Wildlife and Nature
East Coast Trail
Ron Hann
Hike the Trail
Wildlife
The East Coast Trail offers a genuine coastal wilderness hiking experience. Encounters with seabirds, ocean wildlife, and land animals such as moose, caribou, foxes or coyotes are a possibility for all hikers.
Ron Hann
Alick Tsui
Barrett & MacKay
Town of CBS
NL Tourism
Alick Tsui
The presence of wildlife attracts recreational activities such as hunting and trapping. Licensed hunting and trapping is permitted in areas that may be on or near the trail. During hunting season, wear bright clothing, carry a whistle to communicate with hunters and, as always, hike with care.
Find dates and details on hunting and trapping season
Bears are rarely observed on Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula, where the East Coast Trail is located.
Be safe, be seen, and happy Hiking!
Insects and Wasps
Mosquitoes and blackflies generally arrive in June, but are not as prevalent near the coast.
Over-the-counter spray or cream can be used to prevent mosquito stings.
Clothing that covers the skin is best to prevent blackfly bites.
Wasps in Newfoundland tend to make their nests in July to September. Here are some tips to help you safely navigate wasp season in Newfoundland:
- When crossing bridges or boardwalks, please walk gently as wasps often like making their nests in these areas.
- If the wasps are disturbed or swarming, move back on the path and wait until they settle down (usually a few minutes)
- Always carry insect bite & sting supplies in your first aid kit, especially if you have an allergy.
- If you are reporting a wasp nest location on the Path please provide an accurate (detailed) location. Reports can be made by phone by calling 709-738-4453 or by emailing information@eastcoasttrail.com
As wasp nests are reported to the East Coast Trail Association, advisories of the nests will be posted to our Facebook page. Hikers should be mindful that there are more than likely other wasp nests that have not been reported to us.
Alick Tsui
Alick Tsui
Jantje VanHowelingen
Whales and Icebergs
May and June are typically the best months to see icebergs from the trail. Visit the Iceberg Finder for more information.
Whales are most frequently sighted between June and August. There is no particular time of year where sightings are guaranteed.
Bay Bulls
Destination Canada
Piccos Ridge Path
Ritche Perez
Stiles Cove Path
Karla Fuglem
Dogs on the Trail
Weather
Eastern Newfoundland’s temperate marine climate provides many days of good seasonal hiking weather, but conditions can change quickly. We recommend checking forecasted weather conditions regularly and dressing in layers.
Visit Preparing to Hike for more information.
Sugarloaf Path
Alick Tsui
Motion Path
Julia Penney
Tinkers Point Path
Alick Tsui
Plants and Berries
While hiking on sections of the East Coast Trail, you may encounter a variety of vegetation including plants and berries.
We kindly ask all hikers to please leave plants undisturbed. However, hikers may feel free to pick berries along the trail. Some of the most commonly picked berries in the province: blueberries, strawberries, cranberries and partridgeberries.