Area History

The Pistolet Bay area was known to Basque and French fisherman in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The rich cod fishery supported large numbers of vessels in the summer months. The earliest inhabitants of the region were the Maritime Archaic people who lived in the area around 4000 years ago. The next group of people to inhabit the region were the Groswater PalaeoEskimo. They lived in the area about 2000 years ago to 1100 years ago. The first authenticated site of European occupation in North America is situated close by at L'anse aux Meadows where the Norse established a settlement in 1000 A..D.

Natural History

The geological history of the Pistolet Bay area is very interesting. The region is part of the lowlands of the Long Range Mountains. All the rocks which form the lowlands were deposited during the Cambrian and Ordovician periods (approximately 500 million years ago).

The most recent event in geological history was the glaciation which occurred during the Pleistocene Epoch. The area was covered by glaciers as much as 3 kilometres thick in places until they retreated about 10,000 years ago.

Pistolet Bay Provincial Park also has a diverse ecoenvironment with many types of plants, trees, and shrubs as well as an abundance of wildlife ranging from large terrestrial mammals to small animals and birds. The nearby Strait of Belle Isle provides opportunities

PARK ACTIVITIES

Camping
The park has 30 campsites each garbage can, and a place to park your vehicle. Many sites are suitable for recreational vehicles. Drinking water taps, pit toilets, and wood supplies are conveniently located throughout the park. The park has a wheelchair accessible comfort station complete with flush toilets, showers, and dumping is also available.

Picnicking
A day use or picnic area is equipped with picnic tables, garbage cans, a drinking water tap, pit toilets, and swimming change houses.

Fishing
Brook trout are the most common angling species within the park boundaries. There are rules and regulations concerning angling so check with park staff before wetting the line.

Canoeing
Pistolet Bay Provincial Park offers a tremendous opportunity for the canoe enthusiast who can take a major excursion on a nearby lake system.

Places to See and Explore Close By

Use this Provincial Park as your home while you explore the surrounding area on the Viking Trail. Enjoy the rugged coastal scenery along this most northerly section of the island of Newfoundland. L'Anse aux Meadows and the community of St. Anthony are only a short distance away.

Parks and Natural Areas
Tourism, Culture, Recreation
P.O. Box 8700, St. John's, NF, A1B 4J6