Hiking Tours

The Widest Variety of Hikes

This tour features a multitude of hiking environments – hugging the wild coast, following meandering rivers, crossing natural wetlands, and climbing soaring mountains. This place is rugged and wild, and many of its treasures can only be seen on foot.

World Heritage Treasures

There are only 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada, and this tour visits two of them: one renowned for its geological importance, the other representing great cultural and historic significance.

UNESCO World Heritage Site #1 - The Tablelands

The Tablelands of Gros Morne National Park are considered the most significant geological formation in Canada. In its designation, UNESCO said: “The park provides a rare example of the process of continental drift, where the deep ocean crust and the rocks of the earth’s mantle lie exposed.”

UNESCO World Heritage Site #2 - L'Anse aux Meadows

While popular history suggests Christopher Columbus was the first European to visit North America, the L’Anse aux Meadows archeological site is proof that the Vikings were living and working in Newfoundland hundreds of years earlier.

Western Brook Pond

The simple name does not prepare visitors for the jaw-dropping reality. Western Brook Pond is a massive fresh-water fjord lodged between soaring peaks in a pristine setting. In recent years, it has provided the most "Instagrammed" setting in Newfoundland.

Port au Choix Historic Sites

It’s important to remember that long before the Vikings arrived, there were thriving communities populated by the Maritime Archaic people, the Dorset people, the Groswater people and more recent indigenous peoples on the Great Northern Peninsula.

Day 1

1. Gros Morne Coastal Trailhead, Gros Morne National Park 

(H1/Easy – 6km/10m) 

The path once connected two small fishing communities: Bakers Brook and Green Point. A local guide will lead us through coastal landscapes and through short but dense coastal forests known as “tuckamore.” Tuckamore is the Newfoundland word for the gnarly evergreen trees, stunted by wind, salt water, and winter weather, that grow along the coast and in alpine areas. Frost and wind nip back the exposed branches, giving them their wind-swept profile.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/newfoundland-and-labrador/gros-morne-coastal-trail

https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/plan-and-book/attractions/11761509

Day 2

2. Western Brook Pond Access Trail, Gros Morne National Park 

(H1/Easy – 6.0km/20m) 

This walk crosses a preserved lowland area between the road and the tour boat wharf, and allows the awesome view of Western Brook Pond to slowly come into sight.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/newfoundland-and-labrador/western-brook-pond-trail--2

https://trailpeak.com/trails/western-brook-pond-near-rocky-harbour-nf-10333

3. Cow Head Lighthouse Trail, Shallow Bay 

(H2/Moderate – 3.2km/60m) 

This rugged community-built trail connects the village of Cow Head with the historic lighthouse. Our local guide will share the history of her hometown, and how this trail was built.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/newfoundland-and-labrador/cow-head-lighthouse-trail--2

https://trailpeak.com/trails/Cow-Head-Lighthouse-Trail-near-Cow-Head-NF-2930

Day 3

4. John Hogan Trail, Torrent River 

(H1/Easy – 3.2km/30m) 

After visiting the salmon ladder, we will follow this scenic trail along the river back to the sea.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/newfoundland-and-labrador/john-hogan-trail

https://trailpeak.com/trails/john-hogan-trail-near-hawkes-bay-nf-7132

5a. Whale Watchers Trail, St. Anthony’s 

(H1/Easy – 1.4km/25m) 

Before dinner at the historic Lightkeeper’s Restaurant, guests will have time to enjoy views over the harbour and ocean. 

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/newfoundland-and-labrador/whale-watchers-trail

https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/plan-and-book/attractions/30601738

5b. OPTIONAL Dare Devil’s Stairway, Santana Trail 

(H2/Moderate – 1.8km/476 stairs) 

This trail polarizes every group. People either want to race to the top, hoping to spot a whale or iceberg, or they say, “There’s no way I’m climbing all those stairs, I don’t care what’s at the top!” It is reported that the views are amazing, and worth the climb!

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/newfoundland-and-labrador/santana-trail

https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/plan-and-book/attractions/30601738

Day 4

6. Birchy Nuddick Trail, L’Anse aux Meadows National Park 

(H1/Easy – 3.4km/25m) 

This easy loop trail allows guests to explore a bit more of the area where the Vikings decided to build their settlement.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/newfoundland-and-labrador/birchy-nuddick-trail

https://alavigne.net/Outdoors/TripReports/2011/NfldAndLabrador/?p=birchynuddick

Day 5

7. Dorset Trail, Porte au Choix National Historic Site 

(H2/Moderate – 6.2km/75m) 

This trail meanders through meadows, past ponds and caves, before arriving at the coast. From there to the Point Richie Lighthouse, guests will see and experience the Newfoundland coastline featured in those amazing television ads ... always a favourite!

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/newfoundland-and-labrador/port-au-choix-loop

https://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/plan-and-book/attractions/35971695

Day 6

8a. Gros Morne Trail, Gros Morne National Park 

(H3/Difficult – 10km/380m) 

This hike takes guests up high enough to get a great view over the surrounding areas and turns around at that lookout, just before the most difficult part of the longer trip to the summit.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/newfoundland-and-labrador/gros-morne-mountain-trail

https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nl/grosmorne/activ/experiences/randonnee-hiking/mgm-gmm

8b. OPTIONAL Gros Morne Trail, Gros Morne National Park 

(H4/More Difficult – 18km/810m) 

This trail is featured on the “bucket list” of many serious hikers. While it takes 8+ hours to get to the summit and back, the reward is amazing views and a well-deserved sense of satisfaction.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/newfoundland-and-labrador/gros-morne-mountain-trail

https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nl/grosmorne/activ/experiences/randonnee-hiking/mgm-gmm

Day 7

9. Tablelands Trail, Gros Morne National Park 

(H1/Easy – 4.2km/90m) 

This is hike is a quintessential “geology field trip,” where science and plate tectonics explain the barren landscape of the region. It is one of the few places in the world that you can walk on the Earth’s mantle, and the Parks Canada Ranger will explain what all this means.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/newfoundland-and-labrador/tablelands-trail

https://trailpeak.com/trails/tablelands-near-bonne-bay-nf-2931

10. Eastern Point Trailhead, Trout River

(H1/Easy -2.4km/40m) 

This lovely trail along the coast offers a great variety of scenery in a short distance, thus providing the perfect final note for our week exploring Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/newfoundland-and-labrador/eastern-point-trail

https://bobsnewfoundland.com/eastern-point-trail.html

The Most History Dense Place in Canada

This is a bold statement, but one could assert that there are more chapters of world history on display on the Great Northern Peninsula than anywhere else in Canada. Where else can a visitor see the earth’s mantle, evidence of pre-historic people, Viking settlements, indigenous communities, and traditional Newfoundland fishing villages?

A Great Escape from Urban Hustle and Bustle

This tour takes place in the least populated area visited by DeLuxe Hiking. If someone’s goal is to see as few people as possible while on vacation, escaping the traffic and hustle and bustle of city life, this would be the tour to take. After leaving Deer Lake Airport, there won’t be any Starbucks or McDonald’s, and only one lonely Tim Horton’s to be seen in more than a week.  Even internet signals will be weak in places!

An Organized Tour is the Way to Go!

Given the large distances, limited access and sparce facilities of western Newfoundland, knowing where to go, how to get there, and where to stay and eat is not easy to figure out. As a result, hikers who attempt to make their own arrangements spend a lot of time dealing with logistics, while guests on DeLuxe Hiking tours make the most of their time seeing and doing the good stuff!

• Round trip airfare from Toronto (YYZ) to Deer Lake, Newfoundland (YDF)*
• Our unique Connections Program
• Private motorcoach transportation
• 7 nights accommodation
• 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
• Local guides
• Admission fees to National Parks and other attractions
• Services of a DeLuxe Hiking Tour Director

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person and include HST.

Day 1

Arrive at Deer Lake airport at about noon and be picked up and shuttled directly to our first hike at Green Point Trailhead. After this introduction to the beauty of western Newfoundland, the group will arrive in Shallow Bay, check into the hotel, and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Stay: Shallow Bay Motel, Cowhead 

Nights: 2

Meals: D

Day 2

The day will begin with a visit to Newfoundland’s most famous fjord, Western Brook Pond. This two-hour boat cruise features truly breathtaking scenery in a completely undeveloped setting. In the afternoon, we will hike to the Cowhead Lighthouse with a local resident involved with its restoration, followed by a charming dinner theatre performance by a local troupe.

Meals: B, D

Day 3

On this day, we head towards the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula. Along the way, we will visit the Torrent River Salmon Hatchery, then trace the path those salmon take from the ocean to their spawning grounds on a scenic hiking trail. After our arrival in St. Anthony, choose between a relaxing walk along the coast, or a vigorous climb up 476 steps for a spectacular view before enjoying dinner at the Lightkeeper’s Restaurant.

Stay: Hotel North, St. Anthony 

Nights: 2

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4

Begin the day with a visit to the world-famous L’Anse aux Meadows Historic Site to learn about a Viking community unearthed in the 1960’s. After a short hike along the coast and picnic lunch, the next stop is the Norstead Viking Living History Attraction where guests can imagine what life was like for those first European visitors.  We will end our visit at the Dark Tickle Company store and café where guests can pick up local jams & jellies, and many other tasteful gifts and souvenirs. Those interested can take a bog walk on site.

Meals: B, L

Day 5

On the way back south to Rocky Harbour, we will stop in Port aux Choix for 3 excellent reasons. First, while lunching at the Sea Echo restaurant, we can enjoy ‘figgy duff’ for dessert! Next, we visit the Port au Choix Historic Site Interpretive Centre to learn about multiple chapters in pre-European contact history. Finally, we will hike the beautiful Dorset Trail to the Port Richie Lighthouse with a local innkeeper who will share her story about growing up in the area. Dinner will be in Rocky Harbour, and the free evening allows time to walk along the beach and admire the sunset.

Stay: Oceanview Hotel, Rocky Harbour 

Nights: 3

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6

This is a big hiking day, and a highlight for serious hikers. Guests will have two options. For those who are really serious, one of Canada’s most famous challenges awaits: a full-day climb to the top of Gros Morne Mountain! For those who enjoy hiking, but also want to see a few other things, there’s a half-day Gros Morne Mountain option, followed by an afternoon tour of the Rocky Harbour area.

Meals: B, L

Day 7

Today the focus is the Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park. After a presentation at the Visitors’ Centre, to learn about the geology of the region, we will join a Canada Parks Ranger to see the earth’s mantle for ourselves. Afterwards, we will have one last hike along the coast in Trout River and spend some free time in Woody Point before taking the ferry back to Rocky Harbour. For our tour finale, tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner and an entertaining Newfoundland musical showcase.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 8

After breakfast and checkout, we will be transported to the Deer Lake Airport to say good-bye to Newfoundland, and catch our flights home.

Meals: B

Shallow Bay Motel, Cow Head (2 nights)

The Shallow Bay Motel & Cabins is a perfect “home base” while exploring Gros Morne National Park.

Hotel North, St. Anthony (2 nights)

Hotel North, St. Anthony, prides itself in taking care of the details that truly matter to the traveller, so the experience in St. Anthony is memorable for all the right reasons. 

Ocean View Hotel, Rocky Harbour (3 nights)

Nestled in the quietly beautiful town of Rocky Harbour, the Ocean View Hotel offers breathtaking sunset views, and live entertainment.

This tour takes place on Newfoundland’s sparsely populated Great Northern Peninsula, where even in summer, the weather can be cool and blustery. This means opportunities to shop are limited and prices may be higher than in other places. Guests are advised to bring foul weather clothing and any specialty items they may require during the tour. Those with dietary restrictions should also be prepared for limited options. 

Within our portfolio of tours, Newfoundland West is in the middle with respect to difficulty, since there are seven consecutive days of hiking and the majority of the hikes fall into the H1/Easy and H2/Moderate categories. The most challenging hikes are on Gros Morne Mountain, where guests have 2 options: an H3/Difficult 4-hour hike to the midpoint lookout, or a more challenging H4/More Difficult 8-hour trek all the way to the summit.

This itinerary includes a boat cruise and a ferry ride. Although for most people medication is not required, there may be some who may want to bring along a remedy for motion sickness. You don’t want to let a little thing like that spoil these amazing experiences.

You may be interested in the Gros Morne Hiking Guide, with hikes, descriptions, elevations, distances, and an idea of difficulty.

This tour begins and ends with flights into and out of Deer Lake, Newfoundland, so guests can join this tour from anywhere in the world!

Please contact us to discuss your airfare and pre-and post-tour accommodation options.