Sir Richard Squires Memorial

Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park is a 1,574 square kilometer protected area in western Newfoundland and Labrador, notable as the first provincial park established in Newfoundland in 1954 and officially opened in July 1959. Named in honor of Sir Richard Squires, who served as Prime Minister of Newfoundland, the park is renowned for its world-class Atlantic salmon fishing along the Humber River. Located 36 kilometers from Deer Lake and 50 kilometers from Corner Brook, the park features extensive boreal forest ecosystems and river valley landscapes. The park accommodates between 148 and 157 campsites and includes a visitor center, making it one of Newfoundland's most developed and popular provincial parks for both anglers and families seeking wilderness experiences.

The park's diverse wildlife includes moose, which are abundant throughout the forested areas, along with black bears that forage along river corridors and in berry-rich clearings during summer and fall. The Humber River system supports exceptional populations of Atlantic salmon, brook trout, and Arctic char, drawing anglers from around the world to experience some of North America's finest salmonid fishing. Bird species include spruce grouse, ruffed grouse, and various woodpeckers in the forests, while bald eagles and ospreys hunt along the river. Small mammals such as red squirrels, snowshoe hares, pine martens, and Canadian lynx inhabit the boreal forest, while river otters and beavers are common along waterways. During migration periods, waterfowl including mergansers and goldeneyes utilize the river system as a travel corridor.

The park protects extensive tracts of boreal forest dominated by black spruce, white spruce, and balsam fir, with white birch and trembling aspen colonizing disturbed areas and creating important wildlife habitat. The understory features typical boreal species including Labrador tea, blueberries, bunchberry, and various mosses and lichens that carpet the forest floor. Riparian zones along the Humber River support lush vegetation including alders, willows, and various sedges and grasses that provide bank stabilization and aquatic insect habitat crucial for fish populations. The park's diverse topography creates microclimates supporting different plant communities, from dry rocky ridges with sparse vegetation to rich valley bottoms with dense mixed forests. Wetland areas scattered throughout the park feature sphagnum moss, pitcher plants, and sundews adapted to nutrient-poor acidic conditions.

The park's landscape was fundamentally shaped by glacial activity during the Wisconsin glaciation, which carved the deep Humber River valley and deposited extensive till across the region. The underlying bedrock consists primarily of Paleozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks, part of the complex geological assemblage of western Newfoundland that includes remnants of ancient ocean floor thrust onto the continental margin. The Humber River has continued to shape the landscape through erosion, creating dramatic gorges, rapids, and pools that characterize the famous salmon fishing waters. Glacial erratics, large boulders transported by ice sheets, are scattered throughout the park, while eskers and other glacial landforms provide evidence of the retreating ice sheets that shaped the region approximately 10,000 to 12,000 years ago.

The park experiences a cool maritime-influenced climate with cold, snowy winters and mild summers typical of western Newfoundland's interior regions. Average temperatures range from -12°C in January to 16°C in July, with the river valley creating localized temperature inversions that can make low-lying areas cooler on calm nights. Annual precipitation averages approximately 1,200 millimeters, including substantial snowfall that typically exceeds 400 centimeters, with snow cover persisting from November through April in most years. Spring runoff occurs in late April and May, bringing high water levels that eventually moderate to ideal salmon fishing conditions by mid-June. Summer weather can be variable, with periods of warm, sunny conditions interrupted by cool, damp weather when maritime air masses penetrate inland, while fall typically features stable, pleasant conditions ideal for viewing autumn foliage along the river valley.

The Humber River valley has been used by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years, with the Mi'kmaq people utilizing the river as a major travel route and important fishing grounds for Atlantic salmon and other species. European exploration of the area began in the 18th century, with the region becoming increasingly important for the inland fur trade and eventually the forest industry. The exceptional salmon fishing attracted sportsmen from Britain and North America by the late 19th century, establishing the Humber River's international reputation for trophy Atlantic salmon. In the early 20th century, logging operations intensified throughout the watershed to supply the pulp and paper mill in Corner Brook, creating a complex relationship between industrial use and conservation needs. The area's natural beauty and recreational value were increasingly recognized through the mid-20th century, leading to the park's establishment.

Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park was established in 1954 as Newfoundland's first provincial park, representing a landmark achievement in the young province's conservation history following confederation with Canada in 1949. The park was named to honor Sir Richard Squires, a prominent political figure who served as Prime Minister of Newfoundland from 1919-1923 and 1928-1932, recognizing his contributions to the dominion's development. The park officially opened to the public in July 1959 after several years of infrastructure development, including roads, camping facilities, and visitor services. Over subsequent decades, the park has been expanded and facilities upgraded to accommodate growing visitor numbers while protecting the salmon fishing heritage. The park has become a symbol of Newfoundland's commitment to balancing outdoor recreation, particularly angling, with ecosystem conservation and sustainable tourism development.

The park's primary attraction is world-renowned Atlantic salmon fishing on the Humber River, with numerous pools and runs offering exceptional angling opportunities from mid-June through early September. Popular fishing spots include the Big Falls area, where salmon navigate impressive cascades during their upstream migration, providing spectacular viewing opportunities for non-anglers. Hiking trails wind through the boreal forest to scenic viewpoints overlooking the river valley, with interpretive signage explaining the area's natural and cultural history. The visitor center provides exhibits on Atlantic salmon biology, the park's ecosystems, and the history of angling in the region. Wildlife viewing opportunities are excellent, particularly for observing moose along roadways during early morning and evening hours, while berry picking attracts visitors during late summer when blueberries and bakeapples ripen throughout the forest clearings.

The park features between 148 and 157 campsites ranging from basic tent sites to sites with electrical hookups, accommodating both wilderness campers and RV travelers. A visitor center near the main entrance provides park information, permits, and educational displays about the region's natural and cultural heritage. The park is accessible via Route 430 from Deer Lake, located 36 kilometers to the north, with Corner Brook situated 50 kilometers to the southwest serving as the major regional hub. There is no entrance fee for the park, though camping and fishing require permits, with salmon fishing licenses strictly regulated to protect the fishery. Facilities include comfort stations, picnic areas, boat launches for river access, and a playground for families. The park operates primarily from May through October, with full services available during peak summer months, though the campground typically closes in early fall after the angling season concludes.

The park plays a critical role in protecting the Atlantic salmon populations of the Humber River, which face pressures from climate change, habitat degradation, and historical overfishing. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining water quality, protecting spawning habitat, and enforcing catch-and-release regulations that have helped stabilize salmon populations in recent decades. The park manages human use carefully to balance angling access with ecosystem protection, including designated fishing areas and seasonal closures to protect spawning fish. Climate change poses emerging threats, including warming water temperatures that stress cold-water species like salmon and altered precipitation patterns affecting river flows and spawning success. Invasive species monitoring addresses concerns about non-native plants and potential aquatic invasives. The park works with provincial fisheries managers, Indigenous communities, and angling organizations to develop sustainable management practices that ensure both the salmon fishery and the broader ecosystem remain healthy for future generations.