Last updated on July 23rd, 2025
We’re sharing the 31 best hikes in Newfoundland, ranging from short walks to challenging treks.
One of our favorite things about Newfoundland is that you are never far from a stunning hiking trail. And not only that, the island is home to a wide variety of scenery, which makes hiking extra fun!

Throughout our 6 weeks in Newfoundland we went on hikes along the rugged coast line, saw many waterfalls, hiked up to overlooks of fjords, and even walked on the Earth’s mantle. It was truly some of the best hiking we have done in all of North America!
Want to experience the best hikes that Newfoundland has to offer? In this guide we’re sharing our 31 favorite hikes in Newfoundland, from easy strolls to difficult and steep adventures. Plus, some important tips before you hit the trail!
- 31 Best Hikes in Newfoundland
- Western Newfoundland
- Gros Morne National Park
- Grand Falls-Windsor
- Twillingate Islands
- Fogo Island
- Terra Nova National Park
- Bonavista Peninsula
- Avalon Peninsula
- Things to know before tackling these Newfoundland hikes
- What to pack to hike in Newfoundland
- Looking for more things to do in Newfoundland?
- Save this guide with the best hikes in Newfoundland

Why trust us when planning a trip to Atlantic Canada?
We spent over 3 months traveling all around Atlantic Canada in our self-converted Sprinter van, visiting many of the popular sites, plus off the beaten path gems along the way. And instead of rushing through these areas like most people are forced to on vacation, we traveled slowly, allowing us to experience them more as locals. Because of this, we have tons of tips to help you plan your own Atlantic Canada adventure, whether it’s just for a week or for multiple months.
31 Best Hikes in Newfoundland
Before we dive into the best hikes in Newfoundland, there are a couple things to know. First, we’re only sharing Newfoundland hikes that we personally did. There are tons of other incredible trails you could add to your list as well!
We’re also breaking down this list of the best hikes in Newfoundland by region. That way, in case you’re only able to visit a couple areas, you can quickly find a trail that’s a good fit for you. And within each region, we’re listing the trails in order by distance. But keep in mind that shorter doesn’t always mean easier! Make sure to look at the elevation gain to determine if it’s the right fit for you.
Lastly, we visited Newfoundland in the summer and early fall, which is when we’d suggest tackling these Newfoundland hikes. The trails will be snow free and the climate will be much more enjoyable for hiking. If hiking in Newfoundland outside of this timeframe, make sure to check for recent conditions before hitting the trail.
Western Newfoundland
For many visitors, Western Newfoundland will be their first and last experience on the island. The ferry from Nova Scotia arrives and departs from Channel-Port aux Basques, at the southwestern tip of the island. And while many people speed up to Gros Morne National Park, there are so many amazing hikes in this western region, including on the Port-au-Port Peninsula, in Corner Brook, and around Bottle Cove. Below are our favorites!


1. Copper Mine Falls
Distance (round trip): 0.6 km (0.4 miles)
Elevation gain: 20 meters (68 feet)
Difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
The Copper Mine Falls trail is one of the best short hikes in Newfoundland! Just a quick walk from the trailhead (the same trailhead at the Cape Blow Me Down Trail below!) takes you to an impressive waterfall.
At the base of the waterfall is a pool that if you’re brave enough, you can take a dip in. Warning: It is ICE cold!
2. Steady Brook Falls


Distance (round trip): 1.1 km (0.7 miles)
Elevation gain: 91 meters (298 feet)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
Another great short Newfoundland hike is Steady Brook Falls. Located close to Corner Brook, this raging waterfall drops 60 meters (196 feet) and is one of the most impressive waterfalls on the island!
It is just a quick hike (0.3 km/0.2 miles) to a viewing platform that overlooks the waterfall. This first stretch, while uphill, is relatively easy. But you can also continue further, which is more steep and rugged, to get a view of the top of the waterfall!
3. Hidden Falls


Distance (round trip): 1.3 km (0.8 miles)
Elevation gain: 24 meters (78 feet)
Difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
Located on Newfoundland’s Port-au-Port Peninsula (a must-visit!) is a waterfall tucked off the road and easily missed. But trust us, you won’t want to miss it! Hidden Falls is technically on private property, but thankfully the landowner has made this waterfall accessible and created a small park out of it.
To visit just the main waterfall, it’s a super short and easy walk. But you can also explore a beautiful stream and a rocky beach. And as a bonus, you can also camp here for free!
4. Sunset Rock in Bottle Cove

Distance (round trip): 2.1 km (1.3 miles)
Elevation gain: 36 meters (118 feet)
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
Bottle Cove is one of the most picturesque places in Newfoundland. And the best way to see it is from Sunset Rock! While you can hike this trail any time of day, it’s especially magical at sunset.
To get to this spot, you can either take the boardwalk trail part of the way, before meeting up with this trail. Or you can park here for an even shorter journey. We did find the trail to be a bit hard to follow at times (and steep, with steps and ropes), so make sure to download the offline AllTrails map so you can find your way.
From the top you’ll overlook Bottle Cove, a green valley, the massive rocky mountains and cliffs, and you can even see a sea cave off in the distance. It’s spectacular!
5. Cedar Cove Trail

Distance (round trip): 3.7 km (2.3 miles)
Elevation gain: 82 meters (269 feet)
Difficulty: Easy, except for the end
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
The Cedar Cove Trail takes you through the forest, past ocean trash that has been turned into art (super cool!), and alongside a beautiful valley, to Wild (Capelin) Cove.
This cove has clear waters and towering cliffs around it, which you can view from above. But you can also go down to the rocky beach below! Just be careful, it does require a climb down a pretty steep hill with loose dirt.
For an even more exciting adventure, add on the Little Port Lighthouse Trail. This hike is NOT for everyone though. It requires a very steep climb, using ropes to help you. We personally only did the Cedar Cove Trail and were happy with that choice. But we will say, the views from the ridgeline on the Little Port Lighthouse trail look extremely epic!
6. Starlite Trail

Distance (round trip): 4.6 km (2.9 mile)
Elevation gain: 360 meters (1,184 feet)
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
Just a 25 minute drive from the ferry is the Starlite Trail. And in our opinion, it’s one of the best hidden gem hikes in Newfoundland! On this hike you will reach the top of a ridge that overlooks a small lake with waterfalls in the background. Plus views of the coast and mountains in the distance!
Although AllTrails rates it as moderate, we think it was relatively challenging, with some super steep sections. It also was a bit overgrown at times, with us pushing through some brushy spots. So wear pants!
7. Gravels Walking Trail

Distance (round trip): 5.5 km (3.4 miles)
Elevation gain: 54 meters (177 feet)
Difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
As you reach the Port-au-Port Peninsula, you’ll cross a small isthmus known as the Gravels. And the Gravels Walking Trail (Danny’s Trail) is a great spot to get out and go for a walk. Along the way you’ll see crystal clear water, cool rock formations, and mountain views.
8. Cape Blow Me Down Trail

Distance (round trip): 6.9 km (4.3 miles)
Elevation gain: 609 meters (1,998 feet)
Difficulty: Hard
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
The Cape Blow Me Down Trail is hands down one of the best things to do in Newfoundland! From the top, you have sweeping views of the Bay of Islands and Lark Harbour, plus mountain views to the south. However, views like this don’t come easy! The hike is difficult and steep and it’s one of the toughest Newfoundland hikes on this list.
However, you do have amazing views on the way up, so if you can’t make it to the top, it’s still worth doing part of!
9. La Marches Des Miettes

Distance (round trip): 7.4 km (4.6 miles)
Elevation gain: 254 meters (833 feet)
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
Cape St. George is one of the most striking areas of Newfoundland’s Port-au-Port Peninsula. And to experience it, hike some or all of the La Marches Des Miettes Trail (Breadcrumb Trail)! This hike takes you along the cape’s towering cliffs, with jaw dropping ocean views below. You may even see some whales or seals here!
This area is heavily influenced by the French. As an extra perk, the start of the trail has a traditional French bread oven that locals use and sell bread from during certain hours from July through August!
A+K Tip: For those traveling in a campervan or tent camping across Newfoundland, this cape is also one of the BEST free camping spots in Newfoundland!
10. Humber Valley Trail

Distance (round trip): 7.7 km (4.8 miles)
Elevation gain: 519 meters (1,702 feet)
Difficulty: Hard
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
Just minutes from Corner Brook is the Humber Valley Trail, also known as the Man in the Mountain Trail. It’s a steep climb, with some rooty and rocky sections, but once you reach the top, you’ll have amazing views of the Humber River Valley below. And if you happen to be visiting during the fall colors, this is one of the best fall hikes in Newfoundland!
Gros Morne National Park
Before hiking in Gros Morne National Park, it’s important to know that there is an entrance fee to visit. If you choose to pay per day, it’s $11 CAD per adult (less for seniors and free for children), with options to get a family pass, plus an annual pass.
You can also get a Parks Canada Discovery Pass, which gets you into all Parks Canada managed sites for a year! This is definitely worth it if you plan to spend 7 or more days in the Canadian National Parks.
To learn of even more things to do in Gros Morne National Park, check out our guide with 11 of the best things to do!

11. Lookout Trail
Distance (round trip): 5.5 km (3.4 miles)
Elevation gain: 338 meters (1,108 feet)
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
In our opinion, the Lookout Trail is the best effort-to-view ratio in Gros Morne National Park! While it does have a decent incline, it isn’t a super long hike and once you reach the top you’ll have fantastic views of Bonne Bay, Gros Morne Mountain, the Tablelands, and the Lookout Hills. It’s also where you can find some of Parks Canada’s famous red chairs!
After hiking, swing by Galliott Studios & Cafe for coffee!
12. Tablelands Trail

Distance (round trip): 7.7 km (4.8 miles)
Elevation gain: 217 meters (711 feet)
The distance and elevation gain is for the linked trail below. You can also shorten this hike or extend it.
Difficulty: Easy to hard, depending on your route
Dog friendly? Yes, but the rugged terrain on the off trail portion may be difficult for their paws
Trail conditions & reviews
The Tablelands Trail is one of the most unique hikes in Newfoundland. Here you get to walk ON the Earth’s mantle!
This area is home to a rusty orange landscape that is a stark contrast from the park’s otherwise green and blue terrain. It’s unlike anywhere else in Newfoundland and is one of the few places in the world where you can see the Earth’s mantle.
There are a few different ways to experience this hike. You can either hike the Tablelands Trail on your own, on a maintained or off trail route, or go on a free guided hike with a ranger!
For more information on all of the options, check out our complete guide to hiking the Tablelands Trail.
13. Baker’s Brook Falls Trail

Distance (round trip): 9.2 km (5.7 miles)
Elevation gain: 225 meters (738 feet)
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
The Baker’s Brook Falls Trail is a great, easier hike in Gros Morne. Along this trail you’ll go along the forest, through a moose exclosure, and by a pond, to a waterfall, with multiple viewpoints. It makes for a great hike in the sunshine or the rain, as the rain makes the waterfall extra raging!
14. Green Gardens Trail

Distance (round trip): 9.9 km (6.2 miles)
Elevation gain: 358 meters (1,174 feet)
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
The Green Gardens Trail is the best way to see the Gros Morne’s epic coastline. You’ll start your hike in the barren Tablelands, before going through the forest to the coast. Once along the coast you can hike down to a beach, plus see sea stacks, cliff top meadows, and sheep (if you’re lucky).
If this hike is too long or difficult for you, check out the Eastern Point Trail instead! Located close by, it offers some similar scenery, but at only 2.4 km (1.5 miles) round trip.
15. Gros Morne Mountain

Distance (round trip): 16.9 km (10.5 miles)
Elevation gain: 868 meters (2,847 feet)
Difficulty: Very hard
Dog friendly? Technically yes, but they are advised not to hike this trail
Closures: The Gros Morne Mountain Trail is closed to hikers from May 1-June 28.
Trail conditions & reviews
One of the best hikes in Newfoundland, is Gros Morne Mountain, the second tallest mountain in Gros Morne National Park.
And this trail is a grind! To get to the summit you will have to climb up a daunting, steep section of scree. This should ONLY be done if the weather is clear and by those who have hiking experience, plenty of water with them, and are physically able.
Both on the way up and down you’ll be able to see some crazy views of the park, including one of the best views in Gros Morne overlooking Ten Mile Pond. And if going down the scree makes you nervous, don’t worry, there is an alternate way down. It’s still steep, but not as treacherous!
To learn more about this hike, check out our guide to visiting Gros Morne, where we cover the trail in more detail.
16. Long Range Traverse

Distance: 36.5 km (22.7 miles) point to point
Due to the lack of trail on this hike, distance may vary. We ended up tracking about 48 km (30 miles), which included a couple wrong turns and adding on the summit of Gros Morne Mountain.
Elevation Gain: 1,700 meters (5,574 feet)
Difficulty: Very hard, with no trail to follow, boggy and muddy terrain, and long days
Dog friendly? No
Trail conditions & reviews
For the ultimate adventure, hike the Long Range Traverse! This was our favorite hike in Newfoundland, but it is NOT for everyone.
This multi-day trek (3-4 days) has ZERO maintained trail to follow, thick tuckamore, river crossings, and wet, boggy terrain. You will get wet, muddy, and potentially eaten alive by bugs. But it’s all worth it for the insane views of fjords, lakes, untouched wilderness, and seclusion.
There is a lot to know before attempting this hike, including how to get permits, costs, important logistics and so much more. Check out our detailed guide about backpacking the Long Range Traverse to find out everything you need to know! You can also watch our experience in this video.
Grand Falls-Windsor
For us, Grand Falls-Windsor was just a quick stop to stock up on groceries and stay for the night as we moved east in Newfoundland. But little did we know, we’d find a hidden gem hike along the way!


17. Thunder Brook Falls
Distance (round trip): 1.6 km (1 mile)
Elevation gain: 108 meters (354 feet)
Difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
Thunder Brook Falls is a roadside stop that if you didn’t know it was there, you’d easily miss it. And most tourists do! Along this short riverside hike you will find a couple waterfalls and pools to swim in. It’s perfect for a warm summer day in Newfoundland!
Twillingate Islands
The Twillingate Islands boast some of the best coastal hikes in Newfoundland! Here you can find an incredible trail system called the Rockcut Trails, with 13 official trails to choose from. Below are a couple of our favorites!
Want to learn even more things to do in Twillingate? Check out our guide with 10 fun things to do!

18. Spillers Cove and French Beach
Distance (round trip): 4.7 km (2.9 miles)
Elevation gain: 139 meters (456 feet)
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
This loop hike has so much coastal goodness to offer! Along the way you’ll visit an epic rocky cove with sea stacks and high cliffs. We spent way too much time admiring the views here! Plus you’ll have the chance to visit French Beach, a stunning beach with blue waters. It is the ultimate spot to go for a dip after the hike!
19. Nanny Hole and Long Point Lighthouse Loop

Distance (round trip): 8.9 km (5.5 miles)
Elevation gain: 363 feet (1,190 feet)
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
The Nanny Hole and Long Point Lighthouse Loop follows the cliffs and coastline along north Twillingate Island. You’ll get to see the Long Point Lighthouse, along with rocky bays filled with vibrant blue water. And if you’re lucky, whales!
Along the way, make sure to stop at Crow’s Nest Cafe for coffee and a snack.
Fogo Island
Fogo Island makes for a fun little getaway in Newfoundland! Unlike the Twillingate Islands, which you can drive to, it requires a short ferry ride. But don’t let that stop you! Here you’ll find some amazing local restaurants, plus great hikes.

20. Brimstone Head Trail
Distance (round trip): 1.1 km (0.7 miles)
Elevation gain: 52 meters (170 feet)
Difficulty: Easy, unless stairs are difficult for you
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
One must-do hike on Fogo Island is the Brimstone Head Trail. After climbing up lots of stairs you will have incredible views of the ocean and the town of Fogo below. But that’s not all that makes it special. According to the Flat Earth Society this is one of the “four corners of the flat Earth.” In case you’re concerned, we do not believe the Earth is flat, but it is too quirky to pass up!
After your hike, make sure to have lunch at Bangbelly Bistro!
21. Joe Batt’s Trail


Distance (round trip): 5.1 km (3.2 miles)
Elevation gain: 43 meters (141 feet)
Difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
The Joe Batt’s Trail combines nature, art, and architecture all into one! Not only do you have a view of Fogo Island Inn from across the water, but you also get to see the Long Studio. This is one of the four off grid artist residences that are part of Fogo Island Art, a project by Zita Cobb, the owner of the Fogo Island Inn.
Besides the studio, there is also a sculpture of the now extinct Great Auk at the end of the trail. It was created by Todd McGrain as part of his Lost Bird Project, which includes sculptures of extinct bird species placed in the last location they were known to live.
For a post-hike treat, we LOVE Growlers Ice Cream! It’s some of the best ice cream in the province.
22. Lions Den Trail

Distance (round trip): 7.2 km (4.5 miles)
Elevation gain: 207 meters (679 feet)
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
The Lions Den Trail offers sweeping coastal views, plus some interesting history. This area was once home to 4 settlements, which played a big role in the fishing industry on Fogo Island. And along the trail you can see where they used to be, view old photos, and learn more about them.
Terra Nova National Park
Terra Nova is definitely the lesser visited of Newfoundland’s two national parks. But we really enjoyed our time here!
Similar to Gros Morne National Park, there is an entrance fee to visit. Or you can use the Parks Canada Discovery Pass!

23. Ochre Hill Trail
Distance (round trip): 4.8 km (3 miles)
Elevation gain: 154 meters (505 feet)
Difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
If you can only do one hike at Terra Nova National Park, make sure it’s the Ochre Hill Trail! This trail travels through a bit of forest and along a pond to the top of Ochre Hill. At the top you’ll have spectacular views of green forest, dark blue lakes, and the Clode Sound. It reminded us a lot of the Pacific Northwest!
If you want something shorter and easier, the Mill Cove Lookout has similar views.
Bonavista Peninsula
The Bonavista Peninsula is full of coastal views, charming little towns, and amazing wildlife. It’s one of the best places to visit in Newfoundland and is a must-visit if venturing to the eastern side of the province.

24. Gun Hill Lookout
Distance (round trip): 3 km (1.9 miles)
Elevation gain: 91 km (298 feet)
Difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
For a short and sweet hike in Newfoundland, head up the Gun Hill Trail! From here you will have a picture perfect view of Trinity, one of the most charming towns in Newfoundland. Plus get to see some cannons!
While you can walk the entire trail linked above, you can also do a short version as well!
25. Spillars Cove

Distance (round trip): 3.5 km (2.2 mile)
Elevation gain: 71 meters (232 feet)
Difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
Spillars Cove is home to towering rock columns and outcroppings scattered among different smaller coves. It’s one of the most rugged coastlines that we saw in all of Newfoundland!
You can do a short hike to experience the entire Spillars Cove area. But if you’re not up for a hike you can also admire some of the views just a short walk from the parking area!
26. Skerwink Trail

Distance (round trip): 5.1 km (3.2 miles)
Elevation gain: 62 meters (203 feet)
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
The Skerwink Trail is the #1 rated trail in Newfoundland according to AllTrails. It’s loaded with jaw dropping coastal scenery, rock column sea stacks, and panoramic views of multiple areas of the Bonavista Peninsula. While it may not have been our #1 hike (the Long Range Traverse wins on that one!), it was definitely in our top 5!
Need coffee and food before or after you hike? Head to Two Whales Coffee Shop just up the road in Port Rexton. This coffee shop, plus cafe, is in an old house, with a garden and chickens in the back.
Avalon Peninsula
Located on the Southeastern side of Newfoundland lies the Avalon Peninsula. This area is not only home to the province’s largest city of St. John’s, but also the East Coast Trail, a 336 km (227 mile) long trail system that runs along the coast. So if you’re looking to tackle some of the best hikes in Newfoundland, you’ll definitely want to swing by here!

27. North Head Trail
Distance (round trip): 3.4 km (2.1 miles)
Elevation gain: 159 meters (521 feet)
Difficulty: Moderate
Dog friendly? Yes, but some areas are narrow
Trail conditions & reviews
One of the best things to do in St. John’s is hiking the North Head Trail. This trail starts in The Battery, a cliffside region with colorful homes, before skirting along the cliff’s edge to the Signal Hill National Historic Site. This hike is not for those with a fear of heights, though! There are drop offs and narrow sections, with chains to help you feel more secure. But if you can handle these aspects, it is a very fun hike!
28. Mad Rocks

Distance (round trip): 5.3 km (3.3 miles)
Elevation gain: 91 meters (298 feet)
Difficulty: Easy
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
Located in a less touristy area is Mad Rocks, a fun coastal hike with some neat historical elements, like old foundations and root cellars. When we did this hike we saw some gigantic waves as well, which were so mesmerizing to look at!
As a bonus, you can grab a bite to eat before or after at Madrock Cafe, known for their toutons and fish cakes (Newfoundland specialities!). Nothing beats an easy meal after a hike!
29. Sugarloaf Path

Distance (round trip): 8.2 km (5.1 miles)
Elevation gain: 696 meters (2,283 feet)
Difficulty: Hard
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
The East Coast Trail has 25 different paths throughout the Avalon Peninsula and if you’re looking for a good option near St. John’s, check out the Sugarloaf Path! It starts near Quidi Vidi, a picturesque small village tucked into a cove. Which is a must-visit in St. John’s!
There are a couple important things to know, though. First, there are quite a few connecting trails around here, so we suggest downloading the offline maps for this one to ensure you go the right way.
Also, this is a point to point hike, which means it starts and ends in different areas. So we suggest just doing a portion of it (from Quidi Vidi) and turning around. We only went part of the way and still got to experience some gorgeous views!
30. Stiles Cove Path

Distance (round trip): 16 km (9.9 miles)
Elevation gain: 1,059 meters (3,474 feet)
Difficulty: Hard
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
Another gem along the East Coast Trail is the Stiles Cove Path. It’s a long and pretty challenging day hike, but it had some of the most epic coastal scenery out of all of the Newfoundland hikes we did. In this one hike alone you get to see multiple waterfalls (including some plunging into the ocean), different coves, walk along dramatic cliffs, and a cool cave.
31. Spout Path

Distance (round trip): 21.7 km (13.5 miles)
Elevation gain: 1,192 meters (3,910 feet)
Difficulty: Hard
Dog friendly? Yes
Trail conditions & reviews
Last, but certainly not least, one of our favorite Newfoundland hikes was Spout Path. It’s famous for a wave-powered geyser called the spout. Every couple minutes, water rushes in from underneath and explodes out of a blowhole. It is spectacular!
But the spout isn’t the only reason to do this hike. The trail has so much to see along the way, including an old lighthouse and seemingly endless views of the coast.
While you can do this as a very long day hike, we ended up doing it as a one night backpacking trip. It wasn’t busy and we had the entire campground to ourselves. We loved it!
Things to know before tackling these Newfoundland hikes

Prepare for all types of weather
Newfoundland has some wild weather! We experienced wind, rain, and sun…sometimes all within minutes of each other.
When planning your days in Newfoundland, don’t fully trust the weather forecasts and apps. We found them to not be super accurate. Instead, just be prepared for all types of weather when hiking in Newfoundland.
Be aware of wildlife
Newfoundland is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose and black bears. Black bears are very elusive in Newfoundland and while we did see one running across a road in Terra Nova National Park, we hear they are shy and uncommon to see.
However, there is a solid chance you’ll see a moose while on the island. Moose can be aggressive, so always keep your distance.
If you plan to do any sunrise or sunset hikes, be very careful driving in the dark. There are on average 500 moose collisions in Newfoundland a year. Multiple people from Newfoundland emailed us to warn us about not driving in the dark, since they’ll dart out right in front of you. So try to stick to daylight driving while here!

Most hikes are dog friendly
Many of the best hikes in Newfoundland are dog friendly, but there are a few that are not. We tried to note which trails do not allow (or do not recommend) dogs above, but make sure to double check before you go. And remember to check leash laws as well. Dogs are required to be on a leash in the national parks, plus on many other trails around the province.
Also, if you plan to hike some of the more rugged, rocky trails with your dog, we suggest bringing booties to protect their paws.
Leave no trace
Before experiencing the hikes in Newfoundland, please review the Leave No Trace principles to ensure you leave every place better than you found it, so that others can enjoy these beautiful places for many years to come!
These seven principles include planning ahead and preparing, hiking and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly (pack out what you pack in!), understanding campfire rules, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors.
What to pack to hike in Newfoundland

You can see all of the hiking gear we use and love here, plus our tips for making a 10 essentials kit, which is a must-have on any outdoor adventure. But here are a handful of items we want to emphasize bringing to hike in Newfoundland!
Hiking shoes
Good hiking shoes are a MUST when hiking in Newfoundland! Many of the trails are rocky and rugged, or filled with mud. So you’ll want shoes with good grip (and that you don’t mind getting dirty).
We wear Lowa Renegade GTX boots and ALTRA Lone Peak 8 trail runners and both are perfect for a variety of trails!
Downloaded AllTrails Map
There isn’t always cell service in Newfoundland, so downloading AllTrails maps is key to ensure you can navigate on trails. To download the AllTrails map you will need an AllTrails+ membership. To get 30% off use our code aplusk30 (you must redeem this code on the website, not the app)!
Layers
As we mentioned above, the weather can be wild in Newfoundland. Make sure to pack layers, including pullovers, a rain jacket (Adam wears this jacket and Kathryn has this jacket), and a puffy jacket. It’s always good to have all of these on you, even if you don’t think you’ll need them.

Hiking poles
Hiking poles can be very helpful with the more rugged and steep hikes in Newfoundland. They are also useful if a trail is muddy, so you can poke the ground and not step into a deep mud hole. Don’t ask how we know! 😂
Sun protection
Many of the best hikes in Newfoundland are fully exposed to the sun. So having sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, is a must! We also love wearing sun hoodies when we hike.
Water
We love to carry our water in a 3L CamelBak, which makes it easy to drink on the go. You can also bring a Katadyn BeFree water filter bottle, which is helpful if hiking on trails with lots of water sources.

Electrolytes
If you plan to tackle some of the tougher hikes in Newfoundland, we suggest bringing electrolytes. LMNT is our absolute favorite! PS: If you use this link, you get a free sample pack (8 flavors!) with any order!
Binoculars
Many of these Newfoundland hikes have coastal views and when hiking in the summer, you have a good chance to see whales and puffins! We suggest bringing some binoculars so you can get a closer look at them.
Headlamp
If you plan to do any sunrise or sunset hikes, make sure to pack a headlamp. Don’t forget to pack some extra batteries too!
Looking for more things to do in Newfoundland?
- Taking the ferry to Newfoundland: Everything to know!
- 12 BEST places to visit in Newfoundland from coast to coast!
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