Here at WaterLily, we love to enjoy the great outdoors. Based in Newfoundland & Labrador, we are blessed with an abundance of great opportunities to get out there and enjoy nature. From ancient mountain chains to stunning coastal seascapes, we have some of the best adventure destinations you can find anywhere, right in our own backyard!
Newfoundland and Labrador is a magical place that is full of adventure and more than a few hidden gems! Multitudes of visitors from across the globe make the trek here each year to experience the rugged natural beauty and colorful culture that Canada’s most easterly province is so well known for.
With hiking season fast approaching we have compiled a list of the best seven multi-day hikes in the province!
7. East Coast Trail
Credit: Ryan Young
Located on the Avalon Peninsula, the East Coast Trail features a network of trails that span over 300km. Rugged cliffs, abundant wildlife, and stunning seascapes make up one of the most popular trail networks in North America. With 26 separate sections, hikers have the option to thru-hike the entire trail, or to pick out specific sections. The trail runs from Portugal Cove, to Cape St. Francis, through St. John’s, and as far south as Cappahayden. Some of the highlights include Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America, a 150 foot suspension bridge near the abandoned community of La Manche, and the Spout, a wave powered geyser. Along the trail you will have the opportunity to see icebergs, whales, seabirds, lighthouses, and traditional Newfoundland communities along the Irish Loop.
To learn more about the East Coast Trail you can visit:
https://www.eastcoasttrail.com
6. Little Catalina Trail
Credit: Hike Discovery
The Little Catalina Trail is one of the highlights of hiking on the Bonavista Peninsula. Part of the Discovery Trail network, this 16.5km trail can be completed in a single day by experienced hikers, however, many people prefer to make it a multi-day hike to give them the opportunity to explore the unique landscapes and seascapes.
The trail starts just south of Elliston, the root cellar capital of the world, and traverses scenic seascapes that offer opportunities to see icebergs, whales, seabirds, and a variety of local plants and berries.
To learn more about the Little Catalina Trail you can visit:
5. Grand Codroy Way
Credit: IATNL
More of a route than a trail, the Grand Codroy Way is a 32km hike that traverses the rugged Long Range Mountains between Cape Ray and Tompkins on the southwest coast of the island of Newfoundland. The “way” follows the barren top of Table Mountain and overlooks the famous “Wreckhouse” and the beautiful Grand Codroy Valley.
Climbing to 2,000 feet, the route offers some stunning mountain vistas and views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The barren landscape offers a great chance to see an abundance of wildlife and rare plants.
The Grand Codroy way gives hikers a unique opportunity to explore the rugged barrens and glacial carved valleys of the Long Range Mountains.
To learn more about the Grand Codroy Way you can visit:
4. Outport Trail
Credit: Randy Best
Part of the Terra Nova National Park trail system, the Outport Trail is a 35km hike that begins at the Newman Sound campground. The trail winds along the coast from Big Brook and the sheltered mudflats of Newman Sound, and travels through the forest to the abandoned settlement of Minchin Cove and on to South Broad Cove. These two areas are designated for backcountry camping. Minchins Cove features a backcountry campground with 6 sites, firepits, firewood and privy. South Broad Cove features a backcountry campground with 8 sites, firepits, firewood and privy. All campers must obtain a permit before camping in these areas and the permit must be turned in at the end of the trip.
At around the midway point, there is a 1.5km detour hike to the summit of Mount Stamford which offers one of the best views in the park.
To learn more about the Outport Trail you can visit:
3. Devil’s Bite Trail
Credit: IATNL
The International Appalachian Trail Newfoundland & Labrador (IATNL) has developed a spectacular network of trails in western Newfoundland. One of the best, but least well known sections is the Devil’s Bite trail.
This 45km loop can be accessed by boat via Parsons Pond or via the Flat Hills link from the Indian Lookout Trail, another section of the IATNL. From Parsons Pond Inner Gulch, hikers can take an 8km side trail to the Devil’s Bite Lookout, which locals say was created when the devil took a bite out of the mountain precipice.
This trail offers amazing views of the Long Range Mountains and coastal lowlands of the Great Northern Peninsula as it winds its way through pristine backcountry wilderness. There is an abundance of wildlife to be seen along the trail such as moose, caribou, black bear, and arctic hare. There are several great options for camping along the way.
To learn more about the Devil’s Bite Trail you can visit:
2. Torngat Mountains
Credit: Pat Morrow
Located in northern Labrador, the Torngats are the most difficult place on this list to travel to, but offers some of the best hiking you will find anywhere in eastern North America. The name Torngat is derived from an Inuktitut word meaning place of spirits, sometimes interpreted as place of evil spirits.
Designated in 2005 as a national park reserve, The Torngats offer a variety of hiking options for people of all skill sets. From short day hikes to multi-day excursions, there is something for everyone.
Safety is your own responsibility when hiking in this remote national park reserve. Weather can often hinder rescue operations and polar bears can be a real threat at any time of year. It is recommended that you travel the area with an experienced guide.
To learn more about the Torngat Mountains you can visit:
1. Long Range Traverse
Credit: Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism
In the heart of Gros Morne National Park on the west coast of the island lies one of the province’s best kept secrets, the Long Range Traverse. This 35km backcountry route begins at the world famous Western Brook Pond and travels through the highlands of the Long Range Mountains to its terminix at the base of Gros Morne Mountain.
This wilderness route requires map and compass skills and requires that hikers be vigilant of bears and other wildlife. The trip can usually be completed in 3-4 days and offers some great views of the rugged arctic plateaus and the coastal lowlands of western Newfoundland. Moose, caribou, black bears, and arctic hare are all commonly seen along the route.
Hikers must obtain permits from the park and will have to demonstrate a working knowledge of map and compass before they are permitted to begin the hike.
To learn more about the Long Range Traverse you can visit: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nl/grosmorne/activ/experiences/backcountry/longrange
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