Enjoy a selection of the best walks on the East Coast Trail and stay in charming accommodation with Great Canadian Trails.
Sample the best sections of Newfoundland’s East Coast Trail, admiring historic sites, ecological reserves and quaint bayside communities along the way. Visit picturesque Quidi Vidi and Signal Hill, hike the famous Cape Spear Path and test yourself on the rugged Flamber Head Path. Immerse yourself in history, culture and friendly Newfoundland hospitality.
BEFORE YOU GO
Please consult the latest updates from the Government of Canada, as well as your province/territory, your municipality and the organization that manages your chosen section of the Trail.We strongly encourage everyone using trails in our network to abide by all public health guidelines.
Overview | Inclusions
Duration: 6 days
Activities: 4 days self-guided hiking
Accommodation: 5 nights B&Bs/guesthouses
Meals: 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
What’s included
- 2-night accommodation in B&Bs/guesthouses
- 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Luggage transfer (1 piece per person, not exceeding 20 kilograms)
- Airport arrival transfer
- Transfers to/from trailheads as indicated in itinerary
- Detailed route notes and maps (1 set per two hikers)
- Use of Garmin emergency communications device (1 per group)
- $50 donation to East Coast Trail Association, a partner of Trans Canada Trail
What’s not included
- Travel to/from St. John’s
- Guide (this is a self-guided tour)
- Personal expenses
- Meals and transfers not indicated in the itinerary
- Airport departure transfer
- Airfare, visas, applicable taxes, travel insurance (required)
Itinerary
Photo: Great Canadian Trails
Day 1 Arrive St. John’s
On arrival at the airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your charming B&B in the centre of town. The rest of the day is yours to discover lively St. John’s.
Day 2 St. John’s to Quidi Vidi to Southern Avalon (approx. 9 to 12 km)
Head north of the city on the East Coast Trail to picturesque Quidi Vidi, an enchanting fishing village. We recommend a hike up to the top of Bawdens Highland and back for spectacular views over the village. Walk from Quidi Vidi to St. John’s, and then meet your driver to transfer to the south of the Avalon Peninsula.
Day 3 Spurwink Island Path (transfer + approx. 16 km)
Today, choose to do an out-and-back hike from your guesthouse to the massive sea arch at Berry Head – the real highlight of the East Coast Trail – or opt to hike the full distance from your guesthouse north to Aquaforte. Both options result in similar hiking distances, but the out-and-back route is less rugged and offers more coastal views.
Day 4 La Manche Provincial Park to Brigus South (transfer + approx. 16 km)
This morning, you’ll be transferred to La Manche Provincial Park to explore the area and see its iconic suspension bridge. Enjoy lovely coastal viewpoints as you walk south along Flamber Head Path, one of the more challenging and rugged sections of the East Coast Trail. Your hike ends at the lovely harbour community of Brigus South, where you’ll be picked up and transferred to your accommodation in Port Kirwan.
Day 5 Cape Spear to Petty Harbour to St. John’s (transfer + approx. 11.5 km)
After breakfast, your driver will take you to your final section of the Trail. Your hike begins at the most easterly point of North America, Cape Spear. Check out the lighthouse and hit the Trail to Petty Harbour, enjoying the dramatic coastal views. Meet your driver in Petty Harbour where you’ll be transferred to St. John’s for one last night.
Day 6 St. John’s
Services end after breakfast.
Photo: Petty Harbour – Great Canadian Trails
Getting there
- By air: The nearest airport is St. John’s International Airport (YYT).
- Transfer service: The package includes an arrival transfer from the airport to your accommodation.
Great Canadian Trails: A note on self-guided adventures
Self-guided walking requires individuals to use problem-solving skills, to be adaptable and to have a keen eye. It’s recommended that individuals are comfortable reading a map and referring to route notes, while having a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!)
Sometimes route finding, losing your way, and asking the locals for help are all part of the adventure. If you’ve never been on a self-guided trip, you’ll get the hang of it after the first couple of days, as the vast majority of first-time travellers with Great Canadian Trails attest.
Written route-finding materials issued by Great Canadian Trails are updated regularly. Great Canadian Trails provides a seven-day service hotline to help solve problems and answer questions.
