Newfoundland and Labrador
Hike the Discovery Trail: Five Centuries of Newfoundland Coastal Life
Program No. 12391RJ
Alongside experts, discover the unique story, culture and ecology of Newfoundland as you hike some of the world’s most famous trails to view rare birds and ancient seascapes.
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
8 days
7 nights
18 meals
7B 6L 5D
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
St. John's, Newfoundland
2
Hiking Signal Hill, The Rooms
St. John's, Newfoundland
3
Hiking the Coast, Cape Spear, Transfer to Port Union
Port Union, Newfoundland
4
Hiking Skerwink Trail, Trinity Walking Exploration
Port Union, Newfoundland
5
Hiking Murphy's Cove, Lodge's Pond Trail, Port Union
Port Union, Newfoundland
6
Hiking the Klondike Trail, Root Cellars, Bonavista
Port Union, Newfoundland
7
Hiking King's Cove, Transfer to St. John's
St. John's, Newfoundland
8
Program Concludes
St. John's, Newfoundland
At a Glance
Newfoundland’s rugged coastline affords ocean views dotted with icebergs, seabirds and whales. On this fascinating hiking adventure, explore the seascape with qualified experts who discuss the geology, flora, fauna and history of the island and hike inland trails to study the region’s migratory birds, wildlife and ecology.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Daily hikes are 2-5 miles over 2-4 hours on mostly developed trails; some coastal trails, hilly terrain, some rocky and rough surfaces.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Hike the Klondike Trail to Puffin Island with magnificent views of puffins, kittiwakes, whales, other sea life and spectacular coastal scenery.
- Explore the historic town of Bonavista, where John Cabot made landfall upon discovering Newfoundland in 1497.
- Experience amazing coastal scenery, sea birds, whales, eagles and sea stacks on the picturesque Skerwink Trail.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Andy Kerr
Andy Kerr is an adjunct professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at Memorial University. Prior to this role, he worked for many years with the Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador, and was involved with field work and mineral deposit studies in many areas of the province. Andy was born in the UK, but came to Newfoundland as a student in the late 1970s and now calls the island his home. He has long been interested in helping others appreciate Newfoundland’s landscapes and geology.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Andy Kerr
View biography
Andy Kerr is an adjunct professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at Memorial University. Prior to this role, he worked for many years with the Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador, and was involved with field work and mineral deposit studies in many areas of the province. Andy was born in the UK, but came to Newfoundland as a student in the late 1970s and now calls the island his home. He has long been interested in helping others appreciate Newfoundland’s landscapes and geology.
Maxine Drover
View biography
Maxine Drover was born and raised in the beautiful outport community of Cavendish, Newfoundland and Labrador, where she currently resides with her husband Philip and feline friend Zigger. Since her retirement from a 33-year career in healthcare in 2021, Maxine has been pursuing her passion for hiking, taking advantage of the many trail systems Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer. Maxine has become an active custodian of the routes she frequents and is a proud volunteer with the East Coast Trail Association.
Suggested Reading List
(7 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Hike the Discovery Trail: Five Centuries of Newfoundland Coastal Life
Program Number: 12391
The Day the World Came to Town, 9/11 In Gander, Newfoundland
When thirty-eight jetliners bound for the United States were forced to land in Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001, due to the closing of United States airspace, the citizens of this small community were called upon to come to the aid of more than six thousand displaced travelers. This book recounts the inspiring story of the residents of Gander, Canada, whose acts of kindness have touched the lives of thousands of people and been an example of humanity and goodwill.
Cod: A Biography Of The Fish That Changed The World
Wars have been fought over it, revolutions have been spurred by it, national diets have been based on it, economies have depended on it, and the settlement of North America was driven by it. Cod, it turns out, is the reason Europeans set sail across the Atlantic, and it is the only reason they could.
Auroras, Fire in the Sky
Auroras is filled with 80 photographs of one of nature's greatest spectacles, complete with captions that reflect on the folklore, science and beauty of the northern lights. The book poses and answers the many scientific questions about auroras.
A Field Guide to North Atlantic Wildlife: Marine Mammals, Seabirds, Fish and Other Sea Life
A comprehensive pocket guide to the marine mammals, seabirds, fish, invertebrates and other marine life of the Northwestern Atlantic. Built for the field, full-color illustrations, range maps and descriptions are integrated on opposite pages for easy reference. The range maps cover the Atlantic coast from Cape Hatteras to Newfoundland. Many of the individual whale species get two full pages. With an outstanding overview of oceanography and conservation, checklist and glossary.
The Day the World Came to Town, 9/11 In Gander, Newfoundland
When thirty-eight jetliners bound for the United States were forced to land in Gander, Newfoundland, on September 11, 2001, due to the closing of United States airspace, the citizens of this small community were called upon to come to the aid of more than six thousand displaced travelers.
The Far Traveler, Voyages of a Viking Woman
Brown's intriguing account of the life of the young Viking woman Gudrid sheds light on early Norse settlements in Iceland, Newfoundland and beyond. It's an archaeological mystery, a history of ancient seamanship and a biography all rolled into one.
You Might Be From Newfoundland And Labrador If
A delightful, illustrated romp through this one-of-a kind place. From one of the most celebrated cartoonists in the country, de Adder delivers his unique take on Canada's most unique province, tickling the funny bone on every page. As de Adder proves, this is a province that is proud of who it is and likes nothing better than a good laugh.