Average rating Self-guided Hiking in Newfoundland

Detailed description

Canada’s easternmost province of Newfoundland and Labrador is also her oldest in terms of European contact, the first settlement having been established by Vikings over a thousand years ago. Some five hundred years later, explorers, fishermen and whalers began to explore and exploit the region and its resources, a legacy of aquaculture that is visible to this day. St. John’s, the provincial capital and the oldest English-founded city in North America, has a rich seafaring heritage, as well as a vibrant cultural scene that led one visitor to describe it as a mixture between San Francisco and Dublin! Outside the city, though, the landscape is pure Canada: rugged, epic and awe-inspiring!

This is a fantastic tour through some of Canada’s most historic, wild and wonderful country! It’s not your typical hiking holiday though; there’s no guide, no schedule, no definite route – what you do and when you do it is entirely up to you! The aim here is independent exploration of this captivating coastal region. You’ll be given a guidebook and the keys to two exclusive period properties – one in St John’s and the other in Bonavista – then you call the shots! Follow the East Coast Trail as it winds its way along the cliffs, or take in some live music in Downtown St. John’s; picnic beside turquoise bays on the Skirwink Trail, or enjoy a lie-in with sea views! If you want a bit of guidance, you can opt for a guide to meet you on arrival and get them to help you to plan your week out in a bit more detail, or even accompany you on some walks. Whatever you end up doing with your week, you’re sure to be charmed by this magical landscape!

Accommodation & food

The accommodation for this tour is like nothing else we’ve come across! You’ll be given exclusive use of two recently renovated period houses, both with spectacular coastal views. The first is the Hipditch House in St. John’s historic battery neighbourhood, a stilted bungalow on the sea cliffs with classic-contemporary décor, while the second is the Thomas Mouland House, a 100-year old residence in Bonavista’s Mockbeggar area.

Both properties are equipped with everything you’ll need, from laundry facilities to internet, and there’ll also be a fully stocked fridge waiting for you when you arrive - just let your hosts know what you like to eat and they will get it all in for you. (As with everything else on this tour, whether you eat in or dine out is up to you!)

Is it for me?

Full of charm and character, this tour might well be the loveliest of its kind in North America! With no fixed itinerary you’re free to engage with the landscape in any way you see fit, meaning pretty much anyone can enjoy this trip. This said, it’s probably not well-suited to those with small children or other critical needs as you’ll be spending much of your time in remote areas where access to services is limited. But for everyone else – from landscape-lovers to culture-vultures to period-dramas-about-rural-fishing-communities-fans – this is a real treat!

Itinerary & things to do

There’s no fixed itinerary on this trip – you decide what you do, when you do it! Options include the following:

- Long hikes (East Coast Trail, North Head Trail, Skewink Trail, etc.)
- Short walks
- Unstructured hiking in Bonavista
- Wildlife watching
- Cultural activities (The Battery, St. John’s downtown, etc.)
- Restaurants and bar visits
- Spending the day in bed!