Notre Dame Provincial Park
Notre Dame Provincial Park is located approximately 1 kilometre east of the Notre Dame Junction and approximately 41 kilometres west of Gander on the Trans Canada Highway. Nestled in the lush forests of central Newfoundland, the park borders on the serene waters of Junction Pond. An ideal choice for the family, Notre Dame Provincial Park has something to offer visitors of all ages. Notre Dame encompasses 113 hectares of land.
View Park Map (pdf) Please note this map is for illustrative purposes only. The park boundary may not be accurately portrayed.
Natural History
The vegetation of Notre Dame is that of a Boreal forest, which is characterized by dense-growing, young coniferous forests. The park is dominated by black spruce and balsam fir, with tamarack and white Birch throughout. Peatland, shrub and heathlands interrupt the forest floor, and a variety of wildflowers from the shade-loving bunchberry to the barren-growing crowberry may be found. There is a wide variety of fruit, from the blueberry to the northern honeysuckle. This diverse habitat provides home to a broad range of animal life. Moose, beaver, snowshoe hare, pine grosbeak, the common loon, ruffed grouse and noteworthy mammals and birds. Over 100 species of birds have been recorded in the park.
Park Activities
CAMPING
Notre Dame Provincial Park has 100 campsites, many of which are near the tranquil pond. Each campsite has a picnic table, fireplace, garbage can and a space for your vehicle. Drinking taps and pit toilets are conveniently located throughout the park. There is a new comfort station, with flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities opening August 2001. Firewood is available at the check point for $5.00 per bundle.
DAY USE
The day-use area. located next to the beach offers picnic tables, garbage cans, pit toilets and a large open area surrounded by the natural beauty of the park.
INTERPRETATION
Notre Dame has a vibrant interpretation program. Through it, both young and old alike may actively participate in campfire programs, guided walks and the amphitheater program, where movies are shown on weekends at the Ski Chalet. The interpretation program provides an opportunity to discover both the natural and cultural history of Newfoundland in a fun and exciting family atmosphere.
SWIMMING
Notre Dame Park has a large, sandy beach, located in the picnic area near the main entrance. Change houses and toilets are situated nearly. CAUTION The swimming area is unsupervised. Water safety equipment is located conspicuously on the beach.
WINTER RECREATION
Wonderful groomed ski trails and a ski chalet await the cross-country ski enthusiast at the park. Snow-shoeing and nature photography are other activities to enjoy in the park during the winter. Motorized snow vehicles and ATV’s are prohibited in this park.
PLAYGROUND
The playground can be found near site 92. It contains seesaws, swings and sandboxes, and is set on a small grassy area ideal for the young and old alike.
DISPOSAL STATION
Notre Dame Park is conveniently equipped with a trailer dumping station, just past the administrative buildings.
CONCESSIONS
Notre Dame Park has a convenience store and boat rental for the camper’s use.
Services available at Notre Dame are:
- Camping
- Day Use
- Restrooms
- Skiing
- Interpretation
- Swimming
- Waste Disposal
- Wheelchair Access
- Winter Camping
Park History
Construction of the park began in 1958 and it first opened to the public in 1960. Until only a year before construction began, Notre Dame Park was one of the logging sites for the Anglo-Newfoundland Development Company, now Abitibi Price. This company donated their land for use as a Provincial Park.
