Duration
7 days
Activities
  • 4 days self-guided hiking
Accommodation
  • 6 nights B&B's/Inns
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 4 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

Price

$2150USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
Read More

Trip Code: SOG8163

Overview

Trip highlights

  • Week-long, load-free hiking along Newfoundland’s epic coast
  • Opportunities to spot whales, icebergs, bald eagles, puffins and moose
  • Discover historical and vibrant fishing villages and communities
  • Step foot on the most easterly point of North America
  • Experience Newfoundland’s famous hospitality

Comprised of 26 wilderness paths along the province’s Avalon Peninsula, the East Coast Trail covers towering cliffs, deep fjords, dense greenery and dramatic sea-stacks, arches and ocean caves. As whale pods patrol an emerald coast, sea birds flutter overhead in the salty fresh breeze, while plump golden bakeapples sprout across windswept barrens. With this stunning coastal beauty enriched by colourful seafaring communities, it’s little wonder Newfoundland captures the imagination. This package lets you sample the very best of these trails while removing all your logistical headaches, lightening your load with friendly transfers and providing comfortable, authentic accommodation too. In under a week, Newfoundland’s nature and culture shine on full display, from popular day hikes along Cape Spear to the less-trafficked wonders at Flamber Head. You’ll meet the story-rich characters that breathe life into the coastal communities, and discover rich culture and cuisine from small villages like Quidi Vidi and Petty Harbour all the way to the capital of St John’s.

Activities:
Grading:
4

Introductory to Moderate

More info about grading system

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Pickup at St Johns Airport and transfer to Belle Maison.

Meals:  D

If there’s a single photo of your trip that will stop people in their tracks, it will be the massive sea arch at Berry Head located on the Spurwink Island Path section of the trail. Chunks of the stratified archway continue to fall to the ground below, while the reflecting ocean window is sublime on a summer day. You have the option of hiking the full distance southwards from Aquaforte back to your accommodation or to do an out-and-back hike to the archway from your accommodation. Both options result in similar hiking distances, but the latter (out and back) route avoids the north section, which is a rugged hike through dense forest with few coastal views.

Meals:  B,L,D

Hiking toward Brigus South you can look forward to beautiful high cliff views, Great rock formations at Hare Ears Point, A chance to see turtle Island and if your lucky view visiting finback, humpback, and minke whales as they circle Brigus Bight. You will be picked up and transferred back to your B&B.

Meals:  B,L,D

Starting at the Kingman's Cove Trailhead, you'll embark on a scenic journey, strolling along a lush coastal forest path toward Renews. As you reach the midpoint of your hike, you'll come across the historic Bear Cove Point lighthouse. Along the way, you'll be treated to breathtaking clearings that offer splendid views of the sea-washed rocks. From here, you'll navigate a steep ascent to Bulls Head, where you'll enjoy a magnificent view of Bulls Head Flat. Just before arriving in Renews, the trail will meander through a blackberry heath, and you'll also discover a meticulously preserved 18th-century gun battery nestled at The Mount.

Meals:  B,L,D

Beginning with grassy meadows and mixed woods, today's path crosses numerous brooks in taking you to a fantastic lookout point overlooking The Forge. This monumental cinder block of rock regularly has high waves break over it during rough seas. This is one of many impressive lookout points to be found on the day's hike which also features views of Renews harbour, of a thriving cormorant colony nesting on Renews Island, and of more waves breaking over rocks and sea-washed ledges. Upon your return to Port Kirwan, you'll be provided another home-cooked meal as you reflect on the day's adventure.

Meals:  B,L,D

You will be picked up after breakfast and taken back to St John's - Where you will spend one final night.

Meals:  B

Make your own way to the airport for your flight home.

Meals:  B

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
  • 5 nights in B&B's/inns at double occupancy with private or semi-private facilities
  • Luggage transfers (1 piece per person)
  • Navigation APP inclusive of detailed route notes and points of interest (available offline while hiking )
  • Set of trail maps (1 per group)
  • Transfers to/from trailheads as indicated in itinerary
  • Use of Garmin emergency communications device (1 per group)
  • $50 donation to the East Coast Trail Association

  • Travel to and from St. John's
  • Items of a personal nature including alcoholic beverages
  • Meals and transfers where not indicated in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Entrance fees and optional activities
  • Transfer from/to airport
  • Applicable taxes

Accommodation

Haven for hikers

Belle Maison in Port Kirwan offers a distinctive experience with accommodations tailored for hikers. Every room is equipped with a private ensuite and sufficient storage space. The snack shack is equipped with boot dryers and offers additional hiking poles. The hot tub is a revitalizing amenity, ideal for unwinding after hiking. Situated in a fishing village, our skilled host frequently prepares fresh fish and seafood.

Trail Surface

Expect diverse and often rugged terrain

The East Coast Trail is considered one of the world’s best coastal hikes. The trail covers a variety of terrain, and its location along the rugged coast of the Avalon Peninsula in Newfoundland is exposed to unpredictable weather variation. Each segment of the East Coast Trail is unique, offering a variety of trail surfaces and memorable experiences but potentially creating challenges that require sure footing and extra preparation.

You will encounter everything from relatively flat to short, steep sections. Mixed ascents and descents will range up to 150 meters. Most of the walk is on well-marked trail with some boarded surfaces, exposed tree roots, and likely mud and/or rocks to tread over or around. Some sections of the East Coast Trail can get particularly slippery after rainy days, including stream crossing, we recommend using hiking poles. You will need suitable footwear with good support to avoid rolling ankles or encountering blisters. This is not a trip for breaking in new hiking boots! Be sure you have tried and tested your boots in wet conditions and over uneven terrain. Expect long hiking days as distances may vary from 8 to 16km per day with variable weather conditions. Be prepared for each day's weather by carrying a variety of gear appropriate for adverse weather (rain gear, windbreakers, sunscreen, long pants, etc.).

Suitability

Introductory to Moderate

4

Introductory to moderate. Daily walks are between 8km and 16km on well marked trails over diverse and often rugged terrain – from relatively flat to short, steep sections. Most of the walk is on trail with some boarded surfaces, exposed tree roots, and likely mud and/or rocks to scramble over. You should pay particular attention to your footwear to ensure that it is suitable to avoid blisters and rolling ankles. This is not a trip for breaking in new hiking boots! Be sure you have tried and tested your boots in wet conditions and over uneven terrain. Route finding will be reasonably straightforward (refer to information regarding self guided adventures) but days are long and weather conditions will be variable. The main areas to concentrate on route finding are arriving and leaving towns and cities, and along rocky shores. The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the views, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. Self-guided walking requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you’ve never been on a self-guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of if as the vast majority of our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly and we provide local contact information in the event of any problems. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self-guided trips, however with a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self guided trip is something that, once experienced, is sought time and time again.

Departure dates

Daily from June through October

Notes

BP
Base Price

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Priceper person from

$2150USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

Options & Supplements*
    * Prices listed are per person. All prices subject to applicable taxes.

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Our Expertise

Everyone who works with us, from our office staff, ground staff and guides is the ‘’real deal’’. Our team is comprised of actual hikers and cyclists who have explored or live in the region in which you will be travelling. Our entire network is highly-specialised in active travel.

Great Value

Quality services at the best price make our adventures great value for money. Having essential items included like National Park fees, charming 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.

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Hiking Newfoundland's East Coast Trail with Great Canadian Trails