Trail Legislation Research Project

The East Coast Trail

The East Coast Trail is a 336-kilometer long wilderness hiking trail along North America’s easternmost coastline in uniting the rich and historic communities of Newfoundland and Labrador's Avalon Peninsula from Topsail Beach, to Cape St. Francis, and on to Cappahayden. 

The paths of the East Coast Trail take you past towering cliffs and headlands, sea stacks, deep fjords, and a natural wave-driven geyser called the Spout. Experience abandoned settlements, lighthouses, ecological reserves, seabird colonies, whales, icebergs, the world’s southernmost caribou herd, historic sites, a 50-meter suspension bridge, two active archaeological dig sites, and many more attractions.

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Since 1994, the East Coast Trail has been stewarded by the East Coast Trail Association (ECTA). The East Coast Trail Association is a registered charity established to provide a wilderness hiking experience by developing and maintaining the East Coast Trail, promoting public access, minimizing its impact on the natural environment and protecting it for future generations.

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The East Coast Trail Association is volunteer-based, and comprised of a Board of Directors that governs six core committee areas, led by members of the Executive, who report to the President and Board. More than 150 volunteers support the Association, within, or guided by the core committee areas. The Board and core committees also support and oversee Association staff.

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Together, they work to achieve the Association's vision of "a highly valued, well-maintained wilderness hiking trail that showcases the rugged natural beauty and cultural heritage along the eastern edge of the Avalon Peninsula". This vision is supported by the following values:

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• Environmental Stewardship: Preserving the natural wilderness and its wild and rugged beauty, open spaces, magnificent vistas, seascapes and clean air,

• Sustainability: Nurturing community support and growing charitable giving, government funding and revenue to sustain the trail,

• Access: Protecting public access to the trail and keeping it open, free and available to all,

• Members and Volunteers: Engaging members in decision-making and welcoming volunteers from communities throughout the region, and

• Safety: Making safety a first priority in policies, standards, signage, training and work practices.

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Read the East Coast Trail Asssociation's 2013-2017 Strategic Plan here.​

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