Traverse sections of Newfoundland’s dramatic eastern coastline with Great Canadian Trails.
Make your way along the East Coast Trail on Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula and enjoy incredible views from towering cliffs, sea stacks, coves and deep fjords. Stop and explore picturesque bayside communities and charming fishing towns like Quidi Vidi, Petty Harbour and Renews. Remember to keep your eyes peeled – there’s a very real possibility of whale, puffin, moose or iceberg sightings while on the Trail!
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: 10 days
Activities: 8 days self-guided hiking
Accommodation: 9 nights B&Bs/guesthouses
Meals: 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners
What’s included
- 9-night accommodation in B&Bs/guesthouses
- 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners
- Luggage transfer (1 piece per person, not exceeding 20 kilogram)
- 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: Quidi Vidi – Great Canadian Trails
Day 1 Arrive St. John’s
Welcome to Newfoundland! You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your charming B&B in the centre of town. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the city at your leisure.
Day 2 St. John’s: Quidi Vidi Loop (approx. 9 to 12 km)
Hike the East Coast Trail north of the city to picturesque Quidi Vidi, an old fishing village that is now considered to be part of St. John’s. We recommend a hike up to the top of Bawdens Highland and back for spectacular views over the village.
Day 3 St. John’s to Southern Avalon Settlements (transfer + approx. 7 km)
Your driver will transfer you to the southernmost end of the East Coast Trail for a quick visit to the fishing villages and abandoned settlements of Renews–Cappahayden and Ferryland. From Ferryland, take the Trail north to Calvert, where you’ll be picked up and taken to your charming guesthouse.
Day 4 Southern Avalon to 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 5 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. 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 6 Port Kirwan to The Cribbies to Witless Bay to Petty Harbour (transfer + approx. 16 km)
Hike from the community of Tors Cove up to Mobile, then on to Witless Bay. Take in the scenic views along the peaceful section of the East Coast Trail. From Witless Bay, you’ll be transferred to the charming village of Petty Harbour.
Day 7 Petty Harbour: Day at Leisure
Spend the entire day exploring this quaint harbour village as you wish.
Day 8 Petty Harbour: Cape Spear (transfer + approx. 11.5 km)
Transfer to the easternmost point of North America: Cape Spear. Check out the Cape Spear Lighthouse then walk back to Petty Harbour and enjoy the beautiful vistas.
Day 9 Petty Harbour to Blackhead to St. John’s (transfer + approx. 10.6 km)
You’ll be transferred to Blackhead, just north of Cape Spear, to hike the coastal path to Fort Amherst. From here, your friendly driver will transfer you back to St. John’s for your final night.
Day 10 St. John’s
Services end after breakfast.
Photo: East Coast Trail – 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.