East Coast Trail – Hiking with Whales and Puffins

July 11 to 18, 2009

The East Coast Trail is a spectacular coastal hiking path along the Avalon Peninsula from St. John's in the north to Cappahayden in the south, a distance of 220 kilometers. Hikers are treated to towering cliffs, high headlands, sea stacks, deep fjords, and picturesque villages. The area is the home to hundreds of species of birds and there is a good chance for close encounters with whales. We start in historic St. John's then head south to hike several sections of the East Coast Trail while staying in super accommodation overlooking the Atlantic. In addition to the hikes we enjoy a boat ride to an ecological reserve in Witless Bay and visit an archeological dig at Avalon.

Day 1 – Arrival Day. Participants meet at a designated hotel in St. John's. We lead a hike up historic Signal Hill along a beautiful shore side trail.

Day 2 – We start with a visit to Cape Spear National Historic Site, the most easterly point in North America. Examine the WW II gun emplacements and climb to the lighthouse and see a lighthouse keeper's residence in 1839. We continue south past Petty Harbour, one of the oldest fishing villages in Newfoundland, and then stretch our legs on a 5 kilometer round trip from Bauline East to the Suspension Bridge at La Manche. Afterwards we drive to our shore side accommodation and settle in.

Day 3 - A moderate 7.3 km, out and back along Micheleens Path overlooking Witless Bay.  Note the sea stacks at Baboul Rocks and the three islands of the Witless Bay Seabird Ecological Reserve which we visit on Day 5.  Watch for whales as they are often seen on this hike.

Day 4 – Down the coast to Point Kirwin and hike north on the East Coast Trail to Berry Head over moderate terrain. We will have lunch at Berry Head beside a massive stone sea arch that forms a bridge over the water then retrace our steps to Point Kirwin. Total distance 14.6 kilometers.

Day 5 – Exploration Day. We start with a guided tour of a fascinating archeological dig at Ferryland. Later we take a boat ride to the unbelievable sea bird colonies of Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, home to more than a million nesting pairs of sea birds (also a great area to see whales). Seafood dinner included.

Day 6 – Hike the East Coast Trail from La Manche to Brigus South, a good 12 kilometers. The trail passes features with names like - Roaring Cove, High Cliffs and Deep Cove and is classic east coast geography, flora and fauna.

Day 7 - Departure Day. After a leisurely breakfast we drive back to St. John's arriving around noon. The “First Weekers” are dropped at their hotel with suggestions on how to spend the rest of the day. The “Two Weekers” continue overland towards the west coast staying the night at Gander (included).

Day 8 – The first week trip ends in the morning and participants fly home or continue their travels.

The land (and sea) cost from St, John's is $1,398 + 5% GST. This covers specified van and boat transport, guided hiking program, park fees and admissions, hotel and cabin accommodation, all breakfasts and a Celebration Dinner. Free transport to Deer Lake is provided for those booking both weeks.

Although every effort will be made to adhere to the above program changes may be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances.

Request More Information About This Trip!