La Manche Provincial Park Park

Provincial coastal park with rugged shoreline and trails

A coastal provincial park on Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula, La Manche draws hikers to a suspension bridge, rocky inlets and backcountry campsites; visitors follow rugged coastal trails and paddle sheltered bays near the old village ruins.

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La Manche Provincial Park at a Glance#

Address: La Manche Provincial Park, Newfoundland and Labrador (near Brigus South)

Hours: Daylight hours (park access generally open year-round)

About La Manche Provincial Park#

La Manche Provincial Park is a provincial park on the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland and Labrador that protects a narrow coastal inlet and surrounding forested terrain. It is a regional park valued for its coastal scenery and walking trails.

Trails lead along steep-sided shorelines and across a suspension footbridge that spans the inlet, with viewpoints over the Atlantic and compact campground facilities for overnight stays. Short hiking loops and seaside vistas make the park a popular day-use destination for local walkers and picnickers.

The park conserves coastal terrain and forested shoreline typical of the Avalon coast and provides access to a compact, coastal wilderness environment. Facilities are modest and orientated to hiking and low-impact camping.

La Manche Provincial Park lies on Newfoundland’s east coast on the Avalon Peninsula, south of the St. John’s metropolitan area. Access is by coastal roads that connect a series of small communities along this section of the coastline.

  • Bridge highlight: The suspension footbridge is a focal point of the main trail and one of the park’s most photographed features.
  • Best season: Best visited in late spring through early autumn when coastal trails and campground facilities are open and weather is most favourable.

What to See#

  • Suspension footbridge: A narrow suspension footbridge spans a coastal inlet, forming a distinctive crossing on the park’s main loop trail and providing elevated views of the shoreline.
  • Campground and trails: A small, wooded campground and a network of coastal walking trails follow the inlet and nearby headlands, offering short hikes and seaside viewpoints.

How to Get to La Manche Provincial Park#

La Manche Provincial Park lies along the East Coast of Newfoundland, near Brigus South. From St. John’s, drive west along Route 10 (Irish Loop) and follow local signage; the park is about a 45-60 minute drive depending on conditions.

Tips for Visiting La Manche Provincial Park#

  • Bring insect repellent in summer - coastal Newfoundland parks can be buggy in warm months.
  • Allow time to explore the suspension bridge and coastal trails; tide pools reveal marine life at low tide.
  • The coastal trail can be slippery after rain; good trail shoes and a cautious pace are recommended.

Best Time to Visit La Manche Provincial Park#

Best visited in summer for hiking and coastal access; shoulder seasons offer solitude but more variable weather.

Summer
June-August · 8-18°C
Best for hiking and coastal views - long daylight and cooler temperatures.
Late spring/early autumn
May-June, September-October · 5-12°C
Fewer tourists and good wildlife-spotting, but weather can be changeable.

Weather & Climate near La Manche Provincial Park#

Climate

La Manche Provincial Park's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -8°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1549 mm/year), wettest in January, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
20°
Warmest Month
-8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (151 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-7° -1°

Weather

151 mm
Rainfall
8.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-8° -1°

Weather

134 mm
Rainfall
7.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy

March

March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (139 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

139 mm
Rainfall
7.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy

April

April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

124 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy

May

May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

118 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 20°

Weather

105 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 20°

Weather

99 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

133 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

142 mm
Rainfall
6.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy

November

November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

146 mm
Rainfall
7.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy

December

December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

146 mm
Rainfall
8.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy

Nearby Attractions to La Manche Provincial Park#