Easy hikes and walks in Newfoundland and Labrador

Tortoise Mountain sits at the end of the James Cook Heritage Trail and is the final and steepest climb in a string of small summits along that trail. The trail is narrow and weaves though a thick, moss-carpeted spruce and birch forest. The summit is open and rocky, with a reward of 360-degree views of the North Arm Hills. This is not a year-round hike, as the main provincial park gates generally close for the season from mid-September until early June. Also along the James Cook Heritage Trail are Flapper Hill, Molly Hill, and Minnie Hilland, and all will be climbed on the way to the summit of Tortoise Mountain.

The Observation Tower is perched on a rocky bald, built a bit higher for an elevated view of Blow Me Down Provincial Park. The tower is made of wood, and you can climb a few steps for a great photo opportunity of the the park, Governors Island and the surrounding ocean.

Blow Me Down Provincial Park is a small but scenic wilderness park located on a windswept peninsula of Newfoundland between Lark Harbour and York Harbour. The park gets its name from the massive Blow Me Down Mountains, covered in dense forests and standing as a dramatic backdrop to the ocean waves below. It was named by Captain James Cook in the 18th century due to the powerful coastal winds that frequently sweep across the area.

Point of the Head marks the rugged tip of the Cow Head Peninsula overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. From here, the panoramic views that stretch along the coastline are fantastic, where you can see all the way toward the Long Range Mountains, with seabirds soaring along the cliffs. Traditionally associated with Jacques Cartier’s 1534 voyage, the headland combines breathtaking coastal scenery with an intriguing piece of Newfoundland’s history. It is a memorable spot to take your time, enjoy the view, and capture a few photos of the amazing rock formations scattered around you.

Built in 1909, Cow Head Lighthouse once guided fishing boats safely into the harbour, and is the oldest standing structure in the community. Perched on a grassy headland overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence, it’s a reminder of the area’s rich maritime heritage and a picturesque stop along the trail, with beautiful views of the coastline.

Cow Head Lighthouse Trail is a beautiful coastal loop that meanders through mossy forest to the edge of the rugged limestone headland. It’s a well-marked trail that passes the historic lighthouse before continuing to Point of the Head, with a few open clearings with great views across the gulf, and lovely benches along the way to sit and take in the scenery.

Tucked beneath the cliffs along the coast near St. John's, Cuckold Cove offers a rugged glimpse of Newfoundland's shoreline at its rawest. Waves crash against the rocky coast below, while the surrounding headlands provide wide views of the Atlantic. The cove can be reached by a short side trail and feels surprisingly secluded despite its proximity to the city.

Cable John Cove is a dramatic coastline of the Bonavista Peninsula with crashing waves, windy sea air, and tall sea stacks. It is part of the Discovery UNESCO Global Geopark and home to puffins. It is an easy walk from the parking area, but there is so much beauty to discover around the cove and on the extension of the trails. This area is also home to rare Ediacaran fossils of the Ediacaran Period over 600 million years ago.