Blow Me Down Provincial Park is situated on a peninsula between Lark and York Harbours. Magnificent views of the Blow Me Down mountains and the Bay of Islands make this park one of the most scenic locations in the area to visit. Located off Highway 450, the park is 60 km west from Corner Brook and the Trans Canada Highway.

Natural History
There are several opportunities for hiking within the park. The trail to the look-out, a half kilometre distance, is suited to family walking. Much of the hike is board walk and steps. There are two trails to the observation tower, one from the day use parking lot and the second from the camping loop. Wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing. Please stay on the trails and take all garbage out with you. Follow the signs and do not miss Govemor’s Staircase, a unique walk framed by rocks that were formed over 450 million years ago. These rocks are fragments of volcanic rock varying in size and shape (geologists call this agglomerate), and are cut by veins of white quartz. Look closely, some of the rock appears to be flowing like a small stream.

After a 1/2 hour walk you will be well rewarded by the view at the top of the tower. Imagine standing there as Captains surveyed the Bay of Islands and both York and Lark harbours!

While on the tower take a moment…imagine life before highway 450 was built ‘in the 1960s… Look north to the fishing community of Lark Harbour see the men rowing their dories in with a of herring, lobster or cod. The cod will be out on the flakes to dry, the herring will be dumped in barrels to be picked up by schooners from the USA. Imagine the womenfolk tending their kitchen gardens of cabbage, turnip and beets. See the children and other family members turning the codfish on the flakes and shooing the flies. Look beyond the wharfs, stores and stages, the neatly packed houses congregate on a natural terrace and above them rise the limestone cliffs of the 250 metre high Murry Mountain.

Look to the northeast out past Tortoise Mountain (240 in). Three main islands (Guernsey, Tweed and Pearl) crowd the entrance to the Bay of Islands, once known as Baie de Trois Isles by the French. At least a dozen other islands are in the bay. Wood’s Island, to the east, had a thriving fishing community. Governor’s Island, to the southeast, was used by nearby communities for haymaking and potato growing. Cranberries are still picked there. Look beyond the island and see the Blow Me Down Mountain. According to legend, Captain Messervey anchored his boat below this mountain range and said “I hope they don’t blow-me-down”!

CAMPING
Surrounded by mystical bowl shaped mountains are 28 private campsites situated within two forested loops. In each loop there is waterpumps and toilets. The campsites are equipped with a picnic table, fireplace and space for vour vehicle. A wheelchair accessible comfort station with laundry, shower facilities and dumping station is located near the first loop (1 – 18). The playground is near the first camping loop.

DAY USE
The Park has a picnic area speciallv developed for day visitors. From there it is a short stroll to a lovely beach for walking, discovering and rock skipping. Take a look into the shallow water and see the home of starfish and sand dollars and crabs. From this southeast shore there is an unobstructed view of the Blow Me Down Mountain range, which rises abruptly from sea level to an elevation of 650 metres.