Spring has officially arrived even if it still feels wintery, but it won’t be long before the snow melts and the sunny days drive us outside. With our Top 10 Spring Trails in Western Newfoundland round up, we hope to inspire you to get outdoors and on the go in the early part of hiking season.
Newfoundland boasts some of the Canada’s best hiking trails due to the diverse landscapes and opportunities for wildlife viewing. While spring may still be a tad on the cool side, it is a remarkable time to get out hiking. Over the next 2 months, you will hear the birds returning, see the flowers poking through, get to watch the icebergs drift past, and discover how winter may have changed your favorite local trail.
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Where to Hike in the Spring
Hiking along the coastline or in other wind-exposed areas is usually the best place to start hiking since these areas receive the least amount of snow and will be snow and ice-free sooner due to sun exposure.
If you’re up for the mixed conditions, you can hike anywhere with a set of snowshoes, shoe crampons and poles on hand for any deep snow patches.
Spring Hiking Conditions
Spring conditions mean a mix of deep snow, ice, mud and bare ground – so pretty much everything! This time of the year, it’s important to watch for snow patches where the bottoms have melted out and avoid walking over them. Also be mindful of all ice along shorelines since it’s getting weaker everyday.
Since nature just endured the harshest season, you will also need to keep an eye for fallen trees, washouts and any other hazards that may have not been there last year. We live on a dynamic planet, things are always changing!
Top 10 Spring Trails in Western Newfoundland
We surveyed locals to find out where the best places to hike in spring are. Here’s what they recommend;
Full details for these trails can be found in Hikes of Newfoundland as well as most are documented on the AllTrails app.
Helpful Resources
- Go Prepared by using our Day Hike Checklist
- Grab a copy of Hikes of Newfoundland for all the info you need to hit the trails.
- Check out the Best Hikes in the Corner Brook area or take Hiking Tour in the Blow Me Downs
Recommended Reads
Ultimate Guide to Hiking Gros Morne Mountain Trail (James Callaghan Trail)
Gros Morne Mountain is the iconic summit hike in Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland—a full-day, legs-on-fire kind of climb that rewards you with a rare arctic-alpine plateau and sweeping views over Ten Mile Pond and the Long Range Mountains. This guide covers the full route (Approach + Summit loop), spring closure dates, seasonal conditions, weather…
Hike This: Lakeside Trail in Gander, Newfoundland
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Best Hikes in Gros Morne National Park
Gros Morne National Park, nestled on Newfoundland’s west coast, is a haven for hikers. Whether you’re in search of gentle boardwalks, rugged mountain climbs, or coastal views, the Gros Morne hiking trails offer some of the most varied and awe-inspiring landscapes in Canada. This blog showcases the top 4-5 trails we consider the Best Hikes…