5
Moderate

Traveler Rating

 

Activities
  • 7 day self guided hiking
Accommodation
  • 6 nights B&B's/guesthouses
  • 2 nights Hotel

Price

9 daysfrom

$2090USD

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip code: ETS

Trip highlights

  • Enjoy stunning coastal multi-day hiking
  • Opportunities to spot whales, icebergs, puffins, and moose
  • Discover colourful and historic fishing villages and communities
  • Step foot on the most easterly point of North America
  • Experience first-hand friendly Newfoundland hospitality

Embark on an hiking journey along Newfoundland’s legendary East Coast Trail, a stunning network of wild coastal paths renowned for its rugged cliffs, lush forests, and sweeping ocean views. This adventure unveils the island’s dramatic landscapes and rich maritime history with daily treks through serene woodlands, past historic fishing stations, and along rocky coastlines overlooking the Atlantic. Starting in St. John’s, soak in the city’s vibrant charm before setting out to explore hidden gems of the trail. Highlights include spotting puffins and whales near Tors Cove, marveling at the breathtaking sea arch at Berry Head, and enjoying the iconic views from Signal Hill. Along the way, immerse yourself in Newfoundland’s coastal heritage and stay in cozy B&Bs with warm hospitality and home-cooked meals. Designed for seasoned hikers, this unforgettable itinerary offers the best of Newfoundland’s captivating scenery, rich culture, and the awe-inspiring East Coast Trail.

Itinerary

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Welcome to the windy, colourful and boisterous capital of Newfoundland. You will need to find your way to your hotel in the centre of town (details are provided with your final documents). Spend the rest of the day exploring one of the oldest cities in North America, discovering its bright-painted heritage houses and buildings, restaurants, galleries and antique shops. Your accommodation is also close to the legendary nightlife and live music on George Street

Meals:  Nil

After breakfast, you'll be dropped off at the trailhead in Flatrock to hike north where you'll be spending the night. You will pass some wooded tracks, a known eagle's nest to keep an eye out for, and sweeping views. Beyond these features lies Stiles Cove, where seals would haul up on sea ledges to rest and hunt in coves with streams frequented by salmon. Lookout points and side trails along the day's route overlook Shoe Cove Island, exposed rock ledges and a few gorgeous waterfalls. The trail heads west along a traditional cow path through coastal woods on Shoe Cove's steep eastern slope and crosses Shoe Cove Brook. Nearby Shoe Cove Road, constructed circa 1900, links the cove to the highway and allowed local families to homestead in the area nearby. While Shoe Cove itself was mostly used historically as a summer fishing station, cattle used to roam the community pasture between the 1960s and the early 2000s in the early operational years of Shoe Cove's chief pasture. A short distance from Shoe Cove, your B&B in Pouch Cove lies ahead, along with a warm meal.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today's hike is an out-and-back route from your B&B the night before. This stretch of trail features steep hills, a rugged coastline, and sweeping ocean views, with the chance to spot whales and seabirds, especially in the summer. About halfway from the Biscan Cove trailhead, you'll find an ideal picnic spot and scenic viewpoint called Champs Lookout. The trail also passes through prime berry-picking areas and the remnants of the Cape St. Francis Lighthouse, along with a still-operational helicopter pad. A transfer is scheduled upon your return to bring you to Bay Bulls for the next two nights.

Meals:  B,L,D

You will be picked up after breakfast and taken to the trail head at Petty Harbour for your hike to Cape Spear, the most easterly point of the continent, in the shadow of the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador, and an iconic symbol of the province’s maritime history. Your hike will feature board-walked bog crossings, a variety of terrains, two river crossings and expansive views of deep swells rolling in across the Atlantic. You have plenty of time to explore the Cape Spear Lighthouse, which was originally built in 1836 and rebuilt in 1955 using the active light of the original lighthouse before you are transferred back to your B&B in Bay Bulls.

Meals:  B,L,D

After a hearty breakfast, you take on two of the easier sections of the East Coast Trail, ending at the famous brightly-painted saltbox houses in the community of Tors Cove. With its epic views of blue ocean, rocks, field and forest, “the Cribbies” is the most photographed meadow in Newfoundland. It has one of the best views of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, and fairy-tale magic about the place. The trail hugs the shoreline with lovely shore and coastal views all the way to the reserve, which is a sanctuary for puffins and migrating seabirds. The area is also a popular feeding ground for humpback whales, so keep an eye out for tails and breaches. The hike concludes in Beauline East, a charming, picturesque community that preserves the island’s rich fishing heritage. While waiting for our driver to pick you up for a transfer to Port Kirwan, take a moment to admire the traditional fishing life at the covered dock, where you can observe the local culture up close.

Meals:  B,L,D

Beginning with grassy meadows and mixed woods, today's path crosses numerous brooks in taking you to a fantastic lookout point overlooking The Forge. This monumental cinder block of rock regularly has high waves break over it during rough seas. This is one of many impressive lookout points to be found on the day's hike which also features views of Renews harbour, of a thriving cormorant colony nesting on Renews Island, and of more waves breaking over rocks and sea-washed ledges. After a transfer to Port Kirwan, you'll be provided another home-cooked meal as you reflect on the day's adventure.

Meals:  B,L,D

If there’s a single photo of your trip that will stop people in their tracks, it will be the massive sea arch at Berry Head located on the Spurwink Island Path section of the trail. Chunks of the stratified archway continue to fall to the ground below, while the reflecting ocean window is sublime on a summer day. You have the option of hiking the full distance southwards from Aquaforte back to your accommodation or to do an out-and-back hike to the archway from your accommodation. Both options result in similar hiking distances, but the latter (out and back) route avoids the north section, which is a rugged hike through dense forest with few coastal views.

Meals:  B,L,D

A morning transfer awaits after breakfast to join this diverse coastal trail connecting Logy Bay with St. John’s. The trail features two significant elevation changes of 150 meters. Along the way, you'll enjoy stunning coastal vistas from atop Sugarloaf Head to the north, explore unique rock formations at the Skerries, and take in panoramic 360-degree views of St. John’s and Quidi Vidi from the Bawdens Highlands in the south. Be aware that the hiking trail and biking route, both well-marked, criss-cross up Bawdens Highland. After crossing White Hills and Bawdens Highland, Quidi Vidi Village offers a range of services for visitors and a community link to Signal Hill National Historic Site. The optional 175-meter climb up Signal Hill is well worth it, as viewers who have experienced the historic viewpoint will attest. You will be walking back to your St. John's hotel, whether you decided to take the more relaxing route directly from Quidi Vidi Village or to climb Signal Hill for the impressive views of the city harbour and surroundings. If you haven’t already, tonight may be the night to get ‘Screeched In’ on George Street and become an honorary Newfoundlander.

Meals:  B,L

Services end after breakfast. We hope you enjoyed your stay at 'the Rock'!

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
  • 8 nights in B&B's/guesthouses/hotels on a double occupancy basis
  • Luggage transfers (1 piece per person)
  • Transfers to/from trailheads as indicated in itinerary
  • Navigation APP inclusive of detailed route notes and points of interest (available offline while hiking)
  • Set of trail maps (1 per group)
  • Use of Garmin emergency communications device (1 per group)
  • $50 donation to the East Coast Trail Association

  • Travel to and from St. John's
  • Items of a personal nature including alcoholic beverages
  • Meals and transfers where not indicated in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance
  • Entrance fees and optional activities
  • Airport transfers
  • Applicable taxes

Accommodation

Haven for hikers

Belle Maison in Port Kirwan offers a distinctive experience with accommodations tailored for hikers. Every room is equipped with a private ensuite and sufficient storage space. The snack shack is equipped with boot dryers and offers additional hiking poles. The hot tub is a revitalizing amenity, ideal for unwinding after hiking. Situated in a fishing village, our skilled host frequently prepares fresh fish and seafood.

Charming B&B

Nestled in Bay Bulls, one of the oldest communities in North America, this locale delivers an amazing experience. Each room offers a breathtaking ocean view, enhancing your experience. Your stay includes curated meals at a modern-style restaurant centred on locally sourced ingredients.

Trail Surface

Expect diverse and often rugged terrain

The East Coast Trail is considered one of the world’s best coastal hikes. The trail covers a variety of terrain, and its location along the rugged coast of the Avalon Peninsula in Newfoundland is exposed to unpredictable weather variation. Each segment of the East Coast Trail is unique, offering a variety of trail surfaces and memorable experiences but potentially creating challenges that require sure footing and extra preparation.

You will encounter everything from relatively flat to short, steep sections. Mixed ascents and descents will range up to 150 meters. Most of the walk is on well-marked trail with some boarded surfaces, exposed tree roots, and likely mud and/or rocks to tread over or around. Some sections of the East Coast Trail can get particularly slippery after rainy days, including stream crossing, we recommend using hiking poles. You will need suitable footwear with good support to avoid rolling ankles or encountering blisters. This is not a trip for breaking in new hiking boots! Be sure you have tried and tested your boots in wet conditions and over uneven terrain. Expect long hiking days as distances may vary from 8 to 16km per day with variable weather conditions. Be prepared for each day's weather by carrying a variety of gear appropriate for adverse weather (rain gear, windbreakers, sunscreen, long pants, etc.).

Suitability

Moderate

5

Moderate. Daily walks are between 8km and 16km on well marked trails over diverse and often rugged terrain – from relatively flat to short, steep sections. Most of the walk is on trail with some boarded surfaces, exposed tree roots, and likely mud and/or rocks to scramble over. You should pay particular attention to your footwear to ensure that it is suitable to avoid blisters and rolling ankles. This is not a trip for breaking in new hiking boots! Be sure you have tried and tested your boots in wet conditions and over uneven terrain. Route finding will be reasonably straightforward (refer to information regarding self guided adventures) but days are long and weather conditions will be variable. The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities, and along rocky shores. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the views, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. Self guided walking requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you’ve never been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of if as the vast majority of our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly and we provide local contact information in the event of any problems. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self guided trips, however with a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self guided trip is something that, once experienced, is sought time and time again.

Departure dates

Daily from May 15 through October 9

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Priceper person from

$2090USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementUSD$480
* Prices listed are per person. All prices subject to applicable taxes.

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Our Expertise

Everyone who works with us, from our office staff, ground staff and guides is the ‘’real deal’’. Our team is comprised of actual hikers and cyclists who have explored or live in the region in which you will be traveling. Our entire network is highly-specialised in active travel.

Great Value

Quality services at the best price make our active trips great value for money. Having essential items included like National Park fees, accommodations, most meals, bikes for cycling trips, maps and support for peace of mind. Our inclusions allow you to better budget for your big adventure.

Innovative Itineraries

We look beyond the horizon to find new and exciting adventures. We’re passionate about shaping the next generation of outdoor travel in North America, and constantly seek different ways, routes and alternatives to exceed our clients’ dreams.

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We are committed to responsible travel and true sustainability, formed when the company was established, and in the face of a multitude of threats to the environment, our commitment is stronger than ever. We aim to "leave no trace" in both an environmental and cultural sense.

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Hiking Newfoundland's East Coast Trail with Great Canadian Trails