06/29/2026
Happy Monday, and welcome to the first official full week of summer! ☀️
The days are long, the weather is finally warming up, and it is the perfect time to start planning some incredible staycations and adventures across our beautiful province.
True exploration means ensuring everyone can experience the rugged beauty of Newfoundland. If you or someone you’re traveling with has mobility needs, navigating our rocky coastlines and historic towns can sometimes look daunting—but there are some phenomenal, barrier-free gems leading the way in inclusivity.
Here are four fantastic, accessible locations across Newfoundland to add to your summer bucket list:
1. Western Brook Pond (Gros Morne National Park)
You don't have to miss out on Newfoundland's iconic, soaring fjords. The journey to Western Brook Pond is one of the most accommodating backcountry experiences available.
- The Trail: The 3 km trail (6 km return) leading from the parking lot to the pond features a wide, flat, hardened tread made of packed fine gravel and sturdy wooden boardwalks.
- Mobility Assistance: The Gros Morne Visitor Centre offers non-motorized all-terrain wheelchairs for loan free of charge (reservations are highly recommended) to help navigate the few brief, steeper slopes.
The Boat Tour: Once you reach the pond, the legendary boat tours are wheelchair-accessible; mobility devices can be safely stored on board so everyone can experience the billion-year-old cliffs up close.
2. Ken Diamond Memorial Park (Glovertown)
Nestled right in the heart of Glovertown (the gateway to the Eastport Peninsula), this park is a hidden wonderland for anyone who loves peaceful boreal forests and wetlands without the rough terrain.
- The Trail: The main 1.5 km stacking loop winds beautifully along Penney’s Brook. It is exceptionally wide, flat, and hard-surfaced, making it perfectly suited for both wheelchairs and strollers.
- Amenities: The trail leads to a covered bridge and an accessible gazebo right at the halfway point—perfect for a shaded rest, a quick snack, and taking in the local wildlife.
3. Bowring Park & The Rooms (St. John's)
If you're looking for a mix of vibrant nature and world-class culture in the metro area, St. John's has excellent urban accessibility.
- Bowring Park: This historic park is highly scannable and easy to navigate with its extensive network of paved, wide walkways winding past duck ponds, manicured gardens, and iconic monuments. It’s also a favorite spot for local accessible luxury picnic setups.
- The Rooms: For a rainy day or a cultural afternoon, our provincial archives, art gallery, and museum are fully modern and accessible. The facility features seamless ramp access, automated doors, wide elevators to all floors, and smooth, flat viewing galleries looking out over the panoramic harbor.
4. Shallow Bay Day Use Area (Cow Head)
If a classic summer beach day is what you're craving, the west coast has you covered without the struggle of dragging wheels through loose sand.
- The Access: Shallow Bay features a dedicated, 200-meter hardened pathway combining packed gravel and smooth boardwalk that leads directly from the parking lot right out to a stunning viewing deck overlooking the ocean.
- Amenities: The day-use service buildings, picnic areas, and washrooms at Shallow Bay are completely equipped with modern accessibility standards.
ro-Tip for Accessible Travel: When traveling within the province, remember to pack or apply for the Easter Seals Access 2 Card or the City of St. John’s Attendant Pass. These passes are widely accepted across local venues, parks, and tours, allowing a support person or attendant to accompany you for free or a significantly reduced rate.
Let's make this summer safe, inclusive, and unforgettable. Happy exploring! 🌊🌲
