Canada, Newfoundland: Labrador Hiking Tour
Seven nights; Six days of epic hiking on rugged and pristine coastline.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Quiet coastal hiking on seldom-travelled and uncrowded trails.
- Visit historical sites and become immersed in the region’s heritage.
- Enjoy small town hospitality.
- Visit the tallest lighthouse in Atlantic Canada.
- Fresh, abundant seafood.
- Explore Battle Harbour, a unique restored fishing village with a rich history.
- Wildlife sightings are common – whales, seals, arctic foxes, seabirds, moose, and more.
- Icebergs galore, especially early in summer.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Hiking on coastal trails, with some boardwalk and bridge sections. You will need to have good, waterproof footwear, and be capable of walking up to 15km on hilly and rocky terrain with a small backpack to carry your lunch, etc. Groups of eight or more are sometimes split into two to accommodate varying abilities.
Daily Distance:
- Day 1: Introductions; Short ~2 km warm up available.
- Day 2: ~14 km
- Day 3: ~15 km
- Day 4: ~7 km + ~6km
- Day 5: ~7 km
- Day 6: ~2.5 km + Up to 14 km
- Day 7: ~2.5 km + ~4 km
- Day 8: Farewells
Labrador Hike – Elevation Profile
(Click image to enlarge)
Labrador Hike
Activity Levels
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.
Start: Deer Lake, Holiday Inn Express, 09:00, day one, or Blanc-Sablon, Labrador, 5PM, day one. Please contact us to arrange alternate pickup location if necessary.
Finish: Deer Lake, Holiday Inn Express, 16:00, or Blanc-Sablon airport, 09:30, day eight.
Introductions
An optional six-hour van transfer departs Deer Lake this morning. Otherwise, or if you are doing an extension from one of our Viking Trail adventures, meet this evening in Blanc-Sablon. There is a warm-up hike on an easy crushed stone trail to “the Jersey Room” – obvious foundations of a 19th century fishing enterprise. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips only)
Northern Light Inn, L’Anse-au-Clair; or
The Florian Hotel, or
Grenfell Louie A Hall B&B, Forteau
Overfall Brook Trail- 14km
The Labrador Pioneer Footpath was the only link between the small coastal communities of this region, aside from sea travel, before the Labrador Straits Highway was constructed in the 1950s. Varied terrain includes rocky shoreline and vast fields of crowberry. A highlight is where Overfall Brook Falls cascades over a rocky cliff into the ocean below, and whales or icebergs can often be spotted offshore. BLD
Same lodging
Forteau to Point Amour Lighthouse- 15km
Carry on along the Labrador Pioneer Footpath to the Point Amour Lighthouse. Built in 1858, it’s the second tallest lighthouse in Atlantic Canada, and is now a Provincial Historic Site that tells a story about its past. Further along the trail, you may find wreckage from the H.M.S. Raleigh, a Royal Navy ship that ran aground here in 1922. BLD
Oceanview Resort, West Ste. Modeste
The Battery ~7km; and Schooner Cove ~6km
The Footpath today will take you through stunted “tuckamore” forest to the highest point of land in the region on the Battery Trail. These spruce and fir trees, sculpted by the strong onshore winds and stunted by the harsh winter climate, are also referred to as “krummholz” – a German word meaning “bent wood”. After lunch, the Schooner Cove Trail, replete with flowers and berries, takes you to a sandy beach in Pinware Bay – home to the first known inhabitants of the region, the hunter-gatherer Maritime Archaic people who lived here as early as 7000BC. BLD
Whalers Station Cabins, Red Bay
Red Bay National Historic Site- up to 7km
Morning exploration of the Red Bay National Historic site and the surrounding area. In the 1500s, Red Bay was the home to the world’s first large-scale whale oil operation. Basque whalers from eastern Europe inhabited the area because of the abundance of right and bowhead whales off its shores. Visit the interpretive centre before taking a short boat ride to hike around Saddle Island and immerse yourself in the rich Basque history of this area, learning about its whale-watching history. After lunch, head across the bay to the Boney Shores and Tracey Hill trails where you might find some whale bones on the shore. BLD
Same lodging
Battle Harbour- 2.5km; and Caribou Island- up to 14km
Today’s destination is beautiful Battle Island; a truly unique experience. This island was once home to a prosperous salt fish industry, established in the late 1700s. Many of the island’s buildings, some being over 200 years old, have been beautifully restored so it feels just as it did during its heyday as a fishing port. You can walk around the community on wooden boardwalks and coastal trails, imagining that life hasn’t changed for a century or two. A one minute boat ride across the tickle takes you to Great Caribou Island where the hiking is divine! You will probably wish you had more time in this entrancing, wild place. BLD
Battle Harbour Historic Properties, Battle Island
Bouquet Hill- 2.5km; and Capstan Island- 3.7km
After a traditional breakfast on Battle Island, ferry back to the mainland. A 90-minute return transfer along the coast, with stops to hike the beautiful trail to the top of Bouquet Hill for an amazing overview of some of the places you have become familiar with – West St. Modeste, Pinware Bay, and the Strait of Belle Isle. Icebergs can often be seen marching down the strait. Finish the day with the beautiful stretch of the Labrador Pioneer Footpath, with bridges and pretty tarns, between Pinware and the small fishing village of Capstan Island. BLD
Northern Light Inn, L’Anse-au-Clair; or
The Florian Hotel, Forteau
Transfer back to Deer Lake, 5-6 h drive
After an early breakfast, transfers to the Blanc Sablon airport – 45 minutes, or Deer Lake – 6 hours. B
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2023 Guided:
- Jun 30 – Jul 7
- Jul 14 – 21
- Aug 11 – 18
- Aug 25 – Sep 1
2024 Guided:
- Jul 5 – 12
- Jul 19 – 26
- Aug 2 – 9
- Aug 16 – 23
Self-Guided available any dates, except for those listed above. New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
PRICING
Guided: C 5895 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners, ground transportation, full time guide support, luggage handling, 15% sales tax
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: Pricing TBD
Includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, ground transportation, vehicle transfers to and from hikes, luggage handling, 15% sales tax
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Drive: Pricing TBD
Includes 6 days of activity, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 15% sales tax
Fully independent travel including lodging, detailed itineraries, route instructions and resources. Choose your own dates, provide your own transportation. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: 1045
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
BEFORE & AFTER THE TOUR
Getting There:
If you fly: The best option is to fly to Blanc-Sablon (YBX). Air Borealis operates flights out of Montreal, Quebec City, St. John’s, Deer Lake and other smaller airports. If you choose this option, we will meet you in Blanc-Sablon at 6pm on Day One, or at your first inn in L’Anse-au-Clair later that evening. Taxis are available from Blanc-Sablon airport.
Second option: Fly to Deer Lake (YDF) and take Freewheeling shuttle to L’Anse-au-Clair via St. Barbe ferry. We will meet you in Deer Lake at 10am on Day One to begin transfer to L’Anse-au-Clair.
If you drive: Access the province by Marine Atlantic ferries, which operate between North Sydney, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. These superferries carry hundreds of vehicles and passengers to two entry points. There is a year-round, daily service between North Sydney, Nova Scotia and Port aux Basques, in southwestern Newfoundland, and a June to September service operating three days per week between North Sydney and Argentia, Newfoundland (which is a 90-minute drive from the capital city of St. John’s). Please view Marine Atlantic’s website for schedule times, or to reserve your crossing at: www.marineatlantic.ca/en, or call 800-341-7981.
Finish:
Hiking finishes day seven in Capstan Island, followed by a short drive to your accommodations in L’Anse-au-Clair/Forteau. The shuttle departs the following morning via the Blanc-Sablon ferry, leaving at 10:30am and arriving in Deer Lake at approximately 5pm. If taking the shuttle to Deer Lake, it is best to fly out the following morning. Contact us for hotel recommendations.
To Do:
If you have one day:
Explore Blanc-Sablon National Historic Site. The area is home to over 60 archaeological sites, reflecting the evolution of its inhabitants over the past 9,000 years.
If you have several days:
Extend your trip by joining one of our other rides in Nova Scotia, or the adjacent provinces, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland.
More Reading:
This is a fabulous trip, well suited to intrepid explorers with lots of energy for the hills, distances, and sheer joy of hiking and traveling through such an undeveloped and exciting landscape. You will encounter people whose unabashed friendliness is truly extraordinary.
