Newfoundland Hiking Adventure
East Coast Trail & Bonavista Peninsula
Explore spectacular coastal hiking, rich culture and cuisine, and charming boutique hotels as part of a thoughtfully curated small-group journey, no planning required.
From CAD $5900 or USD $4200/person. Space is limited!
East Coast Trail and Bonavista Peninsula
7 nights/8 days
Accommodation:
4-star boutique hotels
June & July 2026
Activity Level:
3 out of 5
Moderate to Challenging
Make it Private
Dive Deep into Newfoundland’s East Coast Trail and Bonavista
People are drawn to Newfoundland as much by the infectious charm of the people as its remote, rugged beauty. Yet few have the opportunity to really connect with either. karibu takes you out of your car, and into nature and the lives of musicians, storytellers and foragers. And you always stay in a charming boutique hotel.
Who this is for: friends, couples and solo travellers who are active and curious, enjoy hiking, wildlife and authentic cultural experiences in pristine, less traveled places.
Newfoundland’s Hidden Gem — East Coast Trail Hiking
Named one of the best adventure destinations by National Geographic, the East Coast Trail’s 336 kilometres of ever-changing boreal forest, dramatic shorelines and crashing seascapes make up North America’s easternmost hiking path. Beginning in Conception Bay, hiking Newfoundland’s East Coast Trail takes you past lighthouses, ecological reserves and communities along Newfoundland’s Southern Shore to Cappahayden, and is a great viewpoint from which to see whales and sea birds. Founded and maintained by the volunteer-run East Coast Trail Association, the trail is also a testament to community and commitment to nature.
Transformative & Immersive Adventure!!!
“Andrea has magically curated the trip to include an immersive journey through local history, culture, environmental awareness and nature that impacts all your senses. I came back changed. Call it spiritual, or a deeper connectedness with nature…karibu has taken the travel experience to the next level.”
Discover a New Self
“This trip will change you. Andrea, who planned it, proposed unforgettable memories with unforgettable landscapes, experiences, tastes, dolphins and whales and in particular, unforgettable characters ! It was a great trip. Thank you.”
An Unforgettable Itinerary
Day 1
Dinner in St. John’s with Local Author
Enjoy St. John’s thriving foodie scene, dining at one of the city’s best restaurants. As a special treat, we’re joined by an acclaimed Newfoundland author who kicks off the trip by sharing their perspective on this unique part of the world.
DAY 2
Hike Newfoundland’s East Coast Trail, Visit Cape Spear
Kick off your entree into the East Coast Trail with one of its most majestic hikes, Cape Spear. A national historic site perched at the easternmost edge of North America, we tour the iconic lighthouse and battlements before hiking down the coast through fields of pitcher plants and wild iris. Savour a delicious “forager’s meal” dinner of fresh bay scallops, cod and foraged wild greens.
DAY 3
The Irish Loop, Seabirds & Whales
Based for the next four nights in a cozy boutique hotel with stunning ocean views, we immerse ourselves in the Irish-infused charm of the Southern Shore. Today we take a private boat tour through the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, home to the Atlantic Ocean’s largest puffin colony.
After an afternoon hike to a scenic suspension bridge and waterfall, relax back at the hotel with a sauna before dining at one of Newfoundland’s most celebrated farm to table restaurants.
DAY 4
Bear Cove Point & Storytelling
We head to the southern end of the East Coast Trail, through blueberry grounds, forests carpeted with bunchberries and twin flowers, to the lush meadows overlooking Bear Cove Point. Later, we tuck into a traditional “Boil Up” on the beach with a one-of-a-kind Irish Loop storyteller.
DAY 5
Foraging & Bonavista
Get ready for a remarkable day by exploring one of the East Coast Trail’s most scenic hikes with Newfoundland’s foremost forager. You’ll sample homemade blueberry bread and chaga tea overlooking the ocean before setting off to learn about Labrador tea and wild cranberries. Settle in for a one-of-a-kind, homemade lunch of fresh caught seafood, moose and foraged greens. In the afternoon we drive to the Bonavista Peninsula for an entirely different experience of Newfoundland, staying in scenic village of Trinity.
DAY 6
Trinity Historical Walk & Skerwink Trail
We walk through the scenic flower-lined lanes of the town of Trinity with a local history enthusiast, learning about its early settlement, dating back to the late 1500s and Trinity’s beginnings as a fishery, trading post, and bustling harbour. We cap off the day with a hike along the Skerwink Trail, renowned for its sea stacks and postcard views of Trinity Bay and the Rock-chiseled Bonavista shoreline – considered one of the most scenic in North America.
DAY 7
Whale Watching & Dinner Theatre in Trinity
We head out on the water in search of whales and explore the Bonavista’s striking geology by zodiac. In the afternoon, explore Trinity at your own pace, shop for local crafts or relax on your patio with a drink and views of the Bay. Opt to take in an authentic Newfoundland dinner theatre and their troupe of talented local artists and musicians. We have dinner and drinks at a Trinity landmark.
Our Newfoundland Partners
karibu is proud to partner with local Newfoundland authors, storytellers, cultural leaders and business owners.
Looking for something different, deeper and more real? So are we. Spaces are limited!
Accommodations
One of the challenges of travelling in Newfoundland is finding tasteful and comfortable hotels that are not exorbitantly priced. karibu has discovered just the places in St. John’s, along the East Coast Trail and in Trinity on the Bonavista Peninsula.
What's Included
Not included: 5 dinners, alcohol, gratuities, transport to and from airport
Getting There
There are direct flights into the capital of St. John’s from most major Canadian cities, with the most frequent from Toronto, Montreal and Halifax. St. John’s airport can often be fog-bound, so it is important to keep your flight arrangements flexible.
Travel Insurance
Medical travel insurance is required for non-Canadian residents to participate in our tour. Your insurance plan should include full medical coverage, emergency evacuation and emergency repatriation. Travel interruption insurance is highly recommended.
Activity Level
Hikes range from 5-12 km and are rated as easy to moderate by the East Coast Trail Association, however some can be considered challenging if you are not used to walking on uneven ground. The trails run through boreal forest and along the coast. The terrain is rugged, with tree roots, stones and planks in places. Some trails run close to cliff edges so may not be suitable for individuals with vertigo. Elevation gain ranges from 150 to 300 metres per hike, along rolling coastline.
Individuals should be comfortable hiking multiple days in a row. Guests have the option to opt out of any hike and take a ‘rest day,’ relaxing at the hotel and/or going for local walks. Alternative programing however is not available.
From The Wild Life Blog
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you go in Newfoundland?
Our hike of Newfoundland’s East Coast Trail starts with one night in the capital of St. John’s, then heads down the southern shore of the Avalon Peninsula, where we stay for four nights. The last three nights are spent in the village of Trinity on the Bonavista Peninsula.
Do you visit Gros Morne?
No. Our East Coast Trail hiking trip is focused on the eastern coast of Newfoundland.
What is the East Coast Trail?
Which part of the East Coast Trail do you hike?
We focus on the section from Cape Spear, outside of St. John’s, down to Port Kirwan, about 90 km south of St. John’s.
How much hiking is involved?
We hike five of the eight days for a total of approximately 50 kilometres. The shortest hike is 5 km, and the longest is 12 km.
Guests should be relatively active and comfortable hiking rugged terrain, on uneven paths that may have tree roots, stones and wood planks.
How much driving is involved?
We try to make our trips as place-based as possible and reduce the amount of driving. It just doesn’t seem like a great way to spend a vacation.
With two exceptions, all drives range from 15 to 45 minutes.
There is a 3-hour drive from the Southern Shore to the Bonavista Peninsula and another 3-hour drive from Bonavista back to St. John’s.
Do I need trip cancellation and medical travel insurance for this trip?
Medical travel insurance is required for non-Canadian residents. If you are a Canadian citizen traveling to a Canadian destination, medical travel insurance is not required, however, it is recommended.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption insurance is highly recommended. A number of our guests use Trawick Travel Insurance and Manulife.
What happens if it rains?
We plan our trips for when the weather is best. That being said, there is always a chance of rain in Newfoundland. All activities go on as scheduled; we just dress for it and make accommodations where required.
Will I see icebergs, whales and puffins?
There is a season for everything in Newfoundland, and they are generally not all at the same time. May is iceberg season. The puffins and whales generally start arriving in the back half of June. We’ve opted to focus on the wildlife, so the chances of seeing icebergs are low.
What if I don't feel like doing the activities one day or need downtime on my own?
Why aren't all the dinners and lunches included in the cost of the trip?
Two reasons:
1. We want to provide guests with the option to do their own thing and make their own choices when it comes to dinner. When travelling with a group all day, sometimes you need some downtime and a little freedom to do your own thing.
2. Different people eat different things; some eat more, some less. Rather than having someone who orders a salad pay the same price as a steak eater, we thought it would be fairer and more economical overall if people pay the cost of the food they actually eat.
Why is your trip in late June and July?
We go in July because it has the best combination of weather, whales and fewer people. July is warm, and it generally rains less than other months. It is also optimal for seeing whales. August gets very busy with tourists.
Would my older teens or adult kids like this trip?
Yes, especially if they like being active and outdoors, are interested in wildlife and are up for some Newfoundland music and storytelling.
What are the different options for payment?
Guests can opt to pay directly from their bank account. There are no processing fees associated with the debit payment option. Guests can also pay by credit card and the card’s processing fee of 2.7-2.9% is applied.
Can I book a private trip?
Yes. We can arrange a self-guided trip or a private trip with a guide. For more information, contact us at info@karibuadventures.com
Secure your spot on this one-of-a-kind travel adventure. Spaces limited!
Wild, Sublime Vancouver Island
Kayaking, Killer Whales & the Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw
From CAD $5,840 or US $4,300 | 6 days
Dive Deep Into Newfoundland
Hiking, Humpbacks, Foraging and Storytelling
From CAD $5,850 or US $4,350 | 8 days
Canadian Geographic Guided - Wild, Sublime Vancouver Island
From CAD $6,620 or US $4,875 | 6 days
Big, Bold, Beautiful Ontario
Canoeing the Canadian Shield
From $2,875 or $2,100 USD | 6 days