Forgotten Coast Provincial Park

Stretching along a wild and remote stretch of Newfoundland's northern coastline, Forgotten Coast Provincial Park is a haven for those seeking solitude and raw natural beauty. This rugged park protects a dramatic landscape of ancient seabed cliffs, windswept headlands, and boreal forest, offering a true off-the-beaten-path experience. The park's name hints at its isolation — this is a place where you can hike for hours without seeing another soul, listening only to the crash of waves and the calls of seabirds.

Highlights & What to See

• Hiking the Coastal Trail: The park's signature trek follows the edge of the Long Range Mountains, offering jaw-dropping views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Keep an eye out for moose, caribou, and bald eagles.
• Ancient Seabed Cliffs: The park protects some of the oldest rocks on Earth — exposed layers of seafloor that were thrust up during the formation of the Appalachian Mountains. The colours and textures are mesmerising.
• Wildflower Meadows: In late spring and summer, the barrens burst into colour with alpine wildflowers, including rare orchids and carnivorous pitcher plants.
• Beachcombing at Sandy Cove: A secluded, crescent-shaped beach where you can find sea glass and driftwood, and watch for whales spouting offshore.
• Dark Sky Viewing: With zero light pollution, the park is a prime spot for stargazing; on a clear night, the Milky Way stretches from horizon to horizon.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for a full day to do justice to the main coastal trail (a 10 km loop that takes 4–5 hours) and still have time to explore the beach and picnic. If you're a keen photographer or hiker, consider camping overnight — the backcountry sites are basic but incredibly rewarding. Most visitors find that two days allows for a relaxed pace, including a sunrise hike and an evening of stargazing.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Gros Morne National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site about two hours south, with fjords, tablelands, and the famous Western Brook Pond boat tour.
• L'Anse aux Meadows: The only authenticated Viking settlement in North America, located on the northern tip of the island — a 90-minute drive from the park.
• St. Anthony: A charming fishing town with a lively harbour, museums, and excellent whale-watching tours.
• Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve: A stark limestone barrens landscape with rare arctic-alpine plants, just north of the park.
• Port au Choix: A historic fishing village with ancient burial mounds and a fascinating archaeological site.

Please check official sources for current details.