St. John’s carries a reputation for its vibrant, colorful row houses and dramatic coastal scenery, but the real magic often lies just beyond the pavement. For outdoor enthusiasts, the city serves as a gateway to some of the most rugged and rewarding terrain in North America.
The trail systems here are deeply intertwined with the region’s history, tracing old military paths, abandoned rail lines, and ancient caribou routes. Hiking here isn’t just about exercise; it is a journey through geological time and maritime culture.
Because the weather can shift rapidly from sun to fog to rain in a single afternoon, preparation is key. The trails reward those who dress in layers and carry a good sense of adventure, regardless of the season.
From gentle coastal strolls perfect for families to challenging ascents that test your endurance, there is a path for every skill level. The common denominator is the view: sweeping panoramas of the Atlantic, hidden sea caves, and the chance to spot whales or icebergs.
Understanding the local landscape is crucial for a safe trip. Many trails traverse exposed bedrock and boggy terrain, requiring sturdy footwear and a respect for the raw power of the North Atlantic winds.
To help you navigate this hiker’s paradise, we have compiled a list of the most essential routes in the area. These selections prioritize scenic variety, historical significance, and accessibility.
East Coast Trail - Sugarloaf Path
| Address | Sugarloaf Path, St. John's, NL A1A 1G8, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (709) 738-4453 |
Hard workout, need good hiking boots.
Parts are very challenging. Vinw are spectacular.
Beautiful hiking trail and you can see the harbor from above.
Very challenging trail going up but better coming down
There is no billing on this trail. Important because trail forks and government sites list it as bikable. See photos. Nice views and great spot but not for bikes. Parking. Busy on Sunday. Cute harbor right there.
A wonderful trail on a sunny day. There are stairs on this walk and some parts that require you to half-climb a little bit. It is definitely worth it though, there are many view points to take many pictures and enjoy the waves crashing against the rock. There are signs helping you to stay on the paths. I didn't walk all the way but turned around about an hour and a half in. The trail can be reached by public transport (Taking bus 15) and can be reached within 10-15 minutes of walking from the bus.
North Head Trail
| Address | 18 N Head Trail, St. John's, NL A1A 1A7, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
This is a terrific, relatively quick hike (one to two hours) that offers some stunning views of the St. John's Harbour, Fort Amherst, and coastline leading toward Blackhead and Cape Spear. A hot day may prove to be a bit more strenuous as there isn't much cover from the sun. I have found it best to trek on the trail during days with overcast or during the evening when it cools down and the ocean breeze picks up.
The trail itself has areas of boardwalk and stairs, while other parts are much more rugged as you are just hiking along rock and gravel. It's all fairly easy to traverse though. There are plenty of areas to sit and take a breather if needed - the Muskoka chairs if unoccupied can be a nice area to sit and take in all the scenery around you. Ships entering and leaving port, seabirds and songbirds moving about, Cabot Tower from a near sea level view - there's really an abundance of scenery for such a short and sweet hike.
The trail is an in and out or point to point type of trek. So, unless you have a vehicle at the top lot, and a vehicle near Battery Road (or vice versa), there will be some steep ascents. Starting at the bottom on Battery Road will be the toughest way to trek as the stairs near the end are challenging if not used to quick ascent. You can also head down Signal Hill Road once the top is reached and connect back to the Battery on Cabot Avenue. While not as scenic, it may prove to be easier on the joints as you have a sidewalk and gradual descent back down to the port.
Birdwatching here can also prove to be outside the norm. Being so close to the ocean you may get a glimpse at pipits, plovers, terns, and cormorants. While hiking, you are likely to find typical songbirds in the bush like chickadees, goldfinches, juncos, and white-throated sparrows. There's normally an abundance of life around, so bring binoculars if you have a pair as it's good for viewing birds and boats!
This is a beautiful well maintained easy to follow trail with a variety of scenery. We did the whole loop including The Battery. Beautiful and interesting. Visit the visitor's center for some good information on the areas history. I had no idea NFLD's or Canada's history went back that far and was so violent.
I'll give it 5 stars for its absolute beauty; it is an amazing hike. But if you're afraid or dizzy with heights, this may not be the trail for you.
The place where you hold onto a chain set into the rock to navigate the narrow path along the cliff, with crashing ocean waves to the side? Terrifying. I freeze up and get dizzy on it. I will be happy to never do that part of the trail ever again.
I can, however, go down the stairs from the top of the hill, do part of the trail, and then turn around before it gets to the scary part without much of a problem. The part with the chain is not far from the Battery entrance, so while the hike is not height-free, of course, it's better in other places.
It's also easy to get to from downtown. The (not scary) walk to the entrance of the trail through the Battery is always a pleasure.
If you're okay with the moderately rough terrain, abundant steep stairs, and heights, this is 100% a 5 star trail! So gorgeous and with an interesting history, too. Can be a good place to spot icebergs and whales, and sometimes eagles nest in the area.
About medium difficulty going down, hard coming back up.
North Head Trail is the hardest trail out of all the trails surrounding Signal Hill. The majority of the trail has guard railing but a small section needs you to hold a chain to traverse the narrow rocks. That being said, that section is fairly small and isn't a point of concern. If you are afraid of heights, you might want to mentally prepare before heading out as some areas are quite steep. In my opinion, this is the best trail out of all the trails in the Signal Hill area and you should try it at least once if you are visiting St. Johns. The views are breathtaking, but windy.
I started at Battery Road and hiked up to Signal Hill. This is definitely the more difficult direction as it was mostly up hill. There are lots of stairs and rocks and there is a point where they thought it best to fix a chain to the rock face so you have a hand hold and don't fall into the ocean, but it isn't crazy hard. There was an 80 yr old woman who was taking the hike and while I'm proud to say I was able to pass her, she seemed to be doing alright for herself.
Lots of great views of the sea, cliffs and city.
Ladies Lookout Trail
| Address | Unnamed Road, St. John's, NL A1A 0J9, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
After an early dinner in Quidi Vidi, we decided to walk to Signal Hill (40 minutes according to Google Maps). We started the Ladies Lookout Trail towards Cuckholds Cove and on to Signal Hill. Fair warning: This is not a casual post-dinner stroll… it is a non-stop climb of stairs, stairs, and more stairs. The breathtaking views of Cuckold’s Cove and my friend’s encouragement kept me moving, but it was a serious workout. The rewarding views every few minutes made it worthwhile. We reached Signal Hill just in time for sunset: it is a popular spot for a reason, and a definitive highlight. When it came time to head back, I called an Uber, saving us from the 40-minute walk back to Water Street that my friend was fully prepared to take on!
We hiked the Ladies Lookout Trail from the top at Cabot tower, to bottom, and then headed to Quidi Vidi. The last little bit of the trail isn’t that exciting, but the ocean views for the first 80% coming down were stunning. We saw a young eagle learning to fly and many beautiful seascapes. Highly enjoyable.
The North Head Trail is what people think when they think about hiking at Signal Hill, and sure, I’ve done that one a million times.
But the Ladies Lookout trail is special, for a bunch of reasons. If you don’t take the route out to Cuckold’s Cove, you either start or end with George’s Pond, pictured here like something out of a Viking seascape.
If you want it tougher, go up-hill. I found this extremely rewarding despite the seven thousand steps that would put High Hrothgar to shame.
There are a bunch of things to see on your way—lookouts, Inuksuks, heritage markers, and even an eagle’s nest. When you get to the top you’re at scenic Signal Hill and could easily descend back down to George’s Pond, or even the North Head Trail if you were so inclined.
Someone needs to put a cafe in at the top of that hill though 😂
This absolutely stunning trail from Signal Hill is highly recommended. We walked to SH so it was a great opportunity to ditch a vehicle and enjoy the area. The remarkable views along this trail and North Head were just gorgeous. Once you start heading downhill you'll be in some lovely forest settings with great trees and bushes nestled right into nature on all sides.
The path is rugged in some parts with rocks sticking out but managable if you watch your footing. Other areas as clear rock paths or wooden stairs. The path exits on to Burma that will lead to Quidi Vidi. We enjoyed the actual walk to QV more than QV itself!
Beautiful trail, clearly marked, great views. Keep your eyes peeled for eagles!
Cinnamon Bay Trail
| Address | 86XX+PW2, St John 00830, USVI |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
It is a beautiful and scenic trail. Very tropical with a mixture of rocky and grass covered paths. It gets slippery when it rains so wear good shoes with grip. Walking sticks will help.
Less steep than the roads, this is practically flat! I parked at the top of the hill and walked down. There are only three steep parts where there are rock stairs. Otherwise, the trail is pretty moderate. Good for trail runs! There are a lot of spiderwebs across the trail, and one place where a bush is totally over the trail and I had to crouch down to walk under it. I did not go to the beach at the end, though it looks very close. If there were more water, there would be three creek crossings.
Hiking the Cinnamon Bay Trail was an unforgettable experience! This moderate 1.1-mile trail winds through lush tropical forests, offering scenic vistas and unique rock formations that showcase St. John's stunning natural beauty.
The trail's highlight is the breathtaking Cinnamon Bay Beach, with its turquoise waters and powdery white sand. Perfect for snorkeling, swimming, or simply relaxing, this picturesque beach is a must-see. Along the way, keep an eye out for unique rock formations and tropical vegetation.
To make the most of your hike, be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. With its moderate difficulty, the trail is suitable for most hikers. The Cinnamon Bay Trail is an absolute must-do on St. John, offering an immersive experience in the island's stunning coastline and natural beauty.
Rating: 5/5. Highly recommended!
Fun trail with some amazing views! There is parking on the side of the road and the trail is pretty shaded. It’s 0.9 miles to the end of the trail from route 10 and another 0.5 miles if you want to go to the beach. It is pretty steep and rocky, so wear good shoes and bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Your average trail with one lookout point into Cinnamon Bay. I did the ascend (bay to hilltop) in approx 45 minutes. Super hot and humid. Bring lots of water!
East Coast Trail - Deadman's Bay Path
| Address | Deadman's Bay Path, St. John's, NL A0A 1J0, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
This is a 30 min or so walk with enough elevation between the water and road that it's a little intense. Also a lot of the path is quite rocky. The general trail is beautiful, quiet and the water basin at the basic is pretty good to view.
Decent little hike to Freshwater Bay and back. A casual 40 min hike downhill to the Freshwater Bay beach, and slightly longer back up. Trail is quite rocky, moderate difficulty. You can get away with using runners if it hasn't rained recently, but hiking boots would be helpful with the ankle-twisting terrain and small wet portions. There's one outhouse near the Freshwater Bay beach.
Exellent hike from deadman's Bay to Cape Spear. It was easy in the start but get hard almost at the end. Lot of wind and rocky all the way. Hike is really worth it. Completed it in around 5 hours (one way). I will recommend good hiking shoes. Lot of blue berries in the way; that tastes actually really good.
This trail is very difficult in my opinion. Very rocky and steep. it is all downhill going to the water but on the way back I felt sick lol ( it is very steep uphill )it’s so difficult. and it is very hot/ no breeze.
Remote trail with different types of terrain
Especially liked the trail that ran beside the rocky outcrop (I believe that was the dead man's path) Most of it was pretty rocky. Would have stayed longer and hiked further if it wasn't pouring rain
Lind Point Trail
| Address | 86M4+9C7, Cruz Bay, St John 00830, USVI |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Hiking Trail Review
Lind Point Trail to Honeymoon Beach - 3 Miles
Great trail. We were able to access it right from the ferry so no parking was required. We followed the lower trail to Salomon Beach and spent some time there. We then followed the trail further to honeymoon beach which was breath taking. After some time there we followed the upper trail back to the ferry area. Easy and well managed. A must if you stop by the island.
Very nice trails lots of great views. There's a visitor center at the trailhead where you can get lots of information as well as use the restrooms. They will also provide a parking pass so that you can leave you car for more than an hour. and leave your car. It's a good trail to take young kids as there is a Cruise Bay overlook about a half a mile in and a playground at the trailhead.
This trail was our first trail of our trip. We literally woke up our first day, went to the visitor center, which is so helpful, and hit the trail. We were unsure what to expect but I must say….its one of my fave trails of all time…and I’ve hiked a lot! The overlooks were covered a bit by trees but it didn’t matter. The little glimpses were just amazing.
We followed the trail along the ridge as far as we could and ended up at Caneel bay where we then took a taxi over to trunk bay for the remainder of the day. We dod not go up to the high point, but felt the beaches we explored and the trek was simply perfection. We did meander off and get to Salomon bay as well as honeymoon and caneel. At caneel, we grabbed a drinky drink!! It was a truly spectacular day! Highly recommend!!!!
The Lind Point Trail from Honeymoon Beach to Cruz Bay was a great hike with some amazing views along the way. The trail was well maintained, easy to follow, and a nice way to experience a different side of St. John. We enjoyed the scenery, the overlooks, and the peaceful walk through the island landscape. If you’re looking for a short hike that combines beautiful views with a convenient route back to town, this trail is definitely worth it.
Great hike in St. John. This was easy to get to - you will see the sign behind the park visitor center. There is a set of stair and a little bit of road to climb to get the trailhead.
There are some rocks in the trail and it’s wooded. I wouldn’t advice wearing sandals but I just wore sneaker and was fine. I didn’t have hiking shoes with me. It’s not an extreme uphill it’s gradual and I would say moderate. We saw an iguana and a deer.
We stopped at the overlook and then continued on to Honeymoon beach. There is a bar and bathrooms at Honeymoon beach. We didn’t go down to Salomon beach.
I didn’t track it in my watch in the way out but on the way back my watch shows 1.19 miles, 144ft elevation gain and it took us 33 minutes.
We had a great time.
Peace Hill Trail
| Address | 962F+87M, Dennis Bay/ Hawknest, St John 00830, USVI |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Short trail, really easy. We have a 70-year-old woman that had no problem with it. There is a junction shortly after beginning the trail and if you go left you go to Peace Hill, and if you go right you will go down to Denis Bay Beach. The trail down to Denis is significantly longer but still easy. The beach is rough and rocky, but good views out to Trunk Bay, Mary’s Point, Whistling Cay, and the BVI. Peace Hill also has amazing 360° panoramic views.
Short,steep trail to beautiful overlook. Windmill ruins and a plaque where the statue of the Christ of the Caribbean once stood.
A short, uphill hike will get you an amazing view of the Sea and an incredible sunset. There is some parking, but if it is full, just keep driving to Trunk Bay or Cinnamon Bay and come back later.
Fascinating ruins of the old windmill. Amazing views of secluded beaches and sparkling Blue Water. Well worth the brief but steep hike. If your footing is unsure at all, bring a hiking pole.
Amazing short hike. Steep incline and extremely rocky. So wear tennis shoes. But it is extremely short maybe a tenth of a mile. So feel free to drag the little ones with you.
The views are amazing and absolutely breath taking you can see many of the beaches, (hawksnest, trunk, cinnamon, etc.) There are also really nice ruins from some old thing, so check that out too.
Brigus Ridge Scenic Spot
| Address | Cape Broyle, NL A0A 1S0, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | (709) 738-4453 |
I came here with my wife on a voyage from a land full of warriors. Some tall dude name Thorkell told me “where is your sword?”. I told him “I don’t need it”.
I’ll be in a place far to the west, across the sea, there is a land called Vinland. It's warm and fertile. A faraway land, where neither slave traders nor the flames of war reach. There, you will be able to live without suffering. Let's go there together, and build a peaceful nation.
So far it’s been great living here with my wife Helga and our two kids Thorfinn and Ylva.
One of the most spectacular coastal hiking experiences you can find. The trail follows dramatic cliffs, rugged shoreline, and endless ocean views, with fresh sea air and the sound of waves accompanying every step. Well-marked paths and varied difficulty levels make it accessible for both casual walkers and experienced hikers. Every turn reveals a new stunning perspective of Newfoundland’s wild natural beauty.
Absolutely loved it beautiful views and neat terrain to hike! Would've loved to do more we did a part of Sugarloaf section.
Have you ever noticed that in our constant rush to get somewhere, we actually end up nowhere? The modern world has so deeply ingrained in us the lie that 'fast is better' that we eat quickly, decide hastily, and consume life as if we’re watching a video at 2x speed. Yet, the most precious moments are hidden in those 'slow' intervals where we finally stop hearing the ticking of the clock.
Waiting for a cup of coffee to cool, simply watching clouds shift their shape, or strolling down a street with no particular destination is no longer laziness—it is an act of resistance. Life is not a destination to be reached; it is a process to be felt with every single step. Remember, those who run the fastest are often the ones who enjoy the scenery the least. Grant yourself a luxury today: just slow down. The world won’t stop when you do, but only when you stop will you truly be able to see the world.
Well maintained trails. Had a wonderful time trekking the east coast trail and keep your camera handy, don't miss those amazing views!!
Chance Cove Coastal Hiking Trail
| Address | Main Rd, Chance Cove, NL A0B 0A1, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Amazing trail! Sights are spectacular, and plenty to see. Plenty of steep cliffs with access very close to the edge. Parents with kids, definitely beware. There are no barriers. Trail is moderate with several climbs that can give your legs a good workout. Plenty of up and down terrain. There are benches in a few places and the locals do an excellent job taking care of the trail, thank you! Easily can be done in an hour, though taking pictures and exploring the beaches and ridges, I would give myself about 3 hours. Worth it to explore!
What an excellent trail for views and whale spotting. There's a large parking lot and clear signage along the trail, including signs about its history and a fun story about fairies for kids. Along the trail are lookout spots over the water and stairs to a rocky beach. It's at the beach where we saw a whale in July 2026.
We visited with the whole family in August 2026, including our dog, and this place was absolutely amazing! The trail itself is beautiful, but the real highlight is the scenery — incredible ocean views, cliffs, small coves, and some truly spectacular viewpoints along the way.
We arrived on a Sunday morning. Even though it was the weekend, it wasn’t very crowded, and there were plenty of spaces available in the parking area. The parking lot is quite large, so parking wasn’t an issue at all.
The trail is mostly natural and easy to follow. There were a few wet and muddy sections, but they were easy enough to walk around. At the beginning of the trail, there are even walking sticks available for anyone who might find the hike easier with one. You can take one for the walk and simply return it afterward.
The trail is also very manageable with a dog. We brought ours and had no problems at all. There are a few areas with cliffs and steep drops where you’ll want to keep your dog close, but overall we didn’t find the trail unusually dangerous.
It’s also a great place to bring children. Throughout the trail, there are little signs and details related to magical woodland fairies, which makes the walk feel like a small adventure for kids and gives them something fun to look for along the way.
By the time we returned, closer to lunchtime, delicious hot dogs and sandwiches were being sold near the parking area, along with a few small souvenirs — a great way to finish the hike.
We really enjoyed our visit. It’s a wonderful place for a family outing, including kids and dogs, and the views are absolutely incredible. If you haven’t been here yet, I definitely recommend it!
Beautiful trail! It’s marked and easy to navigate, kids will love it too. A bit muddy and steep at spots but nonetheless splendid coastal views and look outs. The beach, this time of the year had capelin rolling and thoroughly enjoyed the hike and you could even catch a sight of whales!
Wonderful views and nicely done trail! Loved the far loop, but would recommend skipping the closest loop and following the beach instead - kept going up and up with no reward at the top. But the coves on the far loop back side are superb & highly recommended!
East Coast Trail - Cobblers Path
| Address | Cobbler Path, Outer Cove, NL A1K 4A5, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Stunning and beautiful views for a mear 20 min walk out. It's a fairly easy trek down to the tip of Torbay Point, and worth every step. It's quite an elevation change heading down however, so the walk back up from the point is a little more strenuous, but completely doable for a novice hiker.
One of the BEST short hikes near St. John’s.
What a view at the end of the trail.
Relatively easy hike to do with gorgeous views. I wouldn’t attempt it though on a rainy or muddy days, there’s places that the soil is a little on the softer side
We just did the short walk out to the point, which gave some lovely coastal views. The steps leading down to the point are worse for wear, and a hiking stick would be handy for anyone with mobility issues. It's amazing that one can access such rugged beauty just 15 minutes from downtown.
Hikers we met who did the full trail told us that they had a great clifftop view of humpback whales.
Hiking Trail Review
Torbay Point Via Cobbler's Path from Doran's Lane - 1.5 Miles
Trail head is pretty easy to find at the dead end. You will have to park on the street and it’s limited. Trail is very easy to navigate and well marked. Trail is well maintained. Gorgeous views. If I was a little faster today I might have seen a whale spotting. The group ahead of me said I just missed it. Overall a very great trail.
Virgin Islands National Park
| Address | St John, USVI |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (340) 776-6201 |
If you want a national park that feels like pure paradise, Virgin Islands National Park is absolutely unreal. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t even feel real half the time—like you’ve stepped into a postcard.
The water alone is enough to blow you away—crystal clear, bright turquoise, and calm in a way that makes you want to stay in it all day. Beaches like Trunk Bay are next-level beautiful, with soft white sand and some of the best snorkeling you’ll find anywhere.
One of the coolest features is the **underwater snorkeling trail at Trunk Bay**. You can actually follow marked signs beneath the water that guide you along the reef, pointing out marine life and coral formations as you swim. It’s such a unique, immersive experience—like a self-guided tour under the ocean—and the visibility is so clear you don’t miss a thing.
But what makes this park stand out is that it’s not just beaches. You’ve got lush green hills, hiking trails with sweeping ocean views, and even historic ruins tucked into the landscape that add another layer to the experience.
Everything feels relaxed and unhurried. You’re not rushing—you’re soaking it in, moving slowly, and enjoying every second. It’s peaceful in a completely different way than mountain or desert parks, but just as powerful.
As someone who loves visiting national parks, this one stands out because it’s such a different kind of beauty. It’s tropical, vibrant, and calming all at once.
Virgin Islands National Park is one of those places you don’t just visit—you *experience*. It’s stunning, refreshing, and the kind of place you’ll wish you had more time in the second you leave.
One of our favorite national parks, because not only is it situated in an absolute paradise of the tropical island of St. John, but it has such variety of landscapes to explore! From beaches to Rocky trails to the famous trunk Bay underwater trail. We love this place! Your favorite trails include honeymoon beach trail early in the morning so you have it all to yourself, ram head hike and reef Bay Trail. My number one recommendation for all of them is to take more water than you think you’re going to need! Have fun!
Clear water and power white sand, spectacular! The people who live on St. Thomas & St. John islands are so friendly. Food was out of this world, simple seafood was prepared with ingenious ways. Great destination to get away from the NOVA rat race and just be 🌴
Beautiful location, we sailed in, moored and enjoyed snorkeling and cooked on the beach for the evening.
Saw some rays, (manta we got lots of solar rays!) saw some small shark, saw some sea turtles (🐢 huge - 4-5 ft across!)
Lots of colorful fish.
Public restrooms were a little rough
An incredibly beautiful place with crystal-clear water, white beaches, and stunning tropical scenery that looks straight out of a postcard. The trails are, in places, quite hot and challenging, but the nature and atmosphere here are absolutely worth every effort.
Francis Bay Trail
| Address | 9784+5MH, St John 00830, USVI |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | (340) 776-6201 |
Beautiful walk to a beautiful beach. Very quiet area. Lot to see if you are looking. A ton of different plants and animals. The house remains at the beginning of the trail are beautiful.
8 parking spaces at the beginning of the trail. Quiet walk, first it's a path, then you end up at the beach, turn to the left and enjoy the boardwalk. Lots of birds! The last portion of the trail is on the road.
The path around salt pond is mostly flat and easy. Boardwalk is great. Tip. If you plan to go to the beach, drive to the beach and park there then start your salt pond hike from that point heading to the Boardwalk. Get there by 9:30am to secure a picnic bench and great location for your beach chairs. There is a vault toilet. Even in windy conditions, the water stays pretty calm. We had 20mph winds today. Parking is easy if you arrive by 9am ish. Jeeps lined the road in when we left at 2pm. Bring a cooler, lunch, drinks, etc.
The beach was really nice but gets a lot of sun so come prepared with an umbrella or some kind of shade! There was not much snorkeling there although we did spot a ray. Also, take the trail if you really are feeling enthusiastic about hiking but there is a road that runs right down to the water.
Lovely hike with easy elevation changes around the salt pond and out to the bay.
Essential Tips for Hiking in St. John’s
Before you lace up your boots and hit the trailhead, it is wise to understand the unique conditions of hiking in Newfoundland. The environment here is famously unpredictable, and a little local knowledge goes a long way in ensuring your outing is memorable for all the right reasons. Whether you are a seasoned trekker or a casual walker, these practical tips will help you navigate the terrain like a local and stay safe while doing it.
1. Dress for Four Seasons in One Day
The weather in St. John’s is notoriously fickle. A sunny morning can quickly turn into a windy, rain-soaked afternoon. Always wear moisture-wicking base layers, bring a waterproof and windproof shell, and avoid cotton, which stays wet and cold against the skin.
2. Beware of the Fog
The famous Newfoundland fog can roll in with little warning, reducing visibility to just a few feet, especially on coastal paths like Signal Hill or Cape Spear. If the fog thickens, stay on marked trails and use a GPS or map rather than relying solely on sightlines to navigate back.
3. Wear Sturdy, Waterproof Footwear
Many trails traverse boggy marshland or exposed granite that becomes incredibly slippery when wet. High-top, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and aggressive tread are highly recommended to keep your feet dry and prevent slips on the slick rock.
4. Keep an Eye on the Ocean
If you are hiking near the cliffs, especially during late spring and early summer, scan the water frequently. This is prime time for spotting drifting icebergs and migrating whales. However, always maintain a safe distance from cliff edges, as erosion can make the ground unstable.
5. Carry a Trail Map or Offline GPS
Cell service can be spotty or non-existent in the more remote sections of the East Coast Trail. Do not rely solely on your phone’s data connection. Download offline maps to your device or, better yet, carry a physical trail map to ensure you stay on the correct path.
The rugged beauty of St. John’s offers a hiking experience that is difficult to match anywhere else in the world. The combination of fresh sea air, geological wonders, and the sheer physicality of the trails creates a profound connection to the landscape.
Whether you spend an hour wandering the historic paths of Signal Hill or dedicate a full day to conquering the coastal cliffs, the memories made here will linger long after the hike is over. Just remember to respect the weather, pack your sense of adventure, and take the time to breathe in the wild Atlantic air.
