Highlights along the Trans Canada TrailLearn More

This most easterly province of Canada is made up of the island of Newfoundland (where over 90% of the population resides) and mainland Labrador to its northwest, separated by the Strait of Belle Isle. With the North Atlantic Ocean at its doorstep, Newfoundland and Labrador (commonly referred to as ‘The Rock’) is home to “Iceberg Alley”, one of the best places in the world to view icebergs. On a sunny day and in season, view these 10,000-year-old glacial giants from many points along the northern and eastern coasts – With varying shapes and sizes and colours ranging from snow-white to the deepest aquamarine.

The meeting of the cool Labrador Current and the warm Gulf Stream creates an abundance of marine life that attracts thousands of whales (22 species including minke, sperm, pothead, blue, orca, and the world's largest population of humpbacks), and provides rich nesting grounds for millions of seabirds (gannets, puffins, storm-petrels, etc).Inland, keep an eye out for rare birds such as the European golden plover, Northern wheatear, harlequin duck, piping plover, and birds of prey such as hawks, falcons, ospreys, owls, and American bald eagles.

The East Coast Trail is a series of 26 wilderness paths totalling over 300 km, allowing you to view ocean splendours from the shore while traversing towering cliffs and headlands, sea stacks, deep fjords, and to visit numerous lighthouses, friendly communities, abandoned settlements, and ecological reserves.

On the west coast of Newfoundland, Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is where you’ll find dramatic fjords, the Long Range Mountains, and North America's northernmost part of the International Appalachian Trail. This is home for more than 120,000 moose (one of the highest population densities in North America), one of the world's largest caribou herds, and some of the continent's biggest black bears.

Continue all the way to the tip of the island and you’ll feel you’ve gone back to the time of the Vikings; L’Anse aux Meadows is home to the earliest known European settlement in the New World – The archaeological remains at have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

On the mainland of Northern Labrador, Torngat Mountains National Park encompasses a vast, untouched wilderness area and some of the oldest mountains in the world.

 

Self Guided Active Travel Experts

As the pioneers of self guided active travel in Newfoundland you can expect a seamless experience. Our quality tour notes and logistical expertise sets us apart and ensures a quality experience for you.

Exceptional value for money

Quality services at the best price make our Newfoundland cycling trips great value for money. Having essential items included like National Park fees, accommodations, most meals, bikes for cycling trips, maps and support for peace of mind. Our inclusions allow you to better budget for your big adventure.


 

Dedicated to Canadian Trails

Included in all tour packages which use the Trans Canada Trail is a donation to support ongoing trail maintenance and continued success of the project.

100% Carbon Offset

All our trips are 100% carbon offset and will directly support renewable energy and reforestation projects across the world.

Leave No Trace

Great Canadian Trails is committed to responsible travel and true sustainability. We are aligned with Leave No Trace, an international organisation that has set the global standard for outdoor ethics to ensure that our recreation in natural places is sustainable.



The warm/dry weather tends to arrive later here than elsewhere in Canada, meaning outdoor adventure is generally saved for the months of June (Spring) through September (Fall).

Spring to early summer (April through June) is the best time to view icebergs along the east coast ('Iceberg Alley’). This is also the best time for spotting whales, which can be seen breaching the surface of the water and playing along the shores. For tourists keen on viewing whales and seabirds, it should be noted that they migrate north at this time – and can often be plentiful through to early fall. The opposing southerly iceberg migration allows for brief intervals where all three may happily coexist. Fog is very common along the coastlines, especially around the fjords of Gros Morne and especially in the spring.

Summer (July and August) is perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities, from hiking to kayaking. You may also catch a glimpse of icebergs and whales, or enjoy a summer music festival or cultural event. While the temperature frequently reaches shorts and T-shirt weather, the fresh ocean air is bound to keep you cool.

Fall (September and October) is a crisper (and less ‘buggy’) version of the summer and is a beautiful time to hike in Newfoundland and Labrador amongst the colourful fall foliage. This is also the perfect time to sample sweet, fresh blueberries, partridgeberries, blackberries and crowberries. Bakeapples, also called cloudberries, are a local favourite. You'll find these unique, flavourful berries in everything from jams and jellies to tarts and pies.

Winter (November through March) comes with a generous amount of snow, great for snowshoeing and skiing. Temperatures rarely rise above freezing and can be as low as -20°C. Dress in plenty of warm clothing.

Prepare for any season by dressing in layers and bringing rain gear. We recommend visiting Environment Canada’s website for information specific to the region in which you are travelling.


Trip reviews