Since our beginning in May 1994, we have encouraged people to explore the natural beauty of our province and to inspire them to love, respect and care for our coastline, to ensure its protection and preservation for generations to come. We have accomplished this by building and marketing the East Coast Trail to the world, and as a result, we have achieved what many considered an impossible dream: the development of a “world-class” destination hiking trail on the eastern edge of the Avalon Peninsula. We have taken what is best about this province, our culture, our history, our communities, our people, combined with the raw natural beauty of our coastline, as our competitive advantage, and succeeded. 

There are few places in the world where residents and visitors alike have ready access to a trail that allows them to experience breathtaking coastal views and pass through 24+ coastal communities, enriching the local economy. As both a magnet for visitors and a recreational resource for residents of this province, the East Coast Trail is a community achievement – a unique partnership of members, volunteers, businesses, communities and governments, all committed to creating and sustaining an unparalleled wilderness hiking trail.

Twenty-eight years ago, this May, on the eastern edge of the Avalon, a group of like-minded people saw an opportunity, the chance to bring people together in nature to celebrate our culture and history. With visions of wind-swept vistas and fog-shrouded forests, they saw a place for community and connection. Something we could all be proud of and from this dream was born the East Coast Trail, a trail that has become a provincial treasure, a tourism and recreational icon, an awesome accomplishment.  

#1 coastline in the world, National Geographic Traveler

#1 motivator for overseas travel, Hospitality NL

#1 attraction on the Avalon, NL Tourism Exit Survey

We have proven that we have the capacity, the capability and the commitment to effectively manage a long trail, wisely invest our resources, and deliver the value promised. From this point forward, we have to demonstrate that we can sustain what we have developed while continuing to grow its value, uniting our communities and improving the well-being of our province.  Achieving “sustainability” is our new dream, a challenge “yes”, and achievable with the help and support of our business community. 

We are reaching out to you, and your organization, today, to partner with us through our corporate fundraising campaign. And while the trail is generating significant economic activity it all flows directly into the local economies of 24 communities, none of the money comes back to the trail. This is the funding challenge we are addressing with this campaign. Connect with us, and together we can make a difference.