Best Hiking Trails In Newfoundland & Labrador
Western Region – Gros Morne National Park
We’d be crazy to make a blog about hiking in Newfoundland without mentioning Gros Morne National Park. If you’re looking for a more leisurely pace, lace up your boots and head for the Lookout Trail in Gros Morne. Climbing through the forest up to a highland plateau – you’ll be greeted with the beautiful sight of Bonne Bay, Gros Morne Mountain, and more. This trail is about 5.8km – so prepare your calf muscles! While you’re there, brush up on your knowledge at the Discovery Centre by the trailhead.
Looking for something more challenging? Gros Morne Mountain Trail boasts more than 15km of hiking and leads to breathtaking views of Ten Mile Pond, Long Range Mountains, wildlife sightings and wildflowers. Make sure to be well prepared for this hike – and remember, this trail is closed May-late June each year.
Central Region – Damnable Trail
This network of trails has it all. From ragged coastline trails to strolls along the beach, to historic community sidewalks – this trail system along the Eastport Peninsula has trails for all levels of experience. Trails range anywhere from 7-14 km and you can go for hours if you’d like. The beauty of this trail system is that you may not encounter other people for kilometers – feeling like you have the whole island to yourself. Love wildlife? Birdwatchers love these trails, and there is even a part of the trail that has been diverted due to a beaver dam!
Honorable mention: Coastal Trail, Terra Nova National Park
Eastern Region – Chamber Cove Heritage Walk
While this hike is not the longest or most difficult hike you will ever take, it may be the most profound. In just 3km (return), you will immerse yourself in the tragic story of World War 2 and the effect if had on Newfoundland and the world as a whole. Along the trails are monuments of WWII shipwreck disasters involving a convoy of American naval ships; and a memorial reads the brave story of the local miners who rescued 186 sailors. As far as scenery, this trail overlooks massive sea cliffs that stretch far over the beaches below.
Avalon Region – North Head Trail, Parks Canada Signal Hill National Historic Site
The North Head Trail was named one of the “World’s Greatest Walks” by Rodales Organic Life – who are we to argue? While this trail may not be overly long at 1.9km, you’ll certainly get your steps in climbing to the top! Hiking through Batteries and the Signal Hill National Historic site, you will pass the narrows of St.John’s Harbour. You can feel the history all along this trail – and you’ll climb (or descend, depending on where you start) more than 500 feet!
Honourable Mention: The East Coast Trail – Named “Top Coastal Destination” by the National Geographic Traveler.
Labrador Region – Labrador Pioneer Footpath
This trail, spanning more than 100kms from L’Anse Au Clair to Pinware can take you on a short hike, a day long adventure, or even a multi-day excursion! Not only will you see Atlantic Canada’s tallest lighthouse, but you’re sure to spot whales, icebergs, and shipwrecks! This trail weaves between towns, allowing you to have accommodations if you want to take several days to explore.
Honourable Mention: The Seashore Boardwalk – boasting one of North America’s longest wooden boardwalks, and views of Inuit Historic Sites.
Know of any hidden gems on the rock we’re missing? Let us know by tweeting at us or tagging us in a Facebook post!
