Experience Hiking & Walking
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29,000 kilometres of coastline and a story every step of the way.
- Great Hikes & Walks by Region
- Hiking & Walking Experiences
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There's something about Newfoundland and Labrador that nurtures your mind, body, and soul. Here you’ll find 29,000 kilometres of pristine coastline, dotted with beaches, sea stacks, and close to 300 hiking and walking trails. There are urban strolls, coastal hikes, backcountry expeditions, and captivating provincial & national parks. Along the way, if the timing is right, you’ll see seabirds, whales, and icebergs. And keep an eye out for moose and boreal songbirds as you connect with the unspoiled wilderness.
Here, tranquility has coordinates. You just have to know where to look. Or in this case, where to hike.
Great Hikes & Walks by Region
Western Region
The land found here has a unique geological history dating back 1.25 billion years. Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers more than 100 kilometres of hiking trails.
Erin Mountain Trail, Barachois Pond Provincial Park
Barachois Pond Provincial ParkHere is a tale of two trails. Take the easy trail over boardwalk to the lower lookout and try to spot a moose crossing the bogs. Head to the top of Erin Mountain on the more challenging trail up stairs and over rock. At the summit of 340 metres, you’ll be well rewarded with a panoramic view of St. George's Bay and the blue waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Behind you is the top of the Long Range Mountains.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2hr (return)
Length: 7.1km
Route Type: Out & Back
Category: Provincial Park Trail
Sandbanks Provincial Park Coastal Trails
Sandbanks Provincial ParkExplore five beaches with long stretches of white sand for strolling and beachcombing. Enjoy the special beauty of the park's sandy shores with a walk; in summer, be sure to look for shorebirds feeding in the shallows. The Endangered Piping Plover nests here, so please exercise caution and pay attention to signage. If you want to walk the entire network of beach trails, start at First Beach. Otherwise you can visit each beach individually.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 5min - 2hr (return)
Length: 400m - 7km
Route Type: Out & Back, Point to Point
Category: Provincial Park Trail
Danny’s Trail
Port au Port WestStarts at the Port au Port isthmus, where it’s believed that Jacques Cartier landed in 1534. This trail has views of Port au Port Bay and the Long Range Mountains, with interesting rock formations, beaches, and coves marking the way. Several paths lead off from the main trail, including a slight detour leading to Our Lady of Mercy Church, the largest wooden structure in the province. The trail ends in the old Aguathuna Limestone Quarry—aguathuna being the Beothuk word for “white rock.”
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1.5hr
Length: 8km
Route Type: Out & Back
Category: Coastal Trail
Stream Trail Network
Corner BrookCorner Brook’s Stream Trail network travels throughout downtown and the surrounding area, enhanced by pedestrian bridges, staircases, walkways, viewing platforms, and rest areas. Enjoy a walk through the striking natural beauty of the province’s westernmost city. Download the free "Tales Along the Trails" app to your phone for a guided tour experience.
Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
Duration: Short Walks
Length: 2.7km
Route Type: Loop, Point to Point
Category: Town and City Treks
Cape Blow Me Down Hiking Trail, International Appalachian Trail
York HarbourThis trail ascends 650 metres to the top of the Blow-Me-Down Mountains and then extends into the mountain range. There, it joins the Newfoundland section of the International Appalachian Trail, an 800km thru-hiking route made up of a network of shorter trails and routes. It's a steady climb to the top, and parts of the trail are ungroomed, but the views over the Bay of Islands and York Harbour are worth it. Don't forget to pause and smell the wildflowers along the way.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Duration: 4hr (return)
Length: 3.8km
Route Type: Out & Back
Category: Coastal Trail
Lark Harbour Head Trail, Blow Me Down Provincial Park
Blow Me Down Provincial ParkThis trail in Blow Me Down Provincial Park travels over boardwalks and stairs to a lookout with endless views over the Bay of Islands, Lark Harbour, and York Harbour. On your descent, you'll tackle the Governor's Staircase—a wooden staircase embedded into a 450- million-year-old wall of volcanic rock. If you're pressed for time, you can start at the staircase and climb your way up for the same epic views.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2hr (return)
Length: 5.3km
Route Type: Out & Back
Category: Coastal Trail, Provincial Park Trail
Burnt Hill Trail
Near Norris Point, Gros Morne National ParkA short, easy hike that takes you on a 360º loop of Burnt Hill with several picnic areas and viewpoints. This beautiful, scenic trail provides lots of photo opportunities of Norris Point, the Tablelands and Main Arm of Bonne Bay. Perfectly suited for a leisurely evening or morning stroll.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 1hr
Length: 3km
Route Type: Loop
Category: Coastal Trail
Lookout Trail, Gros Morne National Park
Parks Canada Gros Morne National ParkYou’ll climb steadily through forest and then emerge from the trees onto a highland plateau on this sometimes steep (but always scenic) trail. From the platform atop Partridgeberry Hill you can enjoy spectacular views of Bonne Bay, Gros Morne Mountain, the Tablelands and the Lookout Hills. The trailhead starts at the Discovery Centre parking lot; visit there first to brush up on your geology and environmental knowledge.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 1.5hr
Length: 5.8km
Route Type: Loop
Category: National Park Trail
Gros Morne Mountain Trail, Gros Morne National Park
Parks Canada Gros Morne National ParkClimbing 800 metres to summit to the Park's highest mountain is strenuous, but the experience is worth it: Arctic-alpine habitant, views of Ten Mile Pond, Long Range Mountains, wildlife sightings and wildflowers. It is very important to be well-prepared before undertaking this hike and to check with Parks Canada staff. Trail is closed May - late June every year for ecological reasons. If you'd prefer an easier Park hike (but no less wondrous), try the Tablelands Trail or Green Gardens Trail.
Difficulty: Difficult
Duration: 8hr +
Length: 15.4km
Route Type: Loop
Category: National Park Trail
Glass Hole Trail, Northeast Way Trails
ConcheHike along the coast of Conche to the Glass Hole, a cavern in the heights of the cliffs that take you to the Atlantic Ocean. From here, you’ll find amazing vistas of icebergs and whales, and resettled islands in the distance. The trailhead is located at a crashed WWII Boston BZ-277 plane from 1942, with most of the wreck still intact.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2.5hrs
Length: 6.8km
Route Type: Loop
Category: Coastal Trail
Central Region
With more than 70 hiking and walking trails to explore in the Central Region, you can quite literally spend your entire journey on your feet. Terra Nova National Park, near Clarenville, is home to more than 80 kilometres of trails.
Alexander Murray Hiking Trail
King’s PointThis signature trail of scenic Green Bay boasts 2,200 stairs—but don't worry, it's not all uphill. The route carries you through forest terrain and across the Moose Barrens before summiting at HayPook with views over the Southwest Arm of Green Bay. There’s 5 lookouts and 3 waterfalls along the way, and plenty of opportunity to spot wildlife.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3hr (return)
Length: 8.5km
Route Type: Loop
Category: Forest Path
Hazelnut Hiking & Adventure Trail
Robert’s ArmThis trail in Robert’s Arm is stunning year round, but particularly in the fall when the hillside turns into a carpet of autumnal hues. Walk across the brilliantly engineered George Baker Bridge (complete with its own gazebo) and then make your way to the top of the hill lookout. See if you can find Cressie, the famed lake monster that lives in Crescent Lake. For a shorter hike, start at Tommy’s Arm River Bridge and make your way toward Long Pond.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4hr
Length: 10km
Route Type: Point to Point
Category: Town/City Trek and Forest Path
Black Head Trail, Dildo Run Provincial Park
Dildo Run Provincial ParkA light, yet rewarding trail that follows the coastline to Black Head. It begins winding through a dense boreal forest, and ends with a staircase to the top of a barren headland with a platform that offers a spectacular view of Dildo Run and some of its 365 islands.
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 30min (return)
Length: 4km (return)
Route Type: Out & Back
Category: Provincial Park Trail
French Beach to Codjacks Cove - Rockcut Twillingate Trails
TwillingateStart at the very scenic French Beach. Hike along the rugged coastline to reach the sheltered rocky beaches of Spillers Cove and then onwards to Codjacks Cove. Pack a picnic and enjoy the views with lunch. Along your way you will be amazed by the majestic headlands, sea stacks and breathtaking coastal views. Stop to pick some wild berries and, if you're lucky, take some pictures of sea birds, whales and icebergs. If you wish to end the hike earlier, there are loop-back options along the way.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3hr (return)
Length: 8km (return)
Route Type: Out & Back
Category: Coastal Trail
Squid Jiggers Trail
Change IslandsExperience the magical solitude of Change Islands on this volcanic rock coastal trail starting from Tall Boy, a prominent lookout hill. The trail hugs the rugged coastline, with some inland portions and a few steep climbs where sturdy footwear is required. During iceberg season, the quiet coves along the way offer unparalleled views of these 10,000-year-old glacial giants.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2.5hr
Length: 3.5km
Route Type: Point to Point
Category: Coastal Trail
Lion's Den Hiking Trail, Fogo Islands Trails
Fogo IslandNorth of the town of Fogo, you’ll find a well-marked trail to take you past the resettled communities of Lion's Den, Lock's Cove, Shoal Tickle, and Eastern Tickle. No structures remain but there are information boards along the way, and viewing platforms offer up breathtaking panoramas. This is also a popular berry picking route, especially for raspberries and blueberries.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Duration: 4hr (return)
Length: 4.2km (return)
Route Type: Out & Back
Category: Coastal Trail
Greenspond Hiking Trail - Wonder Shore
GreenspondLocated in the historic town of Greenspond, this trek yields wide open views of the northwest side of Bonavista Bay. There are lots of nooks and crannies to explore along the way, and the route includes highlights like the old courthouse, a church, lighthouses, and graveyards. Look for whales and icebergs if you're hiking in season. You'll be walking the same paths that the earliest settlers of Newfoundland walked over 300 years ago.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 1.25hr
Length: 6km
Route Type: Loop
Category: Coastal Trail
Damnable Trail
EastportRanging from rugged and challenging coastal trails to leisurely strolls along beaches and through historic communities, the Damnable Trail network on the Eastport Peninsula has a trail for each level of hiker experience and difficulty. Come for the spectacular coastal scenery, fascinating geology, beaches, resettled towns, and a 700m tidal walk.
Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
Duration: 1-6hr
Length: 7-14km
Route Type: Out & Back, Point to Point & Loop
Category: Coastal Trail
Coastal Trail, Terra Nova National Park
Newman Sounds Visitor Centre, Terra Nova National ParkThe most popular trail in the park, the Coastal Trail starts at either the Visitor Centre or Newman Sound Campground. The trail meanders along the coast of inner Newman Sound, occasionally dipping down to sandy spots along the coast. Roughly half way the trail breaks out to a road at Headquarter's Wharf. From here follow the path up to Pissamere Falls. This trail is easy with some moderate climbs.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 3-4hr (return)
Length: 9.5km (return)
Route Type: Out & Back
Category: National Park Trail
Eastern Region
Explore coastal trails overlooking sweeping bays and oceanside towns, with amazing sea stacks and caves. There are seven hikes in the Hike Discovery Trail network within the communities of King’s Cove, Trinity, Port Rexton, Champney’s West, Port Union, Elliston and Bonavista. Near Trinity, the Skerwink Trail was named a Travel + Leisure ‘Top Walk’.
Skerwink Trail, Hike Discovery
Port RextonSkerwink is part of the Hike Discovery Trail network. Near Trinity, this trail features beaches, arches, and sea stacks with off-kilter names like Music Box and Flat Fish. It’s walkable from spring to fall, which conveniently coincides with the best times to watch for whales and icebergs. Eagles and seabirds can be spotted as well. A Travel + Leisure "Top Walk."
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Duration: 2hr
Length: 5.3km
Route Type: Loop
Category: Coastal Trail
Murphy's Cove-Lodge's Pond Trail, Hike Discovery
Port Union, Trinity Bay NorthThere are 6 other Hike Discovery trails along the Bonavista Peninsula to explore. Part of the Hike Discovery network and the Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark, this trail features headlands and magnificent ocean views, and opportunities to find fossils. At the halfway point is the Green Island Lighthouse, built in 1857 and one of the few remaining staffed lighthouses in the province. The trail then goes around the headland and through Murphy’s Cove, which was abandoned in the 1960s. In the fall, bring a container for picking blueberries.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2.5hr
Length: 7.7km
Route Type: Loop
Category: Coastal Trail
Lighthouse Trail, Hike Discovery
King’s CoveThis trail is also part of the 7-trail network called the Hike Discovery. A former country road known as Battertons Path, this trail connected the lighthouse to the town of King's Cove. Now restored, the traditional path is part of the Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark and provides access to spectacular coastal scenery and remarkable geological wonders, like the uniquely coloured rock layers from an ancient volcanic mountain range at Brook Point. Have a picnic on the grounds of the Old School, and pause to smell the wildflowers along Pat Murphy’s Meadows.
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 1.5hr
Length: 3.7km
Route Type: Loop
Category: Coastal Trail
Chamber Cove Heritage Walk
St. LawrenceLikely the most thought-provoking trail you’ll hike, this route unfolds the tragic story of a WWII shipwreck disaster involving a convoy of American naval ships: the USS Truxtun, USS Pollux, and USS Wilkes. Visit the memorial monument and read about the brave story of the local miners who rescued 186 sailors. The trail itself is full of impressive cliffs and bluffs extending far out to sea, concealing the beaches beneath them.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 40 min (return)
Length: 1.5 km Loop trail, 3 km (return)
Route Type: Loop, Out & Back
Category: Coastal Trail
Avalon Region
This is a place full of beauty, culture, and the rugged drama of a seafaring peninsula. It’s home to the East Coast Trail, with over 336 kilometres of scenic hikes, perfect for exploring our stunning coastline.
Chance Cove Coastal Trail
Chance Cove, Trinity BayThe trail winds through the forest touching down at the far end of Chance Cove Beach, which can be used as another access point. From the beach, the trail continues uphill and onward, offering spectacular views of the coastline as well as providing access to hidden sandy beaches, scenic lookout points, and sea caves. Green Head offers a full view of Trinity Bay and Chance Cove with its vivid emerald waters. There are picnic locations and benches along the route.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Duration: 1hr
Length: 3.7km
Route Type: Loop
Category: Coastal Trail
Grates Cove Rockwall Garden Walk
Grates CoveA walk with views that are just as captivating as the area’s history. The rock walls at Grates Cove National Historic Site date back to 1790 and follow the contours of the treeless, windswept headland. Locals used these walls to separate their farming and gardening efforts.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 1.5hr (return)
Length: 2.5km (return)
Route Type: Loop, Out & Back
Category: Coastal Trail, Town & City Treks
Shoreline Heritage Walking Trail
Bay RobertsFoundations, rock walls and root cellars remain where houses, vegetable gardens and fishing stages once stood on this early settlement. From cliffs, coves, beaches, and headlands see whales follow capelin, squid, and other fish into the bay, especially in June and July. At Madrock, pause to take in the surf pounding against the shore, and you’ll know how this place got its name.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 2hr
Length: 8km
Route Type: Loop
Category: Coastal Trail
Butter Pot Hill Trail, Butter Pot Provincial Park
Butter Pot Provincial ParkStarting from the Pegwood Pond Trail, this hike starts with a leisurely stroll through a forested path and along the pond’s boardwalk. You can also start from Peter's Pond Trail, which is a slightly longer route. Gradually you’ll begin your 300-metre climb to the top of Butter Pot Hill, where you’ll have 360-degree views of the entire park at the summit. A giant rock cairn marks the spot.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Duration: 2.5 - 3hr (return)
Length: 6.6km / 8km
Route Type: Out & Back
Category: National Park Trail
The East Coast Trail
Topsail Beach to Cape St. Francis to CappahaydenA National Geographic Traveler "Top Coastal Destination," this network of salt-scoured trails passes through 30 communities. From Topsail to Cape St. Francis through St. John’s to Capphayden, each trail has distinctive topography, history, and surprises – like a geyser powered by the waves and the first sunrise in North America. Tour operators are available to guide you and to provide transportation and luggage transfer between trail heads.
Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
Duration: Short Walks, Day Hikes & Multi-day Hikes
Length: 336km
Route Type: Out & Back, Point to Point
Category: Coastal Trail
Grand Concourse & Downtown St. John’s
St. John’s and EnvironsThe Grand Concourse is a vast network of walkways and trails winding through St. John’s and connecting Mount Pearl, Paradise, and many other communities. Downtown St. John’s – made up of Duckworth Street, Water Street, and Harbour Drive – makes for a fine day out, twacking along the some of the oldest streets in North America and exploring the waterfront. Other trails and boardwalks meander around lakes, along streams, and through peaceful wooded valleys.
Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
Duration: Short Walks, Day Hikes & Multi-day Hikes
Length: 160km
Route Type: Out & Back, Point to Point
Category: Town & City Treks
North Head Trail, Parks Canada Signal Hill National Historic Site
Signal Hill National Historic Site, St. John’sThe city meets the sea on this iconic St. John's hike. Start atop Signal Hill National Historic Site, and descend via boardwalk stairs and footpaths to the Narrows of St. John's Harbour and into the colourful community of the Battery. For a popular challenge, start instead in the Battery, and climb the trail to the top – nearly 500 feet above you! Named one of the "World’s Greatest Walks" by Rodales Organic Life.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Duration: 90min (descending)
Length: 1.7km
Route Type: Point to Point
Category: Coastal Trail, Trails in National Historic Sites
Labrador Region
Here, you'll find plenty of fresh air and a truly authentic and self-reliant people. The Labrador Pioneer Footpath takes you on a hiking adventure following traditional walking routes along the shores of the Labrador Straits. Expect magnificent scenic views and lookout for whales and icebergs.
Labrador Pioneer Footpath
From L'Anse Au Clair to Pinware, Expedition 51° - SouthThis coastal trail combines a series of traditional walking paths along the shore of the Labrador Straits, running between L’Anse au Clair and Pinware. Once the only land link between these communities, you can look out for shipwrecks, whales, icebergs, and Atlantic Canada’s tallest lighthouse. Footpath can be completed as a series of day walks on a mini pilgrimage between towns with overnights at cozy accommodations.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: Short Walks, Day Hikes & Multi-day Hikes
Length: 110km
Route Type: Point to Point
Category: Coastal Trail
The Seashore Boardwalk
RigoletEnjoy the fresh ocean air while walking one of North America’s longest wooden boardwalks. There's a gazebo and seating area located on top of Burnt Wood Point Hill as well as a viewfinder and storyboards. Several lookout points located on the way offer the perfect vantage point overlooking Rigolet. Look for marine wildlife like whales and seals, and view some old Inuit historical sites where sod houses once stood.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Duration: 3hr
Length: 8.4km
Route Type: Point to Point
Category: Coastal Trail
DiscoverHiking & Walking Experiences
There’s no end to the unique and exciting ways to experience hiking and walking in the province. For the foodies among us, culinary, foraging, boil-up, and picnic hikes are a must. If you want to take a walk on the wild side, do it literally at one of our guided hikes through wilderness and coastal trails. Or take things up a notch on a bucket list hike to the most easterly point in North America or the summit of an inland fjord.
Walk through living history as you stroll ancestral trails that connected towns together before roads existed. Or venture even further back in time on one of our interpretive fossil and geology hikes. Whichever path you choose, there’ll be plenty of photo opportunities (and the province is always camera-ready) but if you’d like to focus on snapping pictures, our photography hikes are for you.
Going for a brisk walk over spectacular terrain is a great way to work up an appetite. Combine that with a bit of music and some friendly people and you’ve got Trails, Tales and Tunes, a walking festival held every spring in Gros Morne National Park. If you’re visiting in September, you won’t want to miss Roots, Rants & Roars, a festival that takes over Elliston on the Bonavista Peninsula. The highlight is a 5-kilometre looped hike with stops along the way for scrumptious delicacies prepared by master chefs.
The View From Here
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