Canada, Newfoundland: St. John’s & Bonavista Hike

Six nights, six days of hikes on the East Coast Trail and remote footpaths on the Bonavista Peninsula.

“...absolutely enchanted with the people, the scenery, and all the delicious food! We experienced the wonders of Newfoundland, including whale sightings, bald eagles, puffins, bakeapples, blueberries, magnificent sea stacks, and moose stew!” - Lynn B.

WHY THIS TRIP?

• Explore two of the largest seabird colonies in North America, with excellent chances to see puffins, kittiwakes, and other coastal wildlife.
• Walk some of the most dramatic sections of the East Coast Trail, where headlands, sea stacks, and open ocean views unfold at a steady, satisfying pace.
• Watch for migrating whales and late-season icebergs along one of the Atlantic’s most reliable marine corridors.
• Experience Newfoundland’s history through an engaging open-air theatrical performance that brings outport life and early exploration to life.
• Stand at Cape Spear, North America’s easternmost point, and take in the morning light over the Atlantic.
• Enjoy traditional music, local stories, and a warm, easygoing culture that makes this corner of Newfoundland especially memorable.

ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:

Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.

Best suited to energetic walkers comfortable with full-day hikes. The East Coast Trail section can take up to eight hours, with uneven footing, short steep grades, and frequent coastal exposure; sturdy hiking boots, trekking poles, and a small day pack are recommended. Walks in and around Trinity and Bonavista are more moderate, with flexible options that can be adjusted to match the group’s pace and interest.

---

Daily Distance:

• 1: Introductions; hike Signal Hill and The Battery, up to ~5km (+100m / -100m).
• 2: Stiles Cove Path ~16km (+700m / -700m) or Father Troy Path ~14km (+360m / -360m).
• 3: Hike the East Coast Trail ~11km (+150m / -150m).
• 4: Transfer to Bonavista Peninsula; hike Mad Rocks ~3.5km (+50m / -50m) and/or Gun Hill ~2km (+50m / -50m); afternoon Pageant.
• 5: Skerwink Trail 5km (+100m / -100m) and Kerleys Harbour ~2km (+0m / -0m); drive up to ~1hr.
• 6: Bonavista, Spillars Cove, Klondike Trail, and The Puffin Colony at Elliston, up to ~14km (+250m / -250m); drive up to ~40 mins.
• 7: Farewells.

(Click image to enlarge)

x

Close

 

Activity Levels

x

To help you choose an appropriate level of daily challenge, we use elevation profiles to represent the route, and a challenge-rating system using symbols from the skiing world. Many of you will already be familiar with it; If not, here is a brief explanation. Note that these classifications may vary with weather and/or road conditions, and you should always arrive with a sense of fun and adventure. If you are unsure, choose a guided trip. The vehicle support can help you get over any hill, and can turn even the most difficult trip into an easy one.

 

---

The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.

 

This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.

 

Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.

 

This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.

 

The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.

 

There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.

Close