Pistolet Bay Provincial Park

Pistolet Bay Provincial Park, on Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula, is a wild coastal haven where rugged headlands meet the sea. The park is a gateway to Viking history and offers dramatic landscapes of windswept barrens, peat bogs, and rocky shores. It's a place for solitude, birdwatching, and feeling the raw Atlantic power.

Highlights & What to See

• L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site – Just a short drive from the park, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the only authenticated Norse settlement in North America. Explore reconstructed sod huts and learn about Viking voyages.
• Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve – A limestone barrens with rare arctic-alpine plants and stunning coastal views. The Burnt Cape Trail offers a moderate hike through this unique landscape.
• Pistolet Bay itself – Kayak or paddleboard in the sheltered waters, watching for seabirds and icebergs drifting by in early summer.
• Dark Sky Preserve – The park is part of a Dark Sky Preserve; on clear nights, the Milky Way arches overhead with minimal light pollution.
• Fishing villages – Visit nearby communities like Raleigh and St. Anthony for local seafood, craft shops, and a glimpse into outport life.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least two full days to explore the park and its surroundings. Spend one day hiking and kayaking in the park, and another day visiting L'Anse aux Meadows and the Burnt Cape reserve. If you're a history buff or keen hiker, add a third day to linger on trails and chat with locals.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• St. Anthony – The nearest town, with services, restaurants, and the Grenfell Interpretation Centre.
• Gros Morne National Park – About 3 hours south, this UNESCO site offers spectacular fjords, tablelands, and hiking. Combine for a week-long road trip.
• Twillingate – Known for iceberg viewing and charming coastal scenery, a longer detour to the east.
• Labrador Straits – Take a ferry from St. Barbe to Blanc-Sablon and explore the Viking history and rugged coast of southern Labrador.

Please check official sources for current details.