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Spectacular rock formation along the East Coast Trail - Guided East Coast Trail, Canada
Spectacular rock formation along the East Coast Trail  | Sherry Ott
Suspension bridge to the former village of La Manche - Guided East Coast Trail, Canada
Suspension bridge to the former village of La Manche  | Sherry Ott
The day hike culminates at the massive Berry Head sea arch - Guided East Coast Trail, Canada
The day hike culminates at the massive Berry Head sea arch  | Caroline Mongrain
Climbing up the Sugarloaf path near St. John's, Newfoundland - Guided East Coast Trail, Canada
Climbing up the Sugarloaf path near St. John's, Newfoundland  | Sherry Ott
A wilderness path along Newfoundlan’s Avalon Peninsula - Guided East Coast Trail, Canada
A wilderness path along Newfoundlan’s Avalon Peninsula  | Sherry Ott

Guided East Coast Trail

Newfoundland's rugged coastline and friendly hospitality

Canada
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 5 reviews

9 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: ETG
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 9 Days
Activities
  • 7 day guided hiking
Accommodation
  • 6 nights B&B's/guesthouses
  • 2 nights Hotel
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 8 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
5 / 10

Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

26kg of CO2-e PP per day

(210kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Hike the best sections from the northern tip to the southern end of the East Coast Trail.
  • Opportunities to spot whales, icebergs, puffins, and moose
  • Discover colourful and historic fishing villages and communities
  • Step foot on the most easterly point of North America
  • Experience friendly Newfoundland hospitality first-hand

Overview

This journey takes you through Newfoundland’s East Coast Trail, a stunning network of wilderness paths blending towering cliffs, serene coves, and vibrant coastal communities. From the lively streets of St. John’s to the remote beauty of Berry Head, share the thrill of exploration with fellow hikers, forming bonds as you uncover the history, wildlife, and breathtaking vistas of this rugged coastline. Wander lush woodlands, cross suspension bridges, spot whales and puffins, and marvel at ancient geological wonders—all while enjoying comfortable accommodations and the camaraderie of a shared adventure. Every step connects you to Newfoundland’s unique culture, story-rich locals, and delicious seafood. With moments of quiet reflection and laughter-filled evenings, this group experience creates memories as vivid as the painted clapboard houses along the coast.Immerse yourself in boundless beauty and vibrant tradition—where every trail invites connection.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Welcome to the windy, colourful and boisterous capital of Newfoundland. Make your way to your St John's Hotel (details are provided with your final documents). Spend the rest of the day exploring one of the oldest cities in North America, discovering its bright-painted heritage houses and buildings, restaurants, galleries and antique shops. Your accommodation is also close to the legendary nightlife and live music on George Street. Meet your guide before dinner for a group orientation.

Meals: Nil

Your guide will accompany the group from the St John's hotel. Today's stretch of trail features steep hills, a rugged coastline, and sweeping ocean views, with the chance to spot whales and seabirds, especially in the summer. About halfway from the Biscan Cove trailhead, you'll find an ideal picnic spot and scenic viewpoint called Champs Lookout. The trail also passes through prime berry-picking areas and the remnants of the Cape St. Francis Lighthouse, along with a still-operational helicopter pad. Walk back with your group to a beautiful B&B in Pouch Cove for a lovely homecooked dinner. We return you to Saint John's after dinner.

Meals: B,L,D

This morning your group will be dropped in Pouch Cove and hike past Shoe Cove, which was mostly used as a summer fishing station. Shoe Cove Road, constructed circa 1900, links the cove to the highway and allowed local families to homestead in the area nearby. After heading west and crossing Shoe Cove Brook, the trail continues along a traditional cow path through coastal woods on the cove's steep eastern slope. Cattle used to roam the community pasture nearby between the 1960s and the early 2000s, the early operational years of Shoe Cove's chief pasture. Lookout points and side trails along the day's route overlook Shoe Cove Island, exposed rock ledges and a few gorgeous waterfalls. You will reach Stiles Cove, where seals would haul up on sea ledges to rest and hunt in coves with streams frequented by salmon. Beyond this point are more wooded tracks, a known eagle's nest to keep an eye out for, and more sweeping views. Your group will be shuttled to a B&B in Bay Bulls for the next two nights after you reach the Flatrock trailhead.

Meals: B,L,D

Your group will be picked up after breakfast and taken to the trail head at Petty Harbour for a hike to Cape Spear, the most easterly point of the continent, in the shadow of the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland and Labrador, and an iconic symbol of the province’s maritime history. Your hike will feature board-walked bog crossings, a variety of terrains, two river crossings and expansive views of deep swells rolling in across the Atlantic. Before your group is transferred back to the B&B in Bay Bulls, you will all have plenty of time to explore the Cape Spear Lighthouse. Originally built in 1836, the lighthouse was rebuilt in 1955 using the active light of the original lighthouse.

Meals: B,L,D

After a hearty breakfast, your group will take on two of the easier sections of the East Coast Trail, ending at the famous brightly-painted saltbox houses in the community of Tors Cove. With its epic views of blue ocean, rocks, field and forest, “the Cribbies” is the most photographed meadow in Newfoundland. It has one of the best views of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, and fairy-tale magic about the place. The trail hugs the shoreline with lovely shore and coastal views all the way to the reserve, which is a sanctuary for puffins and migrating seabirds. The area is also a popular feeding ground for humpback whales, so keep an eye out for tails and breaches. The hike concludes in Beauline South, a charming, picturesque community that preserves the island’s rich fishing heritage.

Meals: B,L,D

Today, sparkling turquoise waters and cliffside boardwalk await you at La Manche Provincial Park. The 50-metre/164-foot long swaying La Manche suspension bridge is another highlight of the East Coast Trail, crossing a tranquil cove that once serviced a long-abandoned fishing village. Your group will continue south along the Flamber Head Path, one of the more remote, underrated sections of the ECT. The trail rolls over wooded hills, headlands and cliff-faces with sweeping coastal views, concluding at the pick-up point in the charming little harbour community of Brigus South. You should note that the segment of trail approaching Brigus South involves some rugged terrain and can be more challenging in adverse conditions.

Meals: B,L,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. After the hike your group will be shuttled back your B&B in Beauline South.

Meals: B,L,D

A morning transfer awaits after breakfast to join this diverse coastal trail connecting Logy Bay with St. John’s. The trail features two significant elevation changes of 150 meters. Along the way, you'll enjoy stunning coastal vistas from atop Sugarloaf Head to the north, explore unique rock formations at the Skerries, and take in panoramic 360-degree views of St. John’s and Quidi Vidi from the Bawdens Highlands in the south. Be aware that the hiking trail and biking route, both well-marked, criss-cross up Bawdens Highland. After crossing White Hills and Bawdens Highland, Quidi Vidi Village offers a range of services for visitors and a community link to Signal Hill National Historic Site. The 175-meter climb up Signal Hill is worth it, as viewers who have experienced the historic viewpoint will attest. Your group will walk back to the St. John's hotel after climbing Signal Hill for the impressive views of the city harbour and surroundings. Having ticked off some of the most magnificent hikes in Newfoundland, celebrate with some screech in the boisterous pubs on George Street.

Meals: B,L

Services end after breakfast. We hope you enjoyed your stay at 'the Rock'!

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

2 scheduled departures between 5 Jun 2027 and 18 Sep 2027.

  • Departs 5 Jun 2027 – ends 13 Jun 2027 (9 days)
  • Departs 18 Sep 2027 – ends 26 Sep 2027 (9 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
  • 8 nights in B&B's/guesthouses/hotels on a double occupancy basis
  • Certified Guide
  • Luggage transfers (1 piece per person)
  • Transfers to/from trailheads as indicated in itinerary
  • $50 donation to the East Coast Trail Association

Not included

  • 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
  • Entrance fees and optional activities
  • Paper maps of the East Coast Trail
  • Airport transfers
  • Applicable taxes of 15% when booking made in North America

Video

Hiking Newfoundland's East Coast Trail with Great Canadian Trails

Reviews (5)

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Brilliant experience. Sydney our guide was thoughtful and patient.

Paul Nelson|Belchertown, Massachusetts, United States
5 Oct 2026
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A great guide, Sydney. Stunning scenery but much harder walking than I expected.

Catherine Downs|Thornbury, Victoria, Australia
30 Sep 2026
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Scenery, driver and accommodations were great. The guide gave a great effort but was inexperienced in guiding, leading groups.

Karen Beck|MB, Canada
19 Oct 2025
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We had a wonderful time with a lovely group. Our guide Scotty was very enthusiastic and our driver/organiser Jamie had great stories and extensive knowledge. Accommodation and meals were excellent but the highlight for us was definitely the beautiful scenery. All in all, a very well organised trip which I would highly recommend.

Marilyn Surtees|St Ives, NSW, Australia
7 Oct 2025
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Catherine Penny|ON, Canada
20 Oct 2025

Extra trip info

AccommodationTrail surfacesWill My Trip Run?Wildlife Safari Safety
Pouch Cove - Room 2

Charming B&B

At the northeastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula, Great Canadian Trails’ exclusive oceanview B&B sits just steps from the East Coast Trail, offering sweeping Atlantic views and easy access to Newfoundland’s coastal paths. With cozy rooms, warm island hospitality, and a relaxed Maritime vibe, it’s more than a place to stay — it’s a place to feel at home.

Bread and Cheese Inn

Charming B&B

Nestled in Bay Bulls, one of the oldest communities in North America, this locale delivers an amazing experience. Each room offers a breathtaking ocean view, enhancing your experience. Your stay includes curated meals at a modern-style restaurant centred on locally sourced ingredients.

Hiking over diverse and often rugged terrain | Caroline Mongrain

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.).

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

Early morning game viewing walk in Hlane National Park in Swaziland

Your safety is our main priority

Africa's wildlife is wild and unfenced. On many wildlife safaris you may meet them on foot, or from a vehicle. Walking in big-game country carries some risk, and the safeguards are not the same in every country.

Rules on firearms, guide qualifications, group size and how close you may approach an animal are set country by country, park by park. Many incorrectly assume that every wildlife safari in Africa travels with an armed ranger. Several countries prohibit firearms outright. Where an armed escort is required, it is supplied by the park authority.

What is consistent is how these trips operate. You walk in a small group with a professional local guide who knows the country and the animals in it. We do not include captive or hands-on wildlife encounters in any itinerary.

Read more

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