Topsail Beach Rotary Park in Conception Bay South Newfoundland is just four minutes from my house and a regular part of our lives all year round. It is a popular location destination that is great for the entire family. That is likely due the...
Topsail Beach Rotary Park in Conception Bay South Newfoundland is just four minutes from my house and a regular part of our lives all year round. It is a popular location destination that is great for the entire family. That is likely due the wide variety of activities that are available here for many adventure seekers.
Topsail Beach
Topsail Beach looks across Conception Bay South to three islands (Bell Island, Little Bell Island and Kelly's Island). It has panoramic views that provide a wonderful display of the power of the Atlantic Ocean. Like most beaches in Newfoundland, it is covered in rocks of all shapes and sizes with only a small amount of sand, if the tide is out.
Topsail Beach Rotary Park
The park has picnic areas, a playground, a gazebo, and access to local hiking trails. The development of this park by the town of Conception Bay South has lead to accessible paths to the beach, fire pits and the picnic areas. There is also a washroom that is open seasonally.
Activities at Topsail Beach
Locally this beach is most well known as a bonfire beach. On any nice evening you will find numerous fires lined along the beach with friends and families gathered. However, during the day you can use a kayak, paddleboard or bring your snorkel gear if you are up the cold plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. The other great thing about this Park is that if you are unsure about the ocean, there is a freshwater pond that is also home to local ducks. It is unsupervised public swimming so be sure you know your abilities before you get into the water.
Hiking at Topsail Beach
In the summer months it is hard to find a parking spot, especially on days with special events or holidays. This Park is the starting point of the East Coast Trail (Long Shore Path) as well as the Topsail Beach Bluff Trail. A walk along the beach towards the point is also popular as it leads to a Quartz Crystal outcrop that is known locally as the Topsail Beach Cave. It is a great location to watch the sunset, but bring a friend who can help you climb the short rope.
Directions to Topsail Beach Rotary Park
Topsail Beach is located on Topsail Beach Road, just off Topsail Road as you leave Paradise and head to Conception Bay South. There is a small green sign on the side of the road, which can be easily missed. Therefore, I recommend using navigation to assist and be aware it is at the curve in the road.
Once you turn down the narrow street, go slow. It is a narrow road that at one bend requires you to watch a mirror along the fence to ensure traffic in the other direction is aware of you, and vice versa.
Recommended for a visit to St. John's
I would recommend this Park to anyone who was visiting the St. John's, Newfoundland area for it's picturesque view all year round. There are many options to entertain all ages.
Topsail Beach Rotary Park Conception Bay South
All Year Round Adventure Location Newfoundland
The entrance to the Long Shore path is one the side of the park. This is the start of the East Coast Trail and frequently used by the local community. The path is well maintained, but always watch for wet sections as some parts of the trail cross...
The entrance to the Long Shore path is one the side of the park. This is the start of the East Coast Trail and frequently used by the local community. The path is well maintained, but always watch for wet sections as some parts of the trail cross through or over riverbeds.
There are signs on your way into any section of East Coast Trail outlining basic safety information and notifying users that entering is at your own risk.
The Path signs along the East Coast Trail provide a map that shows you where you start and where the path takes you. It also points out highlights along the trail with the distance to reach the destination.
The brown wooden post is the trail marker that designates the divide in the trail. The path to the left is the Long Shore Path of the East Coast Trail, and the path to the left is the Topsail Bluff trail.
About 500m from the entrance to the Long Shore Path there is a marker with a nail. This is the start of the Topsail Bluff trail to the right. There is no sign designating this as the trail so watching for the marker is the only way to locate the...
About 500m from the entrance to the Long Shore Path there is a marker with a nail. This is the start of the Topsail Bluff trail to the right. There is no sign designating this as the trail so watching for the marker is the only way to locate the beginning of the trail.
When you hike any section of the East Coast Trail it is important to pay attention to the black and white trail markers. There are often points in the trail where another old trail or road crossover a section of the trail and the markers are...
When you hike any section of the East Coast Trail it is important to pay attention to the black and white trail markers. There are often points in the trail where another old trail or road crossover a section of the trail and the markers are there to tell you which direction to take.
This Topsail Beach Bluff trail is rugged and there are several sections with large rocks to navigate on your way to the bluff. On the right hand side through the trees you see the bluff at the top you are hiking towards.
Spotting rock shaped rocks is a regular past time in our family, but when I am hiking I always look out for them too. This trunk was surrounded by the mossy ground along the path.
When you reach the top of the bluff trail you veer to the right. You do have to follow your nose towards the outcrop as the trail crosses over many paths through the forest.
One of things that always amazes me about Newfoundland is the massive boulders that sit in the middle of forests, in meadows and almost everywhere in between. They are often twice the height of me and so big that they always seem so out of place...
One of things that always amazes me about Newfoundland is the massive boulders that sit in the middle of forests, in meadows and almost everywhere in between. They are often twice the height of me and so big that they always seem so out of place next to the small rocks on the trail.
Reaching the clearing at the top of the bluff was breathtaking. You have views of all of Conception Bay and Topsail Beach below. On a clear day, such as this, you can see all the way across the bay to where Cupids and Harbour Grace are along the...
Reaching the clearing at the top of the bluff was breathtaking. You have views of all of Conception Bay and Topsail Beach below. On a clear day, such as this, you can see all the way across the bay to where Cupids and Harbour Grace are along the far shore.
Throughout the Topsail Beach area you will find veining of quartz crystal where the rocks have shifted and broken. The quartz veins fill the space within the rocks. Similar veins are throughout this area and geological studies show this was...
Throughout the Topsail Beach area you will find veining of quartz crystal where the rocks have shifted and broken. The quartz veins fill the space within the rocks. Similar veins are throughout this area and geological studies show this was caused by volcanic action in the area.
There are section of the trail with loose rocks under your feet. Ensure you have proper footwear and take your time through these sections. The sun shining through the trees kept me motivated on the way to the top.
The Topsail Beach Rotary Park provides public washrooms (seasonally) and a great playground overlooking both the pond and the ocean. The swings at sunset are a favourite in our family.
There are well maintained picnic tables available for use. They are on a first-come first-served basis and there is no entrance fee to pay to utilize the park.
Throughout the hillside around the beach there are benches to sit and enjoy the view. They are down a few steps from the parking lot and provide a great panorama of Conception Bay South. There is an accessible ramp to reach one of the levels of...
Throughout the hillside around the beach there are benches to sit and enjoy the view. They are down a few steps from the parking lot and provide a great panorama of Conception Bay South. There is an accessible ramp to reach one of the levels of benches.
From the parking lot to the beach there is a winding accessible path with benches and picnic tables. Topsail Beach is a community beach that encourages visitors to spend time outside. As we say here in Newfoundland, to stay a while.