“Newfoundland’s East Coast Path is a countrywide treasure” broadcasts Jackie Petrie, knowledgeable on Newfoundland and Labrador canine and good friend of Elke Dettmer, one in every of our B&B hosts. She provides that “you’ll be able to make the East Coast Path revel in into no matter you wish to have it to be – whether or not it’s merely a couple of hours of simple strolling on a trail, an afternoon hike or the entire path over two to 3 weeks.”
The East Coast Path weaves alongside the japanese fringe of the Avalon Peninsula, connecting 30 ancient communities alongside the best way from Topsail Seashore to Cappahayden. It’s each a coastal hike and a forest hike. There are occasions you actually spend hours climbing along the north Atlantic Ocean however there are others, particularly at the southern sections, the place you spend a lot of the day within the woods.
John and I had plans to hike as a lot of the 336-kilometre path as lets, however as soon as at the path we nixed any concept of doing 30-kilometre days and opted for 15 – 20 kilometre days so lets savour the revel in. Over 10 climbing days, John and I have been ready to finish 11 sections of the path. I’d carried out two sections in the past – however there are nonetheless 12 sections we overlooked, together with 3 new ones that take you 52 kilometres from Topsail Seashore to Cape St. Francis. They’re much rougher than different sections and are easiest carried out as a backpacking shuttle.
The East Coast Path ranks proper up there with the most productive Canada has to supply. Not like the West Coast Path on Vancouver Island, reservations and allows aren’t had to hike. However, in case you are making plans to seek advice from in summer season, it is very important ebook lodging prematurely. There aren’t many via hikers, so getting a campsite, except there’s a huge workforce, will have to by no means be a subject. (Extra main points on lodging under.) If in case you have ideas about using to trailheads, banish the ones ideas – and disregard about renting a automobile. It’s exhausting to do and dear. You will have to have the ability to arrange dropoffs with B&B hosts – or taxis if want be.
Earlier than you cross
I extremely suggest ordering the detailed East Coast Path maps from the East Coast Path Affiliation web page. The maps are filled with nice details about the path – however there are different main points together with the place to park at every trailhead, the date, position, and identify of the shipwrecks that actually dot the coast of Newfoundland along side the positioning of ruins, church buildings, fishing traps, structures, homes, or even raptor websites. The only factor the maps don’t display is how a lot elevation acquire and loss you stumble upon on every phase – so if that’s essential to you, use an app or put on an eye with an altimeter.
The opposite helpful bit of knowledge they provide is the positioning of the neighborhood stroll. The East Coast Path is a mixture of path connected with roadside walks throughout the communities to achieve the following trailhead. At the map from the ECT Affiliation, complete instructions on the way to transfer from trailhead to trailhead on foot are incorporated.
The maps are water-resistant – and after a few weeks of wearing them round, mine nonetheless glance logo new.
The place to stick at the East Coast Path
The East Coast Path could be a little bit of a logistical nightmare in the event you’re looking to do the entire thing on your own with out tenting. Should you plan to camp, scroll all the way down to the tenting phase.
I had 0 hobby in tenting in this path. I had observed one of the most closely wooded campsites at the Spurwink Island Trail prior to, and determined I wanted the next move up in luxurious. Within the iciness I began researching and figured I’d finally end up reserving a large number of B&B’s alongside the path. This is in reality what took place – and I’m so satisfied it did. Staying in a B&B and assembly native Newfoundlanders is a amusing and not-to-be-missed revel in. You get a window right into a circle of relatives’s existence – and a substantial amount of native wisdom you’d by no means get staying in a lodge. The hosts force you to and from the trailheads (or one in every of their members of the family will get roped in) so that you be told concerning the circle of relatives historical past along side a amusing dose of native historical past. All are superb storytellers.
We booked via Sharon with Belle Maison Dine and Dream. She’s a pressure to be reckoned with and is aware of the path, and apparently everybody round for 100 km, along side the realm just like the again of her hand. (She grew up right here in a tune loving circle of relatives.) She could also be a fantastic self-taught connoisseur cook dinner so you’ll be able to be expecting implausible foods each evening and a well-stocked kitchen/consuming house to make your individual breakfasts and lunches. She has some distinctive lodging choices together with RV’s and a refurbished container. You received’t wish to go away.
Through the years Sharon has teamed up with Elke Dettmer in Pouch Cove and Mary Ridgely in Gould close to Petty Harbour. They proportion pickups and dropoffs on the airport and day-to-day transportation to and from trailheads of their respective spaces. As every is in a special area alongside the path, it is smart to spend about 4 nights at every position so you’ll be able to quilt off as many paths as imaginable in that time period – or a minimum of that was once my aim. Be aware that each Mary and Elke have threatened to near their doorways in 2023 so remember to test in with Sharon to look if that certainly occurs.
In Pouch Cove we stayed with Elke Dettmer at Issues East Guesthouse. Elke was once an accommodating host – selecting us up on the airport, using us the place we needed to move, arranging rides to the health facility for John when he were given a retinal detachment, and offering numerous native perception and information from many years of dwelling and dealing on the college in Newfoundland. (Elke has a PhD in folklore!) She has a good looking assets with comfy rooms overlooking the sea and plenty of farm-fresh meals. Elke went to an enormous quantity of labor to verify we were given the entire Newfoundland revel in – consuming freshly picked-off-the-beach capelin, eating on cod au gratin and brand new turnip vegetables (scrumptious) and bringing in attention-grabbing folks to satisfy. For a 78-year-old, she is one going worry.
In Petty Cove we stayed with Mary Ridgely and her circle of relatives at Wild Roses B&B. We were given the entire circle of relatives revel in with daughters, daughter-in-laws, granddaughters, and sons. Everybody was once apparently concerned, and all had one thing to mention. It was once nice amusing to be embraced via the circle of relatives and to be despatched house with a replica of the circle of relatives cookbook so I will be able to make Unload Cake and Peese Porridge – amazingly scrumptious break up pea puree that was once served with the entire turkey dinner one evening. Not anything gave the look to be an excessive amount of bother for Mary or somebody else in her circle of relatives.
An alternative choice is to ebook a shuttle with Nice Canadian Trails. They’ll get you from the airport and again – and put you in B&B’s like Belle Maison. A number of folks we met at Belle Maison had booked with them.
How are you aware in the event you’re at the East Coast Path?
Signage is superb alongside the path and at each trailhead you’ll see a collection of indicators like those in the second one picture under. Should you don’t see them, you’re now not at the path.
Tenting at the East Coast Path
Described are all sections of the East Coast Path – along side the logistics of having to the trailheads. If there’s tenting to be had, I’ve famous that in addition to another helpful data. Should you in point of fact wish to do the entire path, with none lend a hand from B&B’s, rely on backpacking and resupplying in small communities like Pouch Cove and Petty Harbour in addition to St. John’s alongside the best way.
Famous are the trails that experience campsites on them. There aren’t many – however they’re on sections which might be far flung, so their places make sense. Depend on packing a range as no fires are authorized.
Pack as evenly as imaginable as those are rugged trails. I might counsel taking a tarp. The one folks I noticed via climbing have been solo ladies – as this is a path the place ladies really feel secure.
Move ready
All the time lift the ten climbing necessities, even with a super climate forecast.
John and I loved very best summer season climate on 9 of our 10 climbing days – although that might be regarded as extraordinary. Even so, there have been instances that the winds have been ferocious and the temperature nosedived. In inclement climate, that you must get into hypothermia prerequisites briefly order. So, pack layers, and it doesn’t matter what the forecast says, lift just right complete frame rain tools. A ball cap or solar hat is very important too.
I might counsel taking climbing poles in the event you’re ever unsteady in your ft otherwise you’re looking to save your knees. Trojan horse spray wasn’t vital on account of the wind however I’d pack it anyway. For the ones unseasonably heat days, lift a water clear out or drops so you’ll be able to replenish water bottles alongside the best way.
Bears weren’t a subject at any time within the house. The birding and whale gazing is excellent, so I’d counsel together with a couple of binoculars.
Watch out for rocks and logs when rainy. Put on shoes with a just right tread to care for slippery surfaces.
Test trail advisories prior to you head out.
Some portions of the East Coast Path may also be hiked in iciness, prerequisites allowing. Once more, test up to the moment experiences prior to heading out.
Sections of the East Coast Path described from south to north
Described are all sections of the East Coast Path – along side the names of the trailheads and notes if tenting is to be had. The path sections are described from north to south and the 3 new sections are described on the finish as they aren’t just about so widespread….but. Now cross have amusing climbing. That is really one in every of Canada’s most sensible lengthy distance climbing trails – and many of the sections will blow you away with their good looks.
Biscan Cove Trail on the north finish of the East Coast Path
Get started/finish: Biscan Cove/ Pouch Cove trailheads
Distance: 7.0 km
Issue: Reasonable to tough
Campground: No
Time wanted: 2- 4 hours
Highlights: There’s a point of view overlooking Horrid Gulch the place a courageous guy – Alfred Moore, again in 1875, agreed to be diminished again and again 80 metres via rope to rescue passengers and staff from the schooner Water Witch. The path is a gorgeous although rugged mixture of woods strolling with some thrilling sections of sea coast. Prevent at Freshwater River to absorb the view of a waterfall and sea ledges.
We did this as an out and again hike, opting for to go back alongside the street, although and secretly hoping to hitchhike again to Pouch Cove. In line with shuttle notes, there are lots of berry selecting trails that attach the street to the East Coast Path – so you will get waylaid consuming in berry season.
If in case you have the time and inclination, you’ll be able to hike a piece of the White Horse Trail – which you pick out up at Cape. St. Francis. I believe even quarter-hour is worth it because it right away feels extra rugged and rancid the overwhelmed trail.
Stiles Cove Trail
Get started/Finish: Pouch Cove/ Flatrock trailheads
Distance: 15.1 km
Issue: Reasonable
Campground: None at the path
Time wanted: 5 – 7 hours
Highlights/Revel in: This was once one in every of my favorite days. There was once super selection alongside the path and a few pretty lengthy sections of climbing alongside the coast with jaw-dropping perspectives. Highlights come with the coastal perspectives from Crimson Head, stunning Stiles Cove, waterfalls at Giant River and Stiles Cove, sea caves, pretty sea ledges (nice for a lunch prevent), and a coastline at Shoe Cove.
Father Troy’s Path
Get started/finish: Torbay/Flatrock trailheads
Distance: 8.9 km + 0.7 km facet trails
Issue: Simple
Campground: No
Time wanted: 2 – 4 hours
Revel in/Highlights: Beautiful strolling on The Beamer – which in spring is to be have shyed away from on account of nesting gulls. The cliffs alongside the path are dramatic and one specifically is house to a kittiwake colony.
Silver Mine Head
Get started/finish: Torbay/Outer Cove trailhead
Distance: 3.8 km + 0.1 km facet path + 1.8 km neighborhood stroll
Issue: Simple
Campground: Now not at the path
Time wanted: 2 hours + 0.5 hours for neighborhood stroll
Highlights/Revel in: We began at Center Cove on account of parking logistics. The climbing was once attention-grabbing proper off the bat because it was once nonetheless caplin season so that you must see them within the water and lifeless alongside the coastline. Folks come right here to assemble them – each for consuming and for fertilizer. A whole lot of hen existence round too. Some exceptionally simple, pretty strolling against Torbay proper beside the coast with superb perspectives.
Cobblers Trail
Get started/finish: Outer Cove/Logy Bay trailheads
Distance: 5.0 km + 1.6 km facet trails
Issue: Reasonable
Campground: No
Time wanted: 2 – 3 hours
Highlights: Superb perspectives from Torbay Level and Redcliff Head. Search for the stays of a WWII battery and the ruins of a chilly warfare monitoring station.
Sugarloaf Trail
Get started/finish: Logy Bay/Quidi Vidi Village
Distance: 8.8 km
Issue: Reasonable to tough
Campground: No
Time wanted: 3 -5 hours
Highlights/Revel in: I did this phase of the East Coast Path in 2014 – and after climbing it, I knew I sought after to come back again for extra. There are nice perspectives, icebergs in season, plenty of sea hen existence and naturally the pretty descent into old fashioned Quidi Vidi Village. For more info and pictures learn my submit about climbing the Sugarloaf Trail.
Deadmans Bay
Get started/finish: Citadel Amherst/Blackhead trailheads
Distance: 10.5 km
Issue: Reasonable to tough
Campground: Now not at the path
Time wanted: 4 – 7 hours
Highlights/Revel in: This phase of the East Coast Path was once an surprising satisfaction. The path isolating Freshwater Bay from the sea – which has been washed out beneath typhoon prerequisites is amusing to hike. And the phase from Duck Pond to Citadel Amherst is pleasant – stunning outcrop, a large number of ponds, some used for swimming after which very good perspectives of Sign Hill, Cabot Tower, and The Sugarloaf. We walked again to St. John’s, which took over an hour – nevertheless it did supply a super view of St. John’s Harbour and the vibrant properties at the south facet of Sign Hill.
Cape Spear Trail
Get started/finish: Blackhead/ Maddox Cove trailheads
Distance: 15.4 km + 1.8 km facet trails
Issue: Reasonable
Campground: Now not on path
Time wanted: 5 – 7 hours
Highlights/Revel in: We began in Maddox Cove and hiked north previous a kittiwake colony at Deep Cove. Many of the path traveled via open nation-state, ceaselessly as regards to the sea so there was once a number of just right stuff to look – sea caves, coves, whales, seabirds and naturally the restored Cape Spear Lighthouse close to the easternmost level in Newfoundland. You’ll take a excursion of the Lightkeeper’s Cottage after which proceed onto the rougher phase of path to Blackhead.
Movement Trail
Get started/finish: Shoal Bay Street/Petty Harbour trailheads
Distance: 13.8 km + 6.3 km stroll in or out from the Shoal Bay Street parking space
Issue: Reasonable to tough
Campground: Sure – the Miners Level Campsite
Time wanted: 5 – 8 hours
Highlights/Revel in: The one detraction to this hike is the 6.3 km stroll in or stroll out to achieve the Shoal Bay Street parking space. Another way, this hike is a gem. Stroll beside the coast for a significant portion of the hike, ceaselessly proper beside sea cliffs. The climb as much as the Middle’s Level Ridge is going briefly – and the strolling up on most sensible is straightforward and marvelous. Hike on wild barrens previous a few ponds to Movement Head. Alongside the best way, stay an eye fixed out for waves, whales, seabirds and the deserted agreement and waterfalls at Shoal Bay. This can be a pleasant day – one of the most most sensible 3 we did. And finishing in beautiful Petty Harbour, house to Alan Doyle from the band, Nice Giant Sea is a deal with. It’s a just right position to get a drink and a chunk to devour.
Spout Trail
Get started/finish: Bay Bulls/Shoal Bay Street trailhead
Distance: 16.2 km + 6.3 km stroll in by way of the Shoal Bay Street
Issue: Strenuous
Campground: Sure – Little Bald Head Campsite provides 11 websites, a lot of them on platforms
Time wanted: 6 – 9 hours
Spotlight/Revel in: Highlights come with a “sea-driven, freshwater geyser known as the Spout (easiest in convey and fall when river overflow water runs into the blowhole), top cliffs, sea stacks, otters at Queens River feeding on mussel beds, a birch woodland, deserted settlements at Freshwater and Gunridge, and a lighthouse at North Head. Be aware that there is not any bailout at the trail and restricted to no mobile provider so if you get started, you’re dedicated.
Mickleens Trail
Get started/finish: Bay Bulls/Witless Bay trailheads
Distance: 7.2 km
Issue: Simple to reasonable
Campground: None in this trail
Time wanted: 2 – 4 hours
Highlights/Revel in: Gorgeous strolling within the woods alternating with outstanding vantage issues of sea stacks and offshore islands. Below transparent prerequisites you will have to have the ability to see whales and sea birds. Within the fall, the wave motion is reportedly dramatic alongside this phase of coast.
Seashores Trail
Get started/finish: Witless Bay/Cellular trailheads
Distance: 7.1 km
Issue: Simple
Campground: No
Time wanted: 2 – 3 hours
Highlights/Revel in: Practice the sea coast on a gradual trail winding via woods, meadowland, and heath. At many issues it is possible for you to to seek advice from cobblestone seashores. In this hike, beachcombing along side whale gazing and seabird viewing are widespread. Glance as much as spot an eagle’s nest at Herring Cove.
There’s a seasonal puffin and petrel patrol within the Witless Bay house because of its proximity to Gull Island the place 70,000 pairs of Atlantic puffins nest along side part one million pairs of typhoon petrels. When the birds fledge, they ceaselessly get disoriented and are rescued nightly. Petrels should be introduced via hand as they are able to’t take off with out lend a hand. Puffins are banded when they’re discovered.
Tinkers Level Trail
Get started/finish: Cellular/Tors Cove trailheads
Distance: 5.0 km
Issue: Simple
Campground: Now not at the path
Time wanted: 2 – 3 hours
Highlights/Revel in: Well liked by households, this hike provides numerous and sheltered woodland strolling, a gradual coastline, coastline get right of entry to at 4 issues, pocket seashores and island perspectives.
Los angeles Manche Village Trail
Get started/finish: Tors Cove/Los angeles Manche Village trailheads
Distance: 6.4 km + 1.4 km by way of an get right of entry to highway to the trailhead
Issue: Simple
Campground: To be had at Los angeles Manche Provincial Park via reservation
Time wanted: 2 – 3 hours
Highlights/Revel in: Highlights come with otters at Crockers Island, nesting puffins on Pee Pee Island throughout from Capelin Cove, the suspension bridge, a sand coastline at Physician’s Cove and the deserted agreement of Los angeles Manche Village. If in case you have time, you’ll be able to organize whale-watching excursions out of Bauline East.
Flamber Head Trail – one in every of my favorite sections at the East Coast Path
Get started/finish: Los angeles Manche Village/Brigus South trailheads
Distance: 11.5 km + 1.4 km on an get right of entry to path
Issue: Reasonable to tough
Campground: Sure at Roaring Cove Campground
Time wanted: 5 – 8 hours
Spotlight/Revel in: You’ll’t leave out the Los angeles Manche suspension bridge, although its formally at the Los angeles Manche Village Trail. Different highlights come with the pretty waterfall at Freshwater Bay, an incredible headland at Cape Neddick, the view from Flamber Head along side implausible coastal perspectives of cliffs, rock, and coves. That is a fantastic hike, although a just right phase of it’s within the woods.
Brigus Head Trail
Get started/finish: Brigus South/Admiral Cove trailheads
Distance: 6.4 km
Issue: Reasonable
Campground: Now not in this phase
Time wanted: 2 – 3 hours
Spotlight/Revel in: Highlights alongside the path come with beautiful Brigus South, an aspect path to seek advice from Turtle Island and tall cliffs round Brigus Head. Workout warning in the event you plan to seek advice from Herring Cove Seashore. Tar Cove with its cobblestone coastline can be visited. In June and July search for finback, minke and humpback whales circling Brigus Bight to entice caplin.
Cape Broyle Head Trail
Get started/finish: Cape Broyle/Calvert trailheads
Distance: 19.4 km + 0.7 km facet trails
Issue: Strenuous
Campground: Sure – Lengthy Will Campsite, 7.2 km in from the Cape Broyle trailhead.
Time wanted: 6 – 10 hours
Revel in/Highlights: This was once our easiest day for whale gazing nevertheless it got here with a value. We spent many of the day within the woods, and whilst delightful sufficient, there wasn’t a lot in the best way of perspectives except we took the facet path to the highest of a headland. Then the perspectives exploded. The world round Gentleman’s Cove and Lance Cove (pictured under) have been specifically pretty as was once the phase from Chilly Harbour south to the Calvert Trailhead. Attempt to put aside a while to seek advice from Lance Cove – in all probability playing lunch at the sandy coastline.
Caplin Bay Trail
Get started/finish: Calvert and Ferryland trailheads
Distance: 5.6 km
Issue: Simple to reasonable
Campground: Now not in this phase
Time wanted: 2- 3 hours
Spotlight/Revel in: Glance for a lot of shorebirds together with guillemots, cormorants and loons, cobblestone seashores, offshore islands and scenic pocket coves. The trail is as regards to the Ferryland Lighthouse, and the Colony of Avalon.
Sounding Hills Trail
Get started/finish: Ferryland/Aquaforte
Distance: 8.4 km
Issue: Simple to reasonable
Campground: No
Time wanted: 2 – 3 hours
Highlights/Revel in: This is without doubt one of the busier sections of the East Coast Path as its so available and there’s so much to look. Mix it with a seek advice from to the Colony of Avalon website and the translation centre. The path provides cobblestone seashores, perspectives of offshore rocks and islands, a super point of view from the summit of Sounding Hills, waterfalls, and fjord perspectives from Howlett Level.
Spurwink Island Trail
Get started/finish: Aquaforte/Port Kirwan
Distance: 20.4 km + 1.9 km of imaginable facet trails
Issue: Tough
Campground: Sure close to Giant Gallows Cove
Time wanted: 7 – 10 hours
Revel in: It’s an extended day with a now not so inspiring phase within the woods however if you move South Head on tips on how to Port Kirwan the climbing will get far more attention-grabbing. The Berry Arch is a spotlight and a couple of different rocky coastline stops makes it very profitable. Learn my complete description of the Spurwink Island Trail.
Undergo Cove Level Trail
Get started/finish: Kingman’s Cove/Renews
Distance: 11.9 km
Issue: Reasonable
Campground: No
Time wanted: 4 – 6 hours
Highlights/Revel in: Move deserted settlements at Lance Cove, Trixs Cove (house to 19 folks) and Blacksmith (house to 21 folks). Take a look at the lighthouse at Undergo Cove Level. Search for jagged sea stacks at Southern Cove. Breeding terns can from time to time be observed within the Renews Estuary. Simply prior to The Mount, an 18th century gun battery, there’s the Nun’s Bathing Position, reportedly a “hidden gulch favoured via the Presentation Sisters.”
Island Meadow Trail
Get started/finish: Renews to Cappahayden
Distance: 10.1 km
Issue: Reasonable
Campground: None
Time wanted: 3 – 5 hours; it took us 4 hours with stops
Highlights/Revel in: I used to be pleasantly stunned via the volume of selection at the hike. The primary 4 – 5 km of the hike are moderately rainy however they nonetheless be offering viewpoints and superb birdwatching. Round Little Level there are ledges that get scoured via waves and ice each iciness. There also are cobble seashores you’ll be able to get right of entry to that make a super lunch spot. Revel in the entire hen process throughout at Renews Island.
Whilst you succeed in Undergo Cove you must stroll at the freeway for a brief distance prior to re-entering the woods. While you’re out of the woods once more, the strolling is divine alongside the coast, although on chilly days it might be bone chilling.
Lengthy Shore Trail
Trailhead location: Topsail Seashore/Portugal Cove trailheads
Distance: 17.2 km
Issue: Reasonable to tough
Campground: None in this phase
Time wanted: 6 – 8 hours
Spotlight/Revel in: That is one in every of 3 paths at the west facet of the Avalon Peninsula which might be nonetheless a piece in development. There can be slope scrambles aided via ropes. There are some coastline spaces together with Horse Cove, Beachy Cove and Topsail Seashore Rotary Park. Be expecting superb perspectives from Beachy Cove Hill and Greyman’s Beard.
Piccos Ridge Trail
Get started/finish: Portugal Cove/ Bauline trailheads
Distance: 14.5 km + 0.2 km facet trails
Issue: Strenuous
Campground: No
Time wanted: 7 -9 hours
Highlights/Revel in: The path remains to be a piece in development with stairs, boardwalks and bridges but to be finished. Gloves are urged to be used with rope climbs. Blast Hollow Ponds Brook may also be exhausting to go after a heavy rain. Don’t disregard climbing poles. A lot of the path is is top and uncovered so in unhealthy climate, windchill, rain, frost and slippery prerequisites are all imaginable.
White Horse Trail
Get started/finish: Bauline to Cape. St. Francis
Distance: 18.8 km + 1.5 km of facet trails
Issue: Strenuous
Campground: There may be the brand new Patch Brook desert campsite with 5 tent platforms.
Time wanted: 8 – 10 hours
Highlights/Revel in: Path paintings is ongoing so don’t be expecting the whole lot to be finished – together with boardwalks and stairs. In line with CBC, the White Horse Trail, has been named the “toughest trail” at the East Coast Path with 18.8 km of rugged, strenuous climbing from Bauline to Cape St. Francis with plenty of up and down. A lot of the path is top and uncovered so you wish to have to be specifically conscious about the elements.
Additional studying on climbing in Newfoundland
Click on at the picture to bookmark on your Pinterest forums.
