Canada, Newfoundland: St. John’s & Bonavista Hike

DAY 1:

Introductions; hike Signal Hill & The Battery; up to ~5km (+100m / -100m).

Meet in St. John's for a welcome briefing, then walk through the Battery to Signal Hill, the site of the first transatlantic communication and a fabulous viewpoint over the mouth of St. John's Harbour. Return to the city on foot for dinner, followed by time to enjoy traditional music at one of the many venues on the infamous George Street.

Meal Inclusions: Dinner.

DAY 2:

Stiles Cove Path ~16km (+700m / -700m); or Father Troy Path ~14km (+360m / -360m).

After a short transfer out of St. John's, explore several scenic waterfalls, sea caves, and sea ledges, as well as the punchbowl-shaped Stiles Cove and the dramatic coastal views from Red Head, along with many other stunning viewpoints. At day's end, return to your vehicle for a short drive back to your cozy lodging for a well-deserved rest.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.

DAY 3:

Hike the East Coast Trail; ~11km (+150m / -150m).

Hike the East Coast Trail as it winds through quiet woods to an imposing headland featuring rolling meadows, abrupt cliffs, sea stacks, and nesting kittiwakes. Along the shore, watch thousands of seabirds, including the Atlantic puffin. Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing along the trail to Cape Spear, the easternmost tip of Newfoundland. Perched high on a cape and restored to its original appearance, the Cape Spear Lighthouse, built in 1836, is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland. The trail hugs the sea's edge, weaving through woods, heath, and meadowland. Keep an eye out for whales and seabirds along the way!

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.

DAY 4:

Transfer to Bonavista Peninsula; hike Mad Rocks ~3.5km (+50m / -50m) and/or Gun Hill ~2km (+50m / -50m); afternoon Pageant.

Begin with an approximate 3½-hour transfer to Trinity, with opportunities to break up the journey by stopping at 'Mad Rocks', also known as the Shoreline Heritage Walking Trail, to stretch your legs. Upon arrival in the beautiful town of Trinity—a true Newfoundland jewel—you’ll find that most of the town is a designated national heritage site, making it an essential stop for any Canadian explorer. Your visit begins with an introduction to the town as you walk up Gun Hill to take in stunning harbour views and learn about Trinity’s rich history and its inhabitants.

The afternoon is reserved for the New Founde Lande Trinity Pageant, a walking theatrical production by Rising Tide Theatre, which brings Trinity’s culture and its more colorful characters from the past to life. For those seeking alternatives, additional hiking opportunities are available. Optional afternoon activities include themed boat tours or sea kayaking experiences.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 5:

Skerwink Trail 5km (+100m / -100m), and Kerleys Harbour ~2km (+0m / -0m); drive up to ~1hr.

Start your morning with the award-winning Skerwink Trail, a 5 km hike offering breathtaking views of Trinity, rugged cliffs, caves, and marine wildlife. After lunch, visit Kerleys Harbour and the Random Passage site, the former set of a popular television series that aired in 2002, based on Bernice Morgan’s 1992 novel. Your hike will take you through abandoned outports and fishing villages impacted by the 1954–1975 resettlement program, during which more than 300 communities across Newfoundland and Labrador were abandoned, displacing over 30,000 people in one of the province’s most controversial chapters.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.

DAY 6:

Bonavista, Spillars Cove, Klondike Trail, and The Puffin Colony at Elliston Up to ~14km (+250m / -250m); drive up to ~40mins.

Today's adventure takes you to the tip of the Bonavista Peninsula, where you'll discover a vibrant village of artists, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts. Begin your hike at Spillars Cove with an optional quick warm-up loop offering stunning views, before continuing along the Klondike Trail. This short but spectacular 3 km route follows the old railway line that once connected the surrounding towns. On the other side, visit the puffin colony at Maberly, where, between May and September, you’ll have the best chance to get an up-close view of these colorful birds. After lunch, retrace your steps to Bonavista for a transfer back to your lodging.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 7:

Farewells.

Following an early breakfast, you will transfer for approximately 3½ hours to St. John's, arriving by noon.

Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.