Area History

Artifacts discovered adjacent to the town of Pinware indicate, from radiocarbon dating, that Pinware Hill is one of the earliest Palaeo Indian archaeological sites in the province, dating back nearly 9000 years. Many different Aboriginal cultures lived in the area of Pinware from time to time. The longest time of habitation was probably during the Maritime Archaic period. A burial monument near L'anse Amour, just south of Pinware, dating to 7500 years ago, is attributed to the Maritime Archaic and is the oldest such mound in North America, maybe even the world.

Later, Pre-Dorset Palaeo-Eskimos used the rich marine resources found at Pinware. They were followed by the Groswater Palaeo-Eskimos and then the Dorset Paleo-Eskimo cultures who also utilized the rich marine resources while continuing their migration southward to the Island of Newfoundland.

Europeans were attracted to the area in the 16th century for the rich marine resources just as the Indigenous peoples were. The Basque who operated one of the New World's earliest whaling stations at Red Bay, more than likely traveled to Pinware for various reasons, one of which may have been firewood. French fishermen were visiting the area by the 1600's. A trading post was opened and the seal hunt and salmon fishery were integral to its operation. The first year-round European settlers were probably Irish immigrants who made their way to Pinware via Carbonear in the late 1700s.

Geology

The metamorphic rock basis for Pinware is composed of mostly a type of quartz and was formed during the Proterozoic Era some 955 million years conifers. Many species of plants grow in the park as well as many different and tasty berries.

Wildlife includes many different species of insects, birds, and mammals both small and large. The park is adjacent to the Strait of Belle Isle where whales and seabirds are plentiful. Within the park a visitor may awake to the haunting cry of a loon and see other animals such as moose, caribou, and squirrels. Visitors will notice that these faunal assemblages are different from the island of Newfoundland.

Camping
There are 15 campsites at Pinware Provincial Park. Each campsite has a picnic table, a fireplace, a garbage can, and room for a vehicle. Pit toilets and drinking water taps are located and easily accessible throughout the park. Firewood is also available.

Picnicking
There are 25 picnic sites in Pinware Provincial Park. They have picnic tables, toilets, and drinking water taps.

Fishing
Trouting is exceptional in Pinware River and adjacent rivers, lakes, and ponds. Salmon are abundant and the success rate is high. Restrictions apply to both trout and salmon, so anglers should consult with the park staff before trying their luck.

Hiking
Pinware Park has a beautiful 1.2 km hiking trail which leads to a viewpoint overlooking the peaceful and tranquil town of Pinware, the estuary, and the captivating Pinware River. Rubber footwear and hiking boots are recommended to traverse the entire length of this trail.

Places to See and Explore Close By

Use this Provincial Park as your home as you explore the surrounding area on the Labrador Straits Trail. Just south of the park is the Point Amour Lighthouse, the tallest in Atlantic Canada. To the north is Red Bay, site of a Basques whaling station and several shipwrecks from the late 1500's.

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