Killick Coast hike from St. John's: Local guide, coastal trail

Walk the edge of the world and back in time on the Killick Coast

A guided coastal hike on the Killick Coast near St. John's led by Deneen, a local guide born and raised in Newfoundland, covers moderate terrain along the East Coast Trail with geological rock formations, rugged cliffs and beaches. The tour includes pickup and drop-off in the St. John's area, a drive to the 1600s-settled village of Pouch Cove, and instruction in foraging and the historical ties between farming and harvesting on land and sea. The hike runs three hours and suits hikers of all ages with at least moderate fitness.

The experience

The Killick Coast sits just outside St. John's, and the hike follows the East Coast Trail through geological formations and cliff edges that frame the water. Deneen, who grew up here, shares knowledge of the landscape and the communities around it: the foraging that sustained people, the way farming and fishing shaped the region, and the local lore that ties it all together. The trail is moderate, built to accommodate hikers of all ages, so the pace stays steady without grinding.

The hike itself takes three hours. After you finish the coastal stretch, the tour includes a drive inland to Pouch Cove, a village settled in the 1600s, so you get both the edge of the world and a step back in time. Summer timing can bring passing icebergs and whales into view, though that depends on the season. The route also opens chances to spot birds and eagles along the cliffs.

Pickup and drop-off happen at two convenient locations in the St. John's area, and you travel by air-conditioned vehicle between the trailhead and Pouch Cove. Public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer to meet the group at the start.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle for transport between St. John's and the trailhead and between the trail and Pouch Cove.
• pickup and drop-off at two convenient locations in the St. John's area.
• instruction from a local guide in foraging, local history and the region's connection to farming and harvesting.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupUp to 3

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by George’s Tours

Is this one for you?Three hours on the trail leaves the rest of your day open for St. John's itself, so this hike fits into a broader itinerary without consuming the whole day. The moderate pace suits hikers of all ages and fitness levels who want to move steadily without strain.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Killick Coast like as a hiking trail?

The Killick Coast follows the East Coast Trail with geological rock formations, rugged cliff edges and untouched beaches. The terrain is moderate, built to accommodate hikers of all ages, and the three-hour hike stays steady without grinding.

Will I see wildlife on this hike?

The coastal trail opens chances to spot birds and eagles along the cliffs. In summer, timing can bring passing icebergs and whales into view, though sightings depend on the season.

What does Deneen teach about the region?

Deneen shares knowledge of foraging, the historical connection between farming and harvesting on both land and sea, and local lore of the communities around the Killick Coast. She grew up in Newfoundland and knows the landscape and its history firsthand.

How long is the full tour, and what else happens besides the hike?

The hike itself takes three hours. After the coastal stretch, the tour includes a drive to Pouch Cove, a village settled in the 1600s, so the full experience covers both the trail and a historical inland stop.

Does the tour include transportation to the trailhead?

Pickup and drop-off happen at two convenient locations in the St. John's area, and you travel by air-conditioned vehicle between the trailhead and Pouch Cove. Public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer to meet the group at the start.