52 kilometres of the East Coast Trail have now officially opened, with the starting point at Topsail Beach.

The East Coast Trail Association (ECTA), in collaboration with its federal, provincial, and municipal partners, has now officially opened the 52 kilometer section of the East Coast Trail (ECT) between Topsail Beach and Cape St. Francis. The official opening took place at Topsail Beach on Thursday, May 19. This section of the trail includes the following three paths:

Long Shore Path stretches 18.1 km from Topsail Beach to Portugal Cove, including the popular Topsail Bluff side-trail, Goat Cove, Horse Cove, and Prince’s Ridge.
Piccos Ridge Path connects the ECT from Portugal Cove, 15.1 km north to Bauline, and features massive Freshwater Falls and Brocks Head Lookout.
White Horse Path has been dubbed by many as the “hardest path” in the ECT, with 18.8 km of rugged hiking from Bauline to Cape St. Francis, including a wilderness campsite with five tent platforms.

These three paths hug the Conception Bay coastline and complete the 336-kilometre length of the East Coast Trail, marking a major milestone for ECTA. The ECT began as a dream, first conceived in 1994 as volunteers cut the first section of the Trail. Today, the ECT is comprised of 25 fully constructed, connected pathways providing a 336 kilometres continuous hike along the East Coast Trail from the northern terminus at Topsail Beach, CBS, to the southern terminus at Cappahayden on the Southern Shore.

“Conception Bay South is the starting point of Newfoundland and Labrador’s famous East Coast Trail, with the trail network beginning at beautiful Topsail Beach. This is an incredible attraction for our local tourism sector, and we are very thankful to our partners for fully developing the stretch of trail that we are officially opening today. Through our partnership, the Town was also able to develop the Topsail Bluff Trail, a complement to the Long Shore Path and one of its most rewarding vantage points that features stunning views of our community.” – Mayor Darrin Bent, Conception Bay South.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, it is my pleasure to congratulate the East Coast Trail Association on their 21st Annual East Coast Trail Fundraising Hike. For many years this organization continues to be trailblazers in every sense of the word, providing a first-class outdoor opportunity for residents in my riding of Avalon, as well as for our tourists and visitors who come to hike and enjoy these beautifully maintained trails for themselves. Much of the access to the incredible vistas and scenery afforded to these outdoor enthusiasts would not be possible without the persistence and dedication from the loyal volunteers who work hard on these trails each year. As the Member of Parliament for Avalon, I
would like to thank everyone involved with the ECTA for their unwavering commitment and the contribution they offer to the tourism industry in this province.” – Avalon MP – Ken McDonald.

“Congratulations to the East Coast Trail Association on achieving such a major milestone with the completion of these three paths. With over 336 kilometres of world-class coastal wilderness hiking trails, the vistas and views, as well as the rugged terrain, the East Coast Trail draws residents and visitors from near and far. A significant tourism attraction for the province, the trail provides people an opportunity to participate in physical activity in a natural outdoor setting. It’s a privilege to join with our federal and municipal partners today to applaud the work of the association and celebrate this milestone.” – Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation.

“Congratulations to the East Coast Trail Association on achieving the wonderful milestone of completing 336 kilometres of connected trail. The Town of Paradise is proud to partner with the ECTA. This hiking trail is world-class, used by locals and tourists alike. Supporting the development of this renowned hiking network brings social and economic benefits to our Town and throughout our region, and we look forward to continuing to partner with ECTA.” – Mayor Dan Bobbett, Paradise.