3 Best Hiking Trails in St. John's, NL

“Signal Hill National Historic Site offers coastline hikes and spectacular views overlooking the Atlantic. Visitors can enjoy trails such as the North Head Trail and Burma Road Trail. The park features paths, a lake with boat rentals, and fascinating city panoramas. There is a huge network of walking trails and stairs that lead to various landscapes and wooded areas. The site provides a 19th-century overview of the rugged Newfoundland coast. The visitor centre features interactive exhibits and a film about the site's military and communications history.

“East Coast Trail provides great wilderness hiking opportunities and features historical landmarks. Visitors can explore 25 wilderness paths along North America's easternmost coastline, spanning over 336 kilometres. The trail features a variety of paths ranging from easy to difficult, suitable for hikers of all levels. Most trails have multiple exit points, allowing hikers to choose appropriate distances. At East Coast Trail, visitors can enjoy abandoned settlements, lighthouses, environmental reserves, colonies of seabirds, whale sightings, icebergs, the world's southernmost herd of caribou, heritage landmarks, a 50-meter suspension bridge, two active archaeological digs, and many other points of interest.

“North Head Trail is a 2.1-mile loop trail that is moderately challenging, taking an average of 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. North Head Trail offers opportunities for bird watching, running, and nature views and is kid-friendly, with dogs allowed on leashes. After a short roadside walk, the trail re-enters the park via the Harbour Vista deck. The last section passes Queen's Battery and Gibbett Hill, featuring some narrow sections close to steep drops. Visitors can enjoy views of St. John's Harbour and the rugged Newfoundland coastline.