The former railway town of Port Blandford sits at the bottom of Clode Sound in eastern Newfoundland in a sheltered bay protected from the sweeping winds of the Atlantic Ocean. Newfoundland is famous for its dramatic landscapes, jagged shoreline, and stunted windswept trees that dig deep into rocky crevasses, all of which you’ll find in Port Blandford. The thriving fishing town is adorned with bright red homes amid forested shorelines.

Port Blandford provides a convenient base for the Terra Nova National Park, which attracts numerous visitors to the area every summer. Terra Nova was the first national park established in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and it turned Port Blandford into a popular destination along the way to its sheltered coves and pristine forested coastlines.

Summertime in Port Blandford is the best season to visit if you’ve come to explore the outdoors. The warmth peaks in July, and there is generally little rain in the forecast. Keep in mind that even in the summer, the temperatures in eastern Newfoundland dip after dark, so don’t forget to pack a layer. There’s even less rain in September, which also enjoys warm weather until the last week, when summer gives way to fall and the Port Blandford AppleFest takes place at the municipal park, where you’ll find fun activities that include a classic car show, pig roast, and live music.

Port Blandford freezes over every winter, with lots of snow accumulating on the ground between December and April, peaking in March. On the milder winter days, you can enjoy gliding down the frozen hills on toboggans and playing hockey on outdoor ice rinks.

Terra Nova National Park

You can explore 154 square miles of dense boreal forest through hiking, biking, and running trails at Terra Nova National Park. Be on the lookout for local wildlife that includes moose, black bears, lynxes, and beavers. For a different vantage point, kayak or canoe through sheltered inlets on the Atlantic Coast, which might lead to sightings of humpback whales, harp seals, and orcas.

Middle Brook Swimming Hole

Located right in the middle of town, this natural swimming hole is the perfect place to cool down on a summer day. Even though the pool is just feet from the town hall, it feels much more secluded in the middle of a peaceful, wooded area. A small cascade surrounded by shady pinnes pumps crystal-clear water into the small pool.

Port Blandford Heritage Sites

The Port Blandford Heritage Society has installed informative storyboards at seven heritage sites throughout the town. You can learn about the first church in the area, and the important role that speeders (transport vehicles that run along railway tracks) played for local industry. A replica 19th-century sawmill illustrates the days when lumber was a significant part of the Port Blandford economy.