Hiking Newfoundland's East Coast Trail (ECT)

Hiking Newfoundland's East Coast Trail 

Trekking the Avalon Penninsula 

The East Coast Trail in Newfoundland is one of Canada’s hidden gems, offering a stunning mix of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and scenic coastal views. Spanning over 300 kilometres along the Avalon Peninsula, this trail showcases the best of Eastern Canada's wilderness, with paths that range from challenging cliffside routes to more accessible stretches perfect for beginners. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just starting your adventure, the East Coast Trail provides a unique opportunity to explore Newfoundland's breathtaking landscapes and rich history. Keep reading to discover the top hiking spots, tips for planning your trip, and what makes this trail a must-do on your Canadian hiking bucket list!

During the summer we hiked over 253 km of the East Coast Trail on the eastern shores of Newfoundland.  We backpacked the Piccos Ridge Trail before thru-hiking the ECT from St. John's to Cappahayden, camping along most of the way.  Later we walked the trails from Flatrock to Quidi Vidi Village as day hikes.  In addition, we visited two Important Bird Areas during our trip, spent a day exploring the Colony of Avalon at Ferryland, took a trip to Bonavista, and hung out in St. John's.  For those interested in hiking the trail, we have included a description and review of our gear.  Thank you for reading, and we hope you enjoy it!

 

Sean and I are passionate about hiking, nature, photography, and birds.  To some degree, our posts reflect these interests.  We tried to describe as many of the species and natural wonders we encountered as we could.  

East Coast Trail: Hiking Gear List 

Hike Preparation for the East Coast Trail 

Arrival: Exploring Historic St. John's Newfoundland 

Preparations, Logistics and Supply before ECT Hike 

Setting Out into the Unknown, Portugal Cove to Bauline 

Winter Storms and ReGrouping, Return to St. John's 

Deadmans Bay Path, St. John's to Blackhead 

Hiking Cape Spear, Blackhead to Maddox Cove - Petty Harbour 

Tracing Coastline, Petty Harbour to Little Bald Head 

"Just a few more kilometres", Little Bald Head to Freshwater 

Boardwalks and Coastlines, Freshwater to Witless Bay

Birding the East Coast Trail, Witless Bay Ecological Reserve

Tinkers Point and La Manche, Witless Bay to La Manche Provincial Park 

Along Flamber Head, La Manche PP to Roaring Cove 

Natural Beauty, Roaring Cove to Long Will 

Coastal Trekking, Long Will Campsite to Ferryland 

Lighthouses and History, Ferryland and the Colony of Avalon 

Mudder Wet Path, Ferryland to Chance Bay 

Whales and Warm Welcomes, Chance Bay to Bear Cove 

Blackflies and Trailheads, Bear Cove to Cappahayden 

Birds and Botanical Gardens, St. John's 

Heading North, St. John's to Bonavista and Elliston 

Puffins and Root Cellars, Bonavista and Elliston 

Return to the City, Bonavista to St. John's 

Railways and TCT Mile Zero, St. John's 

Return to the ECT, Flatrock to Logy Bay 

Important Bird Areas, Ocean Centre to Quidi Vidi

Additional Hiking Adventures to Enjoy

If you enjoyed this hiking adventure, you might also like reading about our walks on the Rota Vicentina / Fisherman's Trail, the Camino Primitivo, the Camino de San Salvador,  the Camino de Madrid, the Camino Portuguese (Lisbon to Porto to Santiago), the Camino Portuguese (Coastal and Espiritual), the Camino Finisterre, the Via Podiensis / GR65, and the Camino Frances.

We have also completed several other long-distance hikes in Canada, including the Bruce Trail, the East Coast Trail, and 19,000 km of the Trans Canada Trail from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic.

 
See you on the trail!