Great Canadian Trails: East Coast Trail Day Hike

BOOKABLE JOURNEY

East Coast Trail day hike options with Great Canadian Trails.

Get a taste of the beautiful East Coast Trail by choosing one of Great Canadian Trails’ favourite day hikes. One will take you along the Cape Spear Path, where you can enjoy expansive views of the coastline all the way to Petty Harbour. A slightly easier route, Beaches and Tinkers Point Paths, will take you along the edge of a seabird reserve to the Cribbies – one of the most photographed spots in Newfoundland.

OVERVIEW | INCLUSIONS Toggle Arrow

Duration: 1 day

Activities: 1 day self-guided hiking

Accommodation: n/a

Meals: n/a

What’s included

  • Friendly transfer service from St. John’s to trailhead and return
  • Stop at a local establishment to pickup lunch
  • East Coast Trail detailed route notes and maps (1 set per two hikers)

What’s not included

  • Travel to/from St. John’s
  • Guide (this is a self-guided tour)
  • Personal expenses
  • Meals and transfers not indicated in the itinerary
  • Airfare, visas, applicable taxes, travel insurance (required)

Book your self-guided journey now!

OPTION 1: St. John’s: Cape Spear Path to Petty Harbour (transfer + approx. 11.5 km) Toggle Arrow

Photo: Cape Spear, courtesy of Great Canadian Trails

St. John’s: Cape Spear Path to Petty Harbour (transfer + approx. 11.5 km)

Meet up with your driver, who’ll take you to pick up some lunch items (cost of lunch not included) in St. John’s before heading south of the city to Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site, a fascinating attraction perched on a rugged cliff. Check out the lighthouse and the World War II gun emplacements, before continuing on this beautiful section of the East Coast Trail. Hike along varied terrain to the pretty community of Petty Harbour, while taking in the breathtaking views along the way. Take the opportunity to explore this charming village before you meet your driver to transfer back to St. John’s.

OPTION 2: St. John’s: Beaches and Tinkers Point Paths (transfer + approx. 13.7 km) Toggle Arrow

Photo: Tors Cove, courtesy of Great Canadian Trails

St. John’s: Beaches and Tinkers Point Paths (transfer + approx. 13.7 km)

Meet your friendly local driver and stop at Irish Loop Coffee House to grab coffee, tea and lunch items (cost of items not included) before dropping you off at the nearby trailhead. Armed with detailed information and maps, set off on the East Coast Trail for an unforgettable experience filled with ocean views, puffin sightings and a visit to one of the most photographed spots in Newfoundland – the Cribbies. These brightly-painted traditional houses are just beyond the end of the trail and mark your pick-up point for the journey back to St. John’s.

Getting there

  • By air: The nearest airport is St. John’s International Airport (YYT).
  • Transfer service: The package includes round-trip transportation between St. John’s and the trailhead

Book your self-guided journey now!

Great Canadian Trails: A note on self-guided adventures

Self-guided walking requires individuals to use problem-solving skills, to be adaptable and to have a keen eye. It’s recommended that individuals are comfortable reading a map and referring to route notes, while having a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!)

Please be assured that written material issued to you by Great Canadian Trails for route finding is updated regularly. Great Canadian Trails 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, potential problems can be averted with a methodical approach. The freedom of a self-guided trip is something that, once experienced, is sought time and time again.

Why travel with Great Canadian Trails?

Expertise: Their team is comprised of actual hikers and cyclists who have explored or live in the region in which you will be travelling.

Great value: Quality services at the best price make their adventures great value for money.

ECO friendly: They are committed to responsible travel and true sustainability. They aim to “leave no trace” in both an environmental and cultural sense.

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