7 Days & 6 Nights

4.8

Newfoundland Coastal Hiking Relaxed

Journey to the far reaches of Canada: the rugged isle of Newfoundland
Visit colorful fishing villages steeped in rich maritime history and traditions
Hike the acclaimed Skerwink Trail for seastack views and iceberg sightings
Relax at indulgent and superior inns and hotels
Explore the coves and coastlines of the Avalon and Bonavista Peninsulas

This Drive & Hike tour in Newfoundland, known affectionately as “the rock”, sits so far east in the Atlantic that its time zone is half an hour earlier than Eastern Time. However, you’ll feel more like you’ve stepped back in time a century as you explore the charming fishing villages, visit the iconic lighthouses, and hike the winding paths of this island. From the tiny harbor of Quidi Vidi to the vibrant streets of St. John’s, the province’s capital city, immerse yourself in the local culture, food, and music. Spend your days on short hikes showcasing the highlights of the Avalon and Bonavista peninsulas, where coastal walks offer the opportunity to spot icebergs, whales, and puffins. The hamlets of this peninsula will make history come alive; but even if you don’t believe in time travel, perhaps after a week in Newfoundland you’ll be a believer in magic.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive St. John’s

Fly into St. John’s, Newfoundland, and pick up your rental car (or you may have driven from your home). If you are staying in St John's perhaps you would like to take a drive to the harbor of Quidi Vidi, to view the The Gut (what it is known as). This provides the stage for the Quidi Vidi Brewery, the province’s largest brewery. Then work your way back to St John's and have an amble around this delightful town. If you are staying in Quidi Vidi you can explore this area fully today.

Overnight St John's

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Inn by Mallard Cottage | Inn

An extension of Mallard Cottage, an award-winning restaurant in one of North America’s oldest wooden buildings, the 8-room inn’s two houses offer simplicity (think white barnboard walls and a Nordic aesthetic), camaraderie (an open self-service bar stocked with Newfoundland spirits), and privacy (breakfast is served to each room in a basket).

Alt Hotel St. John's | Hotel

Alt Hotel St. John's overlooks the St. John's Harbour, offering spectacular views of the Narrows; it’s the perfect location, no matter your plans. In a city with so much to explore outdoors, you’ll be torn between staying out late and tucking in early to take advantage of the hotel’s signature comfort and exhilarating design

JAG Boutique Hotel | Hotel

Boasting an on-site restaurant and 24-hour room service, JAG Boutique Hotel is located in St. John's. The pubs and bars of George Street are less than 5-minutes' walk away. Each stylishly furnished room includes free WiFi and a 42" flat-screen LED TV with cable channels. A mini fridge and a Keurig coffee machine with complimentary Starbucks coffee and tea is included. The radios are Bluetooth compatible. Guests will find a hairdryer, bathrobes and toiletries in the bathroom.

Day 2: Hike Signal Hill & St. John’s 5.5 miles / 9 km

Begin an invigorating hike by ascending Signal Hill, the site of St. John’s harbor defenses for over three centuries. The location of the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901, this National Historic Site offers a visitor’s center with historic exhibits explaining its military and communications history. Soak in the 360-degree views, including the entrance to St. John’s Harbor (aka The Narrows), before descending to Battery Road.

With an easy detour into the historic downtown district of St. John’s, the afternoon offers the chance to explore the cultural and culinary delights of the province’s capital. Stop by The Rooms, a heritage museum with cultural and artistic displays, try a local specialty like fish ‘n’ brewis or toutons, or simply wander among the bright facades of Jellybean Row.

Hike: 5.5 mi +/-700 ft

Overnight St. John's

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Inn by Mallard Cottage | Inn

Alt Hotel St. John's | Hotel

JAG Boutique Hotel | Hotel

Day 3: Hike Blackhead to Cape Spear Path 3.5 miles / 5.5 km

Part of the 300+ km East Coast Trail network, your hike today starts in the community of Blackhead. Trek over the headlands and through the heath, fen, and tuckamore that distinguish this rugged and wind-battered landscape. In early summer, keep your eyes on the water for whales but later in the season, don’t forget to look down as ripe blueberries make the perfect trail snack.

The Cape Spear Lighthouse marks the most easterly point in North America, where you can face east to the open Atlantic Ocean. This is the oldest surviving lighthouse in the province and an iconic symbol to Newfoundlanders. If you visit early in the season you may be lucky enough to spot enormous icebergs cruising past Cape Spear, sent annually from the glaciers of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic.

Hike: 3.5 mi +/- 900 ft

Overnight St John's

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Inn by Mallard Cottage | Inn

Alt Hotel St. John's | Hotel

JAG Boutique Hotel | Hotel

Day 4: Drive to Port Rexton, visit Trinity and hike Gun Hill Trail 2 miles / 3 km

Say goodbye to the populous and bustling Avalon Peninsula, and head east – and even further back in time - to the Bonavista Peninsula, where small fishing villages dot the winding coastline of Trinity Bight (a ‘bight’ is an open bay created by a bending coast). The town of Trinity, more recently known for its theatre, still holds the essence of a bygone era. A short hike to the top of Gun Hill offers an expansive panorama of sky, cliffs, and sea.

You’ll want to reach Port Rexton with plenty of time this evening, where you’ll be treated to a garden-to-fork feast at the table of your family-run inn. You’ll have a chance to see some of the property’s impressive gardens, and hear stories of its history and diverse art, over the next several days.

Hike: 2 mi +/- 450 ft

Overnight Port Rexton

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Fishers’ Loft | Inn

Newfoundland’s premier rural inn, this collection of six buildings overlooks Ship Cove and provides a quiet getaway, complete with food grown on site and exceptional provincial artwork on display both inside and out.

Artisan Inn | Boutique Inn

Day 5: Hike Skerwink Trail & Optional Hike Fox Island Trail

With coastal views, sea stacks, and unique geology (it used to be part of North Africa!), the Skerwink Trail may be your favorite of the week. One of Travel and Leisure magazine’s top hikes in Europe & North America, this loop walk sounds quick but expect to spend several hours exploring the nooks and crannies of Skerwink Head, taking in views of Trinity and Port Rexton harbors, and scouting for the spout of a whale or a passing iceberg.

Opt for an afternoon hike as well on the Fox Island Trail, a similar-length loop that encircles the craggy peninsula to the north of Port Rexton. Enjoy this winding walkway with equally impressive views and several pebbled beaches where you can dip your toes in the Atlantic. Top off the day with a visit to the Port Rexton Brewing Co. for a taste of the local nectar, or simply enjoy a refreshment on the porch of your characterful inn.

Hike: 4 mi +/- 300 ft

Optional hike: 3.5 mi +/- 150 ft

Overnight Port Rexton

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Fishers’ Loft | Inn

Artisan Inn | Boutique Inn

Day 6: Visit Port Union, Elliston, and Bonavista, Hike Cape Shore Trail to Cape Bonavista Lighthouse

The Bonavista Peninsula offers a rich variety of ecological and cultural highlights within a short drive, so head out early for a full day of adventure. First, stop in Port Union, the only Union-built town in North America, which was established on a deep water harbor in the first years of the 20^th century. An optional walk, the Murphy’s Cove trail offers expansive views, glimpses of whales and seabirds, and a viewpoint overlooking Green Island lighthouse. Continue along the peninsula to Elliston, the Root Cellar Capital of the World, home to an impressive Atlantic puffin nesting site where you can view and photograph these birds from the rocky headland. Check out the Sealer’s Memorial Museum for a dose of local history.

Leave time to explore Bonavista, however, as the Cape Shore Trail and Cape Bonavista Lighthouse provide unobstructed ocean panoramas, possible iceberg sightings, and a perfect seaside stroll to stretch your legs. Then head into the quiet village for a walk among the colorful fishing boats and a delicious meal at a local restaurant.

Hike: 5.5 mi +/- 90 ft

Optional hike: 4.5 mi +/- 160 ft

Overnight Port Rexton

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Fishers’ Loft | Inn

Artisan Inn | Boutique Inn

Day 7: Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 3kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 3kg is equivalent to 10 miles in a medium petrol car. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

This leisurely twin-centered tour offers short coastal hikes, visits to cultural and historic sites, and encompasses the highlights of the Avalon and Bonavista Peninsulas. If you want to experience the best of Newfoundland’s east coast, from purpose-built trails to superior accommodations, and are interested in leaving your options open for what each day will bring, this drive & hike itinerary is the tour for you.

Trip Type:

Discovery | Think of it as a ‘local’s guide’ to the best of the region. It includes a combination of activity and transportation to give you the freedom to explore and cover more ground at your own pace. We do all the research and organisation for you. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy!

Activity:

Drive and Hike | Exploration of picturesque and remarkable destinations by car combined with walks that highlight the best of a country or region.

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Coastal Walking, Off the Beaten Track

Grade & Terrain

The hiking on this trip is easy to moderate. Hikes will typically take 2-4 hours, averaging 4-5 miles and up to several hundred feet of ascending and descending. Due to the nature of the itinerary, you will return to your car after each hike; therefore, you can always shorten a hike or completely skip a day of hiking if you’d like to take a day at leisure or do more sightseeing.

The hiking trails are paths on dirt, gravel, and rock – although they are maintained there is always the possibility of washed out, eroded, muddy, or loose trail conditions. For your safety and out of respect for the environment, please always stay on the trail. At times you will be on coastal trails where the forces of wind and waves have caused erosion and cliffs can be overhanging. Always obey trail signage regarding exposed areas and stay a safe distance from cliff edges.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation Information

Stay six nights in hand-picked accommodations, chosen for their indulgent comfort, authentic charm, and upscale style. Both inns provide outstanding service, warm hospitality, and include on-site restaurants serving locally sourced ingredients and homemade fare. We hope that your lodging is a memorable part of your Newfoundland experience.

As a summer destination with a short operating season, lodging in this region fills early. Booking early allows the best chance of securing your room at the inns below.

Single Rooms

This trip is based on two people sharing a room. If you’d like separate rooms, a single supplement is required. If you would like to request a twin room (same room with two separate beds), please notify us during booking so we can request this option, where available (Note: all Inn by Mallard Cottage rooms contain king beds.)

Meals

Breakfast is included each morning. Please notify us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking.

Your breakfast at Inn by Mallard Cottage includes fresh baked goods, fruit, coffee or tea. Your breakfast at Fishers’ Loft includes a full hot breakfast of rotating specials, or bacon and eggs, along with fresh baked goods, fruit, hot & cold cereals, and beverages.

One dinner is included in the price of the tour; we have booked you a seating at the Fishers’ Loft Dining Room on the first night of your stay there. This is a set menu, so be sure to give us any dietary restrictions at the time of booking. You may choose to book dinners there on subsequent nights or eat off-site.

The restaurant at Mallard Cottage can be busy, so we recommend booking a table in advance if you would like to dine on-site. St. John’s, with many outstanding eateries, is only a ten-minute drive from the inn.

All lunches and five dinners are not included. This allows you to choose from available restaurants or pack a picnic. There will be suggestions for food and drink in your route notes, and your hosts are always happy to help you decide.

Extra Nights

You may opt to add extras nights during this itinerary as there is plenty more to see, do, and hike in all three destinations. For further details and pricing, please ask us at the time of booking.

Navigation What's Included

Included

6 nights in superior inns and hotels
6 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner
Detailed pre-departure information pack
Turn-by-turn route notes
Macs Adventure Navigation App
Donation to Hike Discovery
24/7 telephone support

Excluded

Travel to/from St. John’s
Car rental
All lunches, snacks, drinks, and five dinners
Personal equipment
Travel Insurance

Extras

Car rental
Additional nights before, during or after the trip

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

You will need a car for this itinerary. Either plan to drive to the trip start or fly to St. John’s, Newfoundland, and rent a car.

Visas

For US citizens traveling to Canada for less than 180 days, no visa is required. You are required to have a valid passport with a blank passport page.

For non-US citizens traveling to Canada, an electronic travel authorization (eTA) is required to enter. For more information about the eTA system, and to apply online, visit the official Canadian government website. See Entry requirements.

Trail Donation

Book a trip to Newfoundland and a $50/person donation will be given to Hike Discovery. Hike Discovery Inc. is committed to and oversees the development and maintenance of a hiking trail network on the Bonavista Peninsula. Your donation will support the outstanding work that they do.

Equipment

Our pre-departure information pack includes a detailed equipment list on what to take with you. This includes warm and cold weather gear, hiking boots, rain gear, and lots of other specifics. If you have any questions about what to take, we'd be happy to share our own top tips and advice.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance helps protect your travel investment, your belongings and most importantly you, from unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip. For more information, please visit our travel insurance page.

What personal equipment do I need? How far in advance do I need to book?

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