RV campers looking to experience a stunning and virtually untouched natural habitat should add Newfoundland and Labrador’s Dildo Run Provincial Park to their list of must-visit provincial parks. The park, located in an area known as Iceberg Alley in New World Island in Newfoundland and Labrador is isolated, scenic, and perfect for overnight camping.
Iceberg Alley is one of the most spectacular places to see icebergs and arctic animals, and Dildo Run Provincial Park rests in the heart of Iceberg Alley. Whales, seabirds, and icebergs move through the section of Newfoundland and Labrador during late May through early June. Securing your camping site along the sea during the migratory season might mean you may wake to the sound of whales passing through, or you may be lucky enough to see an iceberg floating by.
Dildo Provincial Park operates seasonally, and during the peak camping season, there are many things to see and do both in the park as well as close by the park's facilities. If history interests you, plan to visit the neighboring islands to gain the full perspective of the natural and human history of this region or stop by some of the nearby towns to walk an area rich with architectural history. If you visit provincial parks to escape the bustle of life, then staying at the park has many advantages as well. The park offers recreation and activities that will entertain you and your traveling companions. Whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed, because the nature of Newfoundland and Labrador is unforgettable.
The park is located 263 miles (424 km) northwest of St. John’s International Airport. The route brings RVers over numerous bodies of water and across several bridges.
All vehicles entering Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial parks for overnight camping must pay for a nightly vehicle pass. This pass is separate from the overnight camping fees and different than the day use pass. Overnight guests should arrive at their campsite before 10:00 pm. Stop at the park’s checkpoint before heading to your designated campground for the night.
The Dildo Run Campground is a waterfront campground featuring both electric and non-electric sites with a picnic table, a fireplace, and a trash can. The electrical sites offer 15, 30, and 50 amp electrical hookups and water service, and the non-electric sites are close to the water taps located throughout the park. The campground is pet-friendly, and many of the driveways accommodate RVs and trailers over 35 feet in length. The campground has vault toilets, modern restroom facilities with flush toilets and showers, firewood sales, and a dump station. Campers staying in Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Parks should refrain from any unnecessary noise that might disrupt the sounds of nature. Quiet hours are between 11:00 pm and 8:00 am. Generators should remain off during posted quiet hours.
One of Dildo Run’s most popular activities is paddling. Sea kayakers and canoers come from all over the province to explore the waterways of Dildo Run. Bring your canoe or your kayak and launch your boat from the park, or visit one of the outfitters in town and ask about boat rentals and guided tours. The routes leading through the waterways are numerous, and there are detailed maps available that outline the best routes for people to take depending on their time, experience, as well as the weather conditions. Because kayaking and canoeing in the sea can be dangerous, prepare yourself by having the appropriate gear and equipment before heading into the water.
The day use area at Dildo Provincial Park is small, but perfect for spending time outside near the water. There are a few areas near both sections of the campground that have sheltered picnic tables. Both day use and overnight guests may set up a picnic underneath the shelters and stay outside enjoying nature for the afternoon. The picnic areas have drinking water and restrooms nearby, so you don’t have to go far to access the things you may need most. The picnic areas are available on a first-come, first served basis, so if you are planning on having a crowd, arrive early!
Exploring the park’s forested backcountry and its beachy shoreline is the perfect way to spend an afternoon at Dildo Run Provincial Park. The trails in the park are short, so it is possible to walk both paths in one day. The fitness trail takes hikers into a forested area, and the pathway is easy and only .8 miles (1.3 km) long. The longer trail is 1.25 miles (2 km), and the pathway winds near the shoreline and then takes hikers up a small incline to a lookout area where it’s possible to see many of the islands in Dildo Run. Don’t forget to bring your comfortable clothing and a camera. You don’t know what you might see on your outing!
If you are visiting the area of Dildo Run Provincial Park, and you are interested in whale watching or looking for icebergs, you don’t have to wait near the coast to spot what you are looking for. The best way to see whales and icebergs is to take a guided boat tour to the areas where the whales and icebergs are present. Outfitters in the town of Dildo take visitors out to sea on tours and charters that vary in time, price, and adventure. When you are passing through Dildo, stop by one of the boat tour shops and ask about the best tour for you!
While you are staying in nature, why not also spend some time in town exploring the historic fishing community of Dildo? The town, proud of its odd name, is a small community known mostly for the fishing industry. The town of Dildo has several museums worth visiting, many of them centered around whaling and fishing. If fish isn’t your thing, then stop by one of the local restaurants or breweries, and have your meal outdoors watching the icebergs float by.
Exploring Newfoundland and Labrador with a GPS is not only a fun way to see parts of the island that you might not usually see, but it is also a way to bring the entire family together. Geocaching is an electronic scavenger hunt where participants search for treasure using a handheld GPS device preloaded with coordinates from the world geocaching website. The provincial system does not place the hidden caches, but each cache is considered official, regardless of ownership. Geocaching is an activity that people of many ages and interests can participate. If you want to try this exciting treasure hunt, find more about geocaching online and bring your equipment with you on your visit to Dildo Run.
