Beginning at the eastern end of Topsail Beach, this route follows the official Long Shore Path through mature coastal forest before opening onto exposed cliffs with sweeping views across Conception Bay. An optional side trail leads to the summit of Topsail Bluff, a panoramic lookout well worth the effort. Along the route, White Cliff Cove reveals striking quartz formations along a shoreline once prized for salmon fishing in the 1800s, while the punchbowl-shaped Blackhole Cove is one of the path’s most distinctive coastal features. The trail continues through woodland, meadows, and grassy coastal heath toward St. Philips Beach, before a series of climbs and descents leads to Beachy Cove Hill, where panoramic views stretch along the coastline before a final steep descent into the sheltered beach at Beachy Cove.

Located on the northernmost section of the East Coast Trail, this route follows the official Biscan Cove Path between Cape St. Francis and Pouch Cove, and can be hiked point-to-point or as an out-and-back path. This section features challenging hills, rugged and sweeping coastline, and plentiful views of the ocean and offshore islands. Whales are frequently spotted in the summer season, along with various seabirds. Just over halfway along the trail, Freshwater River meets the ocean beside a creek and waterfall, making a scenic picnic spot. There’s nothing horrid about the Horrid Gulch viewpoint, although it is worth keeping an eye out for boggy areas along the way. The trail passes rich berry-picking grounds, as well as the remains of the Cape St. Francis Lighthouse and an operational helicopter pad.

The trailhead begins at Coast & Trail Haven, just a short distance from Shoe Cove, follows the official Stiles Cove Path. Shoe Cove was once used primarily as a summer fishing station, while Shoe Cove Road, constructed circa 1900, linked the cove to the highway and allowed local families to homestead nearby. After heading west and crossing Shoe Cove Brook, the trail follows a traditional cow path through coastal woods on the cove’s steep eastern slope, where cattle once roamed the community pasture between the 1960s and early 2000s. Lookout points and side trails overlook Shoe Cove Island, exposed rock ledges, and waterfalls before reaching Stiles Cove, where seals haul up on sea ledges and salmon frequent the streams. Beyond the cove, wooded tracks, a known eagle’s nest, and sweeping coastal views carry the trail toward Flatrock.

Beginning in Flatrock, this route combines rugged coastal scenery with historic landmarks, including a section of the official Father’s Troy Trail. Within the first kilometre, you’ll reach The Beamer, a dramatic outcrop where gulls nest along the cliffs, before passing a Second World War observation post above Fanny’s Gulch. The route continues to a viewpoint split by a large quartz vein, with an optional side trail to Church Cove offering views of a secluded waterfall, seabird nesting sites, and the cliffs of Turks Head. Passing through woods, across streams, and over open fields, the trail reaches a National Historic Site active during the Seven Years War (1756–1763). Beyond this, wave-carved sea ledges known as The Motion line the coast before the trail turns inland through meadow, woodland, and coastal heath.

Technically, this loop is not part of the East Coast Trail, but it is simply too beautiful to miss. Following the lake shore north of St. John's, the route reaches the old fishing village of Quidi Vidi (pronounced Kiddy Viddy), which is home to the province’s largest microbrewery, and an acclaimed restaurant in one of the oldest buildings in North America. The route then joins the Sugarloaf Path at the southern end of the ECT, climbing steadily to Bowdens Highland for sweeping views over Quidi Vidi, with bustling St. John's in the distance. The return follows a coastal path across Signal Hill National Historic Site and the historic Battery of St. John's Harbour.

Located near the easternmost point in North America, this route follows the Cape Spear Path between Petty Harbour and Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site. When the sun rises over mainland North America, Cape Spear’s wind-pummelled cliffs are among the first to catch the light. The historic Cape Spear Lighthouse, originally built in 1836, was replaced by a second lighthouse in 1955, whose active light still provides navigational aid along the coast. Nearby, a WW2 coastal defence battery is a reminder of the harsh conditions soldiers endured at this stormy cape. Bringing layers is recommended, as the continent’s edge is notoriously windy. The walk between Cape Spear and Petty Harbour features boardwalked bog crossings, varied terrain, two river crossings, and expansive views of deep Atlantic swells rolling toward the rugged coastline. 

This route combines two of the easier sections of the East Coast Trail, following the Beaches Path and Tinkers Point Path from Witless Bay to Tors Cove. The trail hugs the shoreline with sweeping views of ocean, rocky coastline, fields, forests, and seabirds, while overlooking the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, home to North America’s largest Atlantic puffin colony and thousands of other migrating and nesting seabirds. Keep an eye out for humpback whales feeding offshore before reaching "The Cribbies," two brightly painted saltbox houses overlooking one of Newfoundland’s most photographed coastal meadows.

Beginning in La Manche Provincial Park, the Flamber Head Path leads hikers through crashing surf, wooded trails, and a cliffside boardwalk. The 50-metre-long La Manche Suspension Bridge, built by East Coast Trail volunteers, spans a sheltered cove where the remains of the abandoned fishing village of La Manche can still be seen. From the bridge, watch for Atlantic puffins nesting among the cliffs above and fish in the waters below. Beyond the bridge, the trail winds through dense forest before rolling over wooded hills, headlands, and cliff faces, with sweeping coastal views that include the dominant headlands of Cape Neddick and Flamber Head.

The massive sea arch at Berry Head, located on the Spurwink Island Path section of the trail, stops hikers in their tracks. Waves crash against the cliffs below the stratified archway, and migrating whales may be seen offshore. Expect stiff onshore breezes and sunny green meadows along the way. The full route runs from Port Kirwan north to Aquaforte, while the out-and-back hike to Berry Head Arch offers a similar distance and avoids the rugged forested section beyond the archway.

Located on the southern end of the ECT, this route follows the official Bear Cove Path through forested trails, past old community foundations, fruit trees, and blackberry heath. The path opens to rugged coastline where strings of sea stacks stretch out to sea as waves wash over the rocks, known locally as “sunkers.” One of the most distinctive formations is “Ships Bottom,” a wide bed of shale resembling the inside of a ship’s hull. Along the route, a hidden gulch known as “Nun’s Bathing Place” provides a sheltered swimming hole, while an 18th-century gun battery is a reminder of the area’s coastal defences. Watch for salmon, seals, shorebirds, and waterfowl at the Renews River Estuary near O’Toole’s Island.

Beginning with grassy meadows and mixed woods, the trail follows the official Island Meadow Path, crossing numerous brooks before reaching a striking viewpoint overlooking The Forge. When seas are rough, waves break dramatically over this massive cinder block of rock. It is one of many impressive lookout points found along the trail, which also features views of Renews Harbour, sea-washed ledges, and a thriving cormorant colony nesting on Renews Island.