Hiking & Walking
This region offers a variety of world-class day walks including short strolls for early-risers or full-day hikes in the Appalachian Mountains. Taste the salt spray of the North Atlantic as you trace the coast and fill your senses with all that Newfoundland’s Southwest Coast has to offer the experienced walker.
WALKING HIGHLIGHTS
Walk through iconic fishing outports and see highlights like Rose Blanche Lighthouse. This rare granite structure, proudly standing against the sky, is a jewel that guarded the lives of countless sailors over the centuries.
Climb the heights overlooking the Wreckhouse. This aptly named area experiences winds that would blow you away, and often send trucks off the road — thankfully summer isn’t the high season for wind. The view of the gorges from here is unparalleled in Newfoundland, and you may even see a moose wandering below.
The Gravels is a walking treasure that will delight you, whether you want to see the fossils or dip your toes in the Atlantic Ocean. This favourite of visitors is an oft-repeated walk for locals, so you might be asked to stop for a chinwag.
The Port au Port Peninsula is a spectacular outing. Be sure to take time to walk the trail at Mainland to get another perspective on the coast, with views out over the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Spots To Hike
Barachois Falls Hiking Trail New boardwalk to a waterfall. Route 470, Rose Blanche. 1.6km.
Coastangs Trail A moderate 5.5km hike along the coastline with trailheads at Searston and St. Andrew’s. Route 407, Block Rd, Searston.
Erin Mountain Trail Climb 340m for panoramic views of Bay St. George and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Route 1, Barachois Pond Provincial Park; Strenuous;
Grand Bay West Trail Walk alongside the ocean and take in the panoramic coastal and mountain views. Route 408, Port aux Basques. 6 km (various exit points); Easy.
Harvey Trail Relaxing walk near where the Harvey family & their Newfoundland dog saved almost 200 souls in the 1800s. Route 470, Isle aux Morts. 3 km return; Easy.
Gravels Rest Stop & Danny’s Trail Picnic area and 3.5km seaside stroll, unique limestone formations, bird watching, and fossils. Route 460, Port au Port West; Easy.
International Appalachian Trail NL 1 to 4 day trails throughout Western Newfoundland, from Port aux Basques to the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula. Backcountry experience or guide recommended; iatnl.org
Starlite Trail Hike to the top of the Long Range Mountains. 6 km return. Near Route 407, on the TCH; Strenuous.
Walk-A-Ways Park & Trails 6 trails throughout Stephenville, including the Ancient Carboniferous Fossil Trees, remnants of a tropical forest. 18km total. Easy to moderate.
Wetlands Trail Birding hotspot with lookouts and rest stops. Route 406, Upper Ferry. 3.4 km return; Easy.