Dayhike Newfoundland with a Naturalist and Culture Focus

Newfoundland Island (NFLD) is a large island off the east coast of Canada, and part of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Geographically, and culturally, it is quite different from the rest of Canada. It is home to a number of rich indigenous cultures– Mi'kmaq, Innu, and Inuit – and also shares a cultural heritage that has much in common with Ireland and England. The island’s diverse landscapes include the towering Long Range Mountains in the west, plus forests and bays. Gros Morne National Park showcases the area’s geology in the west. Terra Nova National Park is in the eastern part of the island. NFLD activities include hiking, kayaking, backpacking, bird & whalewatching, iceberg viewing and naturalist activities, as well as historic and cultural activities. There are many established hiking routes plus 3 long distance trails: East Coast Trail (335 km), Discovery Trail (425 km) and Viking Trail (526 km). The later is a paved highway. The official provincial tourism website for Newfoundland and Labrador is an excellent source of information.

GETTING THERE

The provincial capital, St. John's, is located on the southeastern coast of the island; Cape Spear, just south of the capital, is the easternmost point of North America, excluding Greenland. International airports are located in St. John's and Deer Lake. The island can also be accessed by ferry from Nova Scotia.  The Trans-Canada highway 1 traverses NFLD from coast to coast.

• Suitable Activities: Day Hiking, Naturalist
• Seasons: Year-round, May, June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Land Manager: Land Manager Varies
• Parking Permit Required: see Land Manager
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12