-Port aux Basques via NL-1 and 407
Codroy Valley Provincial Park is located approximately 50 km (40-minute drive) from the Channel-Port aux Basques ferry port and 875 km (~9-hour drive) from St. John’s.
Best time to go: accessible year-round, May-August are the best times to go
How much: day use $10 per vehicle
For more information:
