
Tours and programs
Terra Nova National Park
Whether you live nearby, you're just dropping in, or you're staying in the campground, there are lots of activities for you to enjoy in Terra Nova National Park.
These tours and programs are included in the daily admission fee, unless otherwise indicated.
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Guided walks
Guided walks
Experience the environment of Terra Nova first-hand with our interpreters. Taste plants, watch wildlife, or discover the secrets of this coastal, boreal forest.
Our guided walks are over gentle terrain and are suitable for all ages.
What to bring:
- Appropriate footwear
- Bottle of water
- Snack or picnic
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Sense of adventure
July Schedule
Day and Time Program Title Location Description Mondays
7pmBeaver Walk Southwest Arm Trail Terra Nova’s largest rodent has been working hard all winter to build a new dam! Join us as we visit the busy beavers at Southwest Arm. Walk through this living “workshop” and see evidence of their hard work. Thursday
9pmNight Watch Newman Sound Day-use Area Watch Terra Nova come alive after dark. This walk will focus on some of our favorite nocturnal animals - bats! Learn about their unique features and adaptations, and discover the challenges bat populations are facing today. Fridays
3pmTaste of Nature Headquarter's Wharf Experience nature in the context of traditional plant use. Our interpreters will tell stories and share secrets of how the many people who lived here before us have used this land. Sundays
3pmWomen's Work Visitor Centre
Heritage TrailFrom preserving food, making and mending clothes, gardening and managing the family home; a woman’s work was never done. Share their stories along with toutons and tea. Additional fees required. Check at the Visitor Centre for times.
Explore the Shore Visitor Centre You never know what you might find in the intertidal zone! Join us on a journey of discovery as we uncover some of the hardy creatures and plants that call this zone home. Rubber boots are recommended but not mandatory.
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Kids stuff
Become a junior naturalist
Calling all kids!
Come along to any of our Junior Naturalist programs this summer and collect a stamp for each program you attend. Get an official Junior Naturalist certificate and a prize for filling out your stamp card!
- Programs are designed for children ages 5-13 years of age.
- Programs take place at both the Activity Centre and the Visitor Centre.
July Schedule
Day and Time Program Title Location Mondays
11amWoodland Wellness Activity Centre Tuesdays
11amPredators Above Activity Centre Wednesdays
11amStar Sheriffs Activity Centre Thursdays
11amWild Wise Activity Centre Fridays
11amTerrific Tides
Visitor Centre Saturdays
11amWing Watchers Activity Centre Sundays
11amSpots & Dots Activity Centre -
Special programs
July Schedule
Day and Time Program Title Location Description Mondays
10amGrow a Garden
Activity Centre
Become a budding gardener! Drop by the garden at the Activity Centre to help water the plants and keep our garden growing. See the different plant shapes, colors and textures. Look closely and you might see a “busy” pollinator hard at work. Remember BEE safe!
Mondays
1:30pmWild Rhythm Activity Centre Get ready to drum, strum, clap, and sing! Kids explore music through fun, hands-on activities while learning basic music skills, trying a variety of instruments and creating their own musical masterpieces. Tuesdays
9:30amPlant a Tree Blue Hill Moose Exclosure Plant a tree and put down roots in Terra Nova National Park. Join Parks Canada interpreters and ecologists in planting trees to help increase the biodiversity of the forest.
**Participants should come prepared for weather conditions, with footwear suitable for the forest floor. Fill up and bring your water bottle.Tuesdays
3pmMsit No 'Kmaq Visitor Centre 'Kwe! Come join our indigenous interpreters near the beautiful shoreline of Newman Sound as we share with you some of our culture and experiences and reconnect with each other and ourselves.
** Sign up is required for this program. Please call 709-533-3187 to reserve a space.Wednesdays
10amNature Journaling Newman Sound Day-use Area Ever wonder how to start nature journaling? It's easier than you think! Grab your notebook and join us as we explore how to turn moments in nature into memories on the page. July 9
July 23
7pmDark Sky Presentation Activity Centre Where did the stars go? Join David the “Dark Sky Defender” as he sheds light of the importance of protecting the night sky. -
Special events
Terra Nova National Park commemorates a number of special days throughout the summer season.
June 8
World Oceans DayCelebrate Oceans Day at Terra Nova National Park! Stop by the Visitor Centre to explore the touch tank and get up close with some fascinating ocean creatures.
- Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Location: Visitor Centre
June 21
National Indigenous Peoples DayCome join our Indigenous interpreters as we share with you some of our culture and experience.
- Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
- Location: Visitor Centre
July 1
Memorial Day / Canada DayCelebrate Canada Day with an afternoon concert.
- Time: 2:00 pm
- Location: Outdoor Theatre
- Free entry
July 19
Parks DayTake a hike along one of the many scenic trails, explore the shoreline or come for a picnic with friends. Stop by the Visitor Centre to enter to pick up your hiking trail passport and enter to win a parks day prize pack.
August 8 to 9
Music in the SoundNestled in the boreal forest, in the heart of the park, our unique outdoor theatre provides a magical setting for Music in the Sound.
On August 8th young rising stars will light up the stage.
On August 9th we are excited to welcome Kitchinparti to the outdoor theatre stage!- Location: Outdoor Theatre
- Tickets will go on sale July 15 at the campground kiosks or by calling 709-533-2801.
August 22 to 23
Night Sky CelebrationTerra Nova National Park is designated a Dark Sky Preserve – the first in Newfoundland and Labrador. Join Parks Canada staff and members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, St. John’s Centre to celebrate the night sky with indoor activity stations at the Activity Centre at Newman Sound Campground and outdoor night sky observation sessions (weather permitting) at Sandy Pond.
- Location: Activity Centre and Sandy Pond
- Equipment for viewing is provided but people are welcome to bring their own.
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School programs
School programs
National Parks are amazing classrooms, offering a variety of learning opportunities for students to connect with nature. Fun and educational hands-on programs and field trips are available from late-May to mid-October.
Mix and match your classroom experience by choosing two of the following activities or contact us at the Visitor Centre to build a classroom experience that's just right for you!
For cost per student, please see our fees page under the Heritage Presentation Special Programs heading.
Touch tank tour - super sea squad
It’s a hard life in the Intertidal Zone but lurking along this ever changing expanse are some amazing animals – the Super Sea Squad! These marine marvels have formed some super-hero level adaptations to survive, and thrive!
Join your interpreter at the Touch Tank as we get up close with these outstanding ocean critters and uncover their super adaptive abilities.
Trail tales
From the mossy ground to the crown of the trees, this forest has a story to tell.
Join your interpreter as we walk the trail to explore the secrets of the unique boreal forest of Terra Nova National Park.
More bees please
Bees are incredible insects - and cute too! But it’s not all flowers and honey. Bees are also extremely hard workers and they go through a pretty fascinating lifecycle.
Join your interpreter as we explore the amazing world of bees.
Whale tales
Did you know that the Blue Whale is the biggest animal to EVER live on Earth?! Whales are fascinating and mostly mysterious marine mammals.
Join your interpreter for a fun learning journey as we uncover the truly unique world of these amazing animals.
To book:
These programs are only available during visitor centre hours of operation.
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Explore on your own
Explore on your own
Discover Terra Nova at your own pace with these self-guided activities.
Lichen hikin'
Witch's Hair? British Soldiers? Trumpets? Explore the Heritage Trail in search of tiny mysterious organisms. Wee wonders await!
Stop by the visitor centre to pick up your "Lookin for Lichens" kit before heading out on the trail to explore on your own.
Only available during visitor centre hours of operation.
Club Parka
Visiting with young children? Explore with club Parka!
With the Club Parka booklet kids can explore, learn and have fun! The booklets are available on site. With the Photo Missions App, kids are invited to help Parka and Chirp find and photograph specific items found at our place! Download the app for free before visiting. Once one or both activities are completed, they will receive a reward!
Learn more about Parka and download other activities!Xplorers program
Hey Kids! Do you like exploring, having adventures and lots of fun? If so, you can be a Parks Canada Xplorer! Pick up your Terra Nova Xplorers booklet at the Visitor Centre, Activity Centre, or at a campground kiosk and get started on your first challenge. Complete the required number of tasks to receive a collectable souvenir.
The Parks Canada Xplorers program is currently offered in more than 70 national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas across the country.
Share your adventures with us on social media!
Take a photo and share it with #TerraNovaNP
Evening programs
Evenings in Terra Nova are all about theatrical programs, music, games, and other surprises.
Join us underneath the stars at the outdoor theatre for educational and entertaining evening programs, or gather at the Campfire Circle and sing-a-long to some good ole' campfire favourites.
July Schedule
Day and Time | Program Title | Location | Description |
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Fridays 9pm |
Forest Idol | Outdoor Theatre | Vote for your favorite Forest Idol as they showcase their adaptations and talents to our judges! Each week, the audience will pick Terra Nova’s one and only Forest Idol. |
Saturdays 7pm |
Sing-a-long in the Sound | Campfire Circle (Newman Sound Day-use Area) | Find your seat at the campfire circle in Newman Sound Campground and warm up your voice. Join us for some Newfoundland songs, stories and sayings. Bring a mug for free hot chocolate! |
Sundays 8:30pm |
When Hairy Met Patchy | Outdoor Theatre | Two Newfoundland marten search for love in the boreal forest. Along the way, they meet a colorful cast of characters who share advice on love and life in the wild. |
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