Indigenous Experiences Along the Trans Canada Trail in Newfoundland

From Robinsons to Little Rapids via Corner Brook 

Western Newfoundland is home to incredible scenery and geological formations, vibrant Mi’kmaw culture, locally run businesses and a whole lot of opportunity for outdoor adventure. We spoke with the Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association about great ways to combine Trail adventures and Indigenous cultural experiences in the Robinsons to Little Rapids area. 

Below is a suggested itinerary of places to explore and must-visits. Note that some businesses are open seasonally, so the itinerary is designed for the summer months. 

Robinsons: Coastal views and culinary experiences 

In Robinsons, Newfoundland, Pirate’s Haven Adventures is a Mi’kmaw-owned and-operated adventure business with chalets, glamping units, onsite long house restaurant and pub and RV park. They offer guided land tours, plus culinary experiences in the summer, including a crab festival, pig roast, and a fish & seafood feast. Pirate Haven offers both forested trails and coastal views – and it’s right along the Newfoundland T’Railway.  

Photo credit: Dru Kennedy

Saint George’s: Ktaqmkuk Mi’kmaq Historical Museum & Craft Store 

In Saint George’s, along the Newfoundland T’Railway, stop for a visit to the only Mi’kmaw museum in the province: the Ktaqmkuk Mi’kmaq Historical Museum and Craft Store. The museum welcomes visitors in July and August and features exhibits about Mi’kmaw culture and language. Learn about explorer Mattie Mitchell, a Mi’kmaw hunter, guide and prospector; visit a traditional birch bark wigwam; and visit the craft store for locally made Indigenous arts and crafts. 

Photo credit: Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association

Port au Port Peninsula: Food, drink and more 

On the Port au Port Peninsula, Secret Cove Brewing, a Mi’kmaw-owned and -operated microbrewery, is a  great place to stop after a day on the Trail for a drink or a meal. 

Only 10 km from Port au Port in Stephenville is the People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre offer events and activities while you’re in the area. Their workshops cover topics including contemporary Mi’kmaw culture, health, food and teachings. 

Photo credit: Barbara Young

Water and land adventures on the Bay of Islands 

For those looking for a whole new way to view the coast, in the Bay of Islands in Benoit’s Cove, Everoutdoor Adventures, a Mi’kmaw-owned and -operated adventure company, offers guided coastal hikes and zodiac tours. After your excursion, stop at the Saltbox Restaurant, featuring fresh local seafood and other ingredients.  

While in Benoit’s Cove, be sure to stop for a visit along the East Blow Me Down Trail – a relatively new section of the Trans Canada Trail and part of the Cabox Geopark. The trail offers an out-and-back wilderness trail experience in a one-of-a-kind environment.  

Photo credit: Cabox Geopark

Corner Brook and Little Rapids 

Stop in Corner Brook for a walk or hike along the Corner Brook Connector, which takes you right through town. Stop for a bite to eat and explore the town. Along the Trail, keep an eye out for the iconic Man in the Mountain – if you look closely, you can spot the profile of a person’s face formed in the cliffs. 

Just on the east side of Corner Brook, the Pollen Nation Farm is a Mi’kmaw-owned and -operated honey bee farm and gourmet restaurant that offers fresh, farm-based meals and one-of-a-kind Bee Tours that explore pollinator health and food sustainability. 

Photo credit: Pollen Nation Farm

Best practices during your trip 

• Plan ahead! Check for business hours and keep updated with community event calendars. 

• When possible, support local, Indigenous-owned businesses. Find more suggestions through NLITA’s directory. 

• Explore the Trail safely: check trail conditions before you set out and follow Leave No Trace principles along your way. 

Thanks to the Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association, or NLITA, an Indigenous-led group of dedicated people passionate about the Indigenous tourism potential in Newfoundland and Labrador, for their guidance on this story.  

Learn more about Newfoundland trails on our interactive map! 

Main photo credit: Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association