Bay of Islands Hiking Trails in Western Newfoundland

From Gentle to Extreme, these Bay of Islands hikes have something for everyone.
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It’s time to flip a coin. Forty minutes into the drive from Corner Brook to the scenic towns of York Harbour and Lark Harbour we are no closer to a decision.

“It’s your call,” my hiking partner says. “Pick your poison. Cedar Cove or Southhead? Murray Mountain or Little Port?”

The Bay of Islands is located on Newfoundland and Labrador’s west coast. It is home to several spectacular trails. Avid hikers agree they are true hidden gems and not a lot of people realize these trails exist.

Perfect for exploring. If I can just make up my mind.

“The trails range from gentle to extreme, or what we like to call wilderness hikes,” Jeff Parker, chairperson of the Outer Bay of Islands Enhancement Committee (OBIEC), told me during a telephone interview.

OBIEC is the non-profit, volunteer organization maintaining the trail network at the end of Route 450. The trails were developed from pathways worn by former residents and big game animals. It’s not uncommon to see moose on the trails that lead to captivating sunsets, scenic coastlines and sea caves around Bottle Cove. There’s a beautiful remote beach at Cedar Cove, endless adventures in the Blow Me Down Mountains and a cool dip on a hot day at Copper Mine Falls. Every trail offers amazing photo opportunities and panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Bay of Islands.

I have hiked them all, multiple times. This feels like a Murray Mountain kind of day.

“Murray Mountain is our newest trail,” Parker said. “It’s difficult to estimate how many people use the trails, but it’s rare to go up any of them and not see anybody else. We believe well over a thousand people a year. Bottle Cove, for example, sees dozens of people every day, especially during the summer.”

OBIEC ensures sensitive areas along the trails are preserved. There are lookouts and rest areas. Ropes used to help hikers ascend and descend rocky, rugged areas are checked annually.

“Western Newfoundland, and especially the Bay of Islands, has scenery and trails which rival those in Gros Morne National Park,” Parker said. “We need to get more people here and on the trails.”

Parker cautions that the area is prone to rapidly changing weather. “You’ve got to have your wits about you, especially on the challenging trails,” he says. “Two of our committee members, one of which designed and worked on the Cape Blow Me Down Trail, got lost when the fog came in. These are people who walked that trail dozens of times.”

There is cellular service, but it can be spotty on the trails. Parker encourages hikers to let someone know where they are going and to have a trip plan. He never leaves home without a packsack carrying, among other items, a first aid kit, knife, water, band aids, and emergency blanket.

Hikers unfamiliar with the area are encouraged to visit the Lark Harbour Town Hall or The Roost at York Harbour for more information.

Meanwhile, back at the trailhead, my hiking buddy and I decided to tackle Murray Mountain. On this June day, according to my Garmin Vivoactive, a GPS-enabled smartwatch, we hike 8.17 kilometres (kms) in just over four hours. It is a beautiful day, warm in the timber and cool on the climb. The views are spectacular. The water is cold. The snack is delicious. We see four moose, pink lady slippers and other wildflowers. With the wind in our hair, looking out at the ocean, we stand alone with our thoughts. We leave no trace.

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Trail information. All distances noted in the descriptions below are one-way.

CAPE BLOW ME DOWN TRAIL
Formerly known as Copper Mine to Cape Trail, Cape Blow Me Down ascends 650 metres from the large parking area to the top of the Blow Me Down Mountains. Rated Moderately Difficult, the trail extends 3.8 km into the mountain range showcasing some of the finest views in western Newfoundland. Follow Route 450 from Corner Brook. Before you reach York Harbour there is a small arrow on the right with a bigger sign on the left. Turn left onto the gravel road and parking area.

COPPER MINE FALLS TRAIL (accessed from the same parking lot)

Rated Easy, this 0.5 km hike will lead you to a spectacular waterfall. Perfect for families and picnics.

BOTTLE COVE TRAIL
Bottle Cove is located near the end of Route 450. The trail is rated Easy to Moderate. Walk the boardwalk or along the cliffs. Spend the day and watch the sunset over the Outer Bay of Islands.

CEDAR COVE TRAIL

Cedar Cove Trail is a 1.8 km hike that will appeal to a wide range of hikers. Rated Easy to Moderate, the trail begins at Little Port and ends at the remote beach in Cedar Cove.

LITTLE PORT HEAD LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL

One of the most challenging hiking trails rated by OBIEC. Rated Extreme, the Little Port Head Lighthouse 3 km hike to Little Port Head ascends 250 metres to some of the most spectacular scenery in Atlantic Canada. Sections of the trail are loose rock and shale. The trail leads down into Cedar Cove.

“It’s very difficult,” says Jeff Parker. Hikers are cautioned to use at their own risk.

“I’ve seen people attempt this one in flip-flops,” he added. “I’m there with my hiking boots and backpack and they say, ‘well, the fishermen at Little Port said it’s not that bad.’ He was pulling their leg and having a bit of fun, I think.”

SOUTHHEAD LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL

Rated Moderately Difficult, this 3.3 km trail ascends 330 metres into the mountain range behind Lark Harbour and is one of the most popular trails.

“You start off fairly flat, and then there’s the slightly rocky bit,” Parker said. “When you are going up through the valley, that’s the grind. It’s a fantastic hike and can be done in all four seasons if you’re prepared.”

MURRAY MOUNTAIN TRAIL
The Murray Mountain Trail is a 4 km hike that will appeal to the adventurous hiker. Rated Difficult, the trail begins at Lark Harbour Town Hall and after a wooded start with steep inclines, clears the tree line and winds across bog and rock to end at a high point with wonderful 360-degree views.

“Murry Mountain follows local moose hunting trails,” Parker said. “This is where residents would go to hunt, which is how most of the trails got started. I call it the adventurous trail because it does the job for people who want a harder hike. There are sections which are naturally boggy, and when we get any amount of rain it’s almost like a stream bed.”

OBIEC is currently focused on securing funding to ensure the trails are sustainable.

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