Hiking the Cape Spear Path

Saint John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

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Details

Distance

12.8 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Justin Stacey

The easternmost point in all of North America. Distance: 20.6km round trip. 4 - 6 hours. Lighthouses. Picnic area. Potential to see wildlife.

To get to Cape Spear from St. John’s, head west on Water Street to the intersection at Leslie Street where you'll make a left. Continue over the bridge to the stop sign. Drive straight through the intersection and continue for 15 km where the road eventually becomes Route 11, also known as Cape Spear Drive. At the end of this road is Cape Spear National Historic Site of Canada.

Park at Cape Spear and follow signs to the well marked Cape Spear Trail Trailhead located at the southern edge of the Cape Spear National Historic Site. The trail is very tundra like and is colder and wetter than the weather in surrounding areas so be sure to wear layers and especially warm socks. There is almost always a chance of fog so please watch carefully for steep cliffs and river crossings. The trail passes through a Nature Conservancy of Canada protected property in Maddox Cove.

P.S. Keep your eyes out for whales in the summer and snowy owls in the winter!

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Features

Snowshoeing

Hiking

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

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