25 of the Best Hiking Trails in Newfoundland & Labrador
When I received the opportunity to spend a week exploring Newfoundland, I knew exactly what I wanted to do: get outside. The most easterly province in Canada offers explorers a broad selection of historic and scenic hiking trails. Get ready to explore fjords, tablelands and mountains on these 25 stunning hikes.
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Spout Path
East Coast Trail
Length: 16.3 km
Time: 6 – 10 hours
This difficult trail travels from Shoal Bay to Bay Bulls. Along the way, hikers will experience striking coastlines, soaring seabirds, historic lighthouses and a freshwater geyser.
Read more: newfoundlandlabrador.com
Burma Road Trail
Signal Hill
Length: 2.4 km
Time: 1 hour
Ideal for families with small children or hikers afraid of heights, this flat trail leads from the Visitor’s Centre at Signal Hill to Cuckold’s Cove. Continue onto Quidi Vidi and reward yourself with an Iceberg Beer at the Brewery.
Read more: pc.gc.ca
Birch Brook Trails
Goose Bay
Length: 20 km total
Time: Varies
Used in summer for hiking and winter for snowshoeing, this trail system offers several lookout points with views of Lake Melville and the Mealy Mountains. The well-maintained trails meander through birch and boreal forest, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
Read more: birchbrook.ca
Alexander Murray Hiking Trail
King’s Point
Length: 8 km
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Elevation Gain: 300 m
With 2,200 steps on wooden staircases to conquer, this trail is a calf-burner! But the views from the top are so stunning, you won’t even mind the workout.
Read more: hikebiketravel.com
Humber Valley Trail
Humbler Valley
Length: 25 km
Time: 2 days
Part of the International Appalachian Trail, the Humbler Valley Trail is as diverse as it is scenic: expect water crossings, steep climbs and rolling hills.
Read more: newfoundlandlabrador.com
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Indian Lookout Trail
Portland Creek
Length: 40 km
Time: Varies
Break this lengthy trail into sections for day trips or tackle it all in a week. The choose-your-own-adventure experience is made even better by the striking sight of fjords and waterfalls.
Read more: iatnl.com
Centre Hill Wilderness Trail
Sunnyside
Length: 5 km one-way
Time: 4 – 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 400 m
This ancient volcano makes an exciting trek for hikers in eastern Newfoundland. Don’t forget your camera—you’ll want to document the extraordinary views from the top.
Read more: newfoundlandlabrador.com
Little Catalina Hiking Trail
Bonavista Peninsula
Length: 16.5 km
Time: 1 – 2 days
Take your time enjoying this scenic coastal trail. Pick your fill of blueberries and blackberries, wander past icebergs and watch a colony of seabirds. There’s a camping platform located half-way along the linear trail for overnight adventurers.
Read more: canadatrails.ca
Cape Shore Trail
Bonavista Peninsula
Length: 3.5 km
Time: 1 hour
Part of the Discovery Trail, this trek leads along the coast from Bonavista to the Cape. It’s a fairly easy walk, but the views are well-worth the visit.
Read more: hikediscovery.com
Skerkwink Trail
Port Rexton
Length: 5.3 km
Time: 2 hours
Powerful coastal views, changing terrain and rocky crags make this a popular trail. Pick a spot to stop for awhile and gaze over the endless sapphire waters of Trinity Bay.
Read more: theskerwinktrail.com
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Fox Island Loop Trail
Champney’s West
Length: 5.5 km
Time: 1 hour
This loop trail offers views of the quaint community of Champney’s West on Newfoundland’s northwest coast.
Read more: newfoundlandlabrador.com
East Coast Trail
St John’s
Length: 300+ km
Time: 10+ days
From well-maintained trails brimming with day hikers to long, solitary treks, the East Coast Trail is a mammoth to accomplish. Preparation is key if you’re planning to tackle the entire thing.
Read more: eastcoasttrail.com
North Head Trail
St John’s
Length: 1.7 km one-way
Time: 1 hour
Follow wooden stairs and a dirt path down from Signal Hill and across rocky cliffs. You’ll find views of Fort Amherst Lighthouse and the Cabot Tower. It’s a short trek, but there are some tricky sections with sudden drop-offs, so exercise caution.
Read more: newfoundlandlabrador.com
Blackhead to Cape Spear
St John’s
Length: 4.7 km one-way
Time: 2 hours
This gorgeous trail starts in the forest near Blackhead Village and quickly brings hikers out on cliffs overlooking the ocean. Watch for whales as you climb Blackhead peak and maneuver through muddy sections and across boardwalks out to Cape Spear, the most easterly part of North America.
Read more: hikingnewfoundland.ca
Ladies Lookout Trail
St John’s
Length: 0.7 km one-way
Time: 30 minutes
It may only be 700 metres, but this trail offers views galore from the highest point on Signal Hill. You can even see all the way to Cape Spear. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles’ nests and blueberries along the trail.
Read more: pc.gc.ca
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<div class="imageCredit">Credit: Alison Karlene Hodgins</div>
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Corner Brook Gorge Trail
Corner Brook
Length: 3.9 km
There are several trails to choose from in this area that bring hikers to streams and caves. The most scenic time to visit is autumn, when the trees sport yellow, orange and red leaves.
Read more: cbstream.com
Goowiddy Path
Terra Nova National Park
Length: 8 km
Time: 2 – 3 hours
Named for the Newfoundland word for the low shrubs typically found on this trail, “Goowiddy” Path winds through mature forest and leads to a sandy beach. Hikers should stop to enjoy the calm waters of Blue Hill Pond.
Read more: pc.gc.ca
Orche Hill Trail
Terra Nova National Park
Length: 5 km
Time: 1 hour
Follow a gentle loop along Orche Hill Pond and then branch off to Bread Cove, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of Clode Sound.
Read more: pc.gc.ca
Argentina Backland Trail
Placentia
Length: 10 km
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Time to kill before taking the ferry back to Nova Scotia? Explore this lush trail, rich with WWII history and coastal views.
Read more: canadatrails.ca
Cape Blow Me Down Trail
Bay of Islands
Length: 3.8 km
Time: 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 650 m
Here, hikers will find some of the best views in the province. Looking out to the Bay of Islands from the top of the Blow-Me-Down Mountains, you’ll get a feel for the rugged beauty of western Newfoundland.
Read more: obiec.ca
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<div class="imageCredit">Credit: Alison Karlene Hodgins</div>
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Forteau to Point Amour Lighthouse
Labrador Pioneer Footpath
Length: 6 km
Time: 2 – 3 hours
Point Amour Lighthouse is a must-see along the Labrador Pioneer Footpath. This beautiful trail is easily done in an afternoon. Hikers can enjoy a red sand beach and salty ocean breeze.
Read more: labradorcoastaldrive.com
Green Gardens
Gros Morne National Park
Length: 10 km return
Time: 3 hours
Trek past sheep through Green Gardens to the beach. At the end of the trail, you’ll find a staircase that leads down to the sand. Be wary of dangerous cliffs.
Read more: pc.gc.ca
Gros Morne Mountain
Gros Morne National Park
Length: 16 km
Time: 6 – 8 hours
At a staggering 806 metres, Gros Morne Mountain is the highest point in the national park. The first four kilometres wind through thick trees to a viewing platform at the base of the mountain. Then, the real climb begins: expect stairs, boardwalk and breathtaking views.
Read more: pc.gc.ca
Black Head Trail
Dildo Run Provincial Park
Length: 4 km return
Time: 2 hours
Explore 328 hectares of this lovely park and hike the short trail to Black Head. There are shower, laundry and flush toilet facilities for use in the comfort station near the trailhead.
Read more: tcii.gov.nl.ca
Birchy Nuddick Trail
L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site
Length: 2 km
Time: 2 – 3 hours, with time to explore the historic site
Learn about Viking history in Newfoundland and spot icebergs in the frigid water. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the coolest experiences in the province.
Read more: dottedlinetravels.com
Which of these epic trails have you trekked?
Comment below or tweet us!
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