East Coast Trail | Scenic and Unique Hiking and Walking Trails in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

The East Coast Trail is a 540 km coastal hiking experience that takes you to the outermost reaches of North America. The Trail provides walkers and hikers with a special blend of wilderness adventure, outstanding natural beauty, wildlife, history, and cultural contact.

Truly spectacular features on the trail

The Trail takes you past towering cliffs and headlands, sea stacks, deep fjords, and a natural wave-driven geyser called the Spout. It provides access to abandoned settlements, lighthouses, ecological reserves, seabird colonies, whales, icebergs, world's southern most caribou herd, historic sites, a 50-metre suspension bridge, two active archaeological dig sites, and many more attractions. It offers a wilderness paradise of boreal forest, fresh clean air and quiet solitude, all combined with the raw natural beauty of the rugged Atlantic Ocean.

Linked communities

The Trail links together 32 historic communities. These communities provide services, such as accommodations, dining, and entertainment. Our advertisers live and work in these communities and are available to help you plan your trip, provide the services you require, or supply the information you need. Please select from the following categories to find the services you need along the Trail:

News & Announcements

Tely Hike Celebrates 10 Years

June 7, 2010 - The Telegram - Jeff Hiscock

Sunday morning's dreary weather conditions didn't stop the crowds from hitting the East Coast Trail's section through Outer Cove-Logy Bay for the 10th annual Tely Hike fundraiser. About 200 people of all ages gathered.... Read more.

East Coast Trail thanks Citizen and Corporate Donors

June 7, 2010 - (St. John's)

The Tenth Annual East Coast Trail Tely Hike brought in more than $104,000 this weekend to support the maintenance and continued development of the East Coast Trail. Association President Randy Murphy says corporate and citizen donations exceeded expectations for the event which heralded.... Read more.

Blackhead Maintenance in High Spirits

May 29, 2010 -

An intrepid group of outdoor enthusiasts headed out to Blackhead despite the call for drizzle and cloud.. for 5 hours of brushcutting and lopping, well 4 if you don't include lunch at the Gulch. .... Read more.

'Red Cliff Path' Development for 10th ECT Tely Hike

May 12, 2010 -

There will be a new path with a new name ready for the ECT Tely Hike Fundraiser on June 6th, 2010. A trail development team is currently working at Shooting Cove and building trail up Red Cliff Head. The view north towards Torbay Point along this section of the East Coast Trail is gorgeous.... Read more.

Trail changes available online

May 8, 2010 -

Check out the path information before you hike. Trail changes for the developed paths of the East Coast Trail are now available in the trail detail section of our website. The objective is.... Read more.

Minister Introduces Pedestrian Trails Liability Protection Act

May 3, 2010 -

The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today introduced new legislation in the House of Assembly designed to ensure maximum public access to designated hiking trails.... Read more.

The East Coast Trail Association

The East Coast Trail is being developed and maintained by the 'award winning' East Coast Trail Association. The Association is a member driven, volunteer based, registered charity formed in 1994 with the mission to develop, maintain and operate the East Coast Trail. We do not charge entry fees for the use of the Trail, nor do we charge fees for participation in our public hiking program. If you like what we are doing, and you wish to help protect and preserve this treasured resource, you can show your support by taking out a fully tax receipted annual or life membership, making a financial donation, volunteering your time and expertise, or any combination of the above.

Leave no trace

Enjoy the Trail, leave no trace, build no fires, and respect the raw natural beauty of the East Coast Trail landscape, and help to keep it free, open and available to all.

Welcome to the East Coast Trail