The Skerwink Trail: A Hike Worth Returning For

Although we didn't have time to hike the Skerwink Trail on this trip, I couldn't write about the Bonavista Peninsula without mentioning it. John and I hiked it during a previous visit to Newfoundland, and it's one of those places that has stayed with me ever since.

Located between the communities of Trinity, Port Rexton, and Trinity East, the Skerwink Trail is widely celebrated as one of the best hikes in North America. Travel + Leisure even ranked it among the Top 35 Walks in North America and Europe. After hiking it ourselves, I can honestly say it deserves the recognition.

The trail is a 5.3-kilometre loop that takes you through the forest and along the coastline, with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean along the way. From the moment we started walking, the views just kept getting better. Every time we rounded a corner, there seemed to be another beautiful lookout. 

There are a few sections where the trail climbs a little steeply, enough to get your heart pumping, but they're fairly short and well worth the effort. Taking our time as we went made it very doable.

One of my favourite memories from that hike had nothing to do with the scenery. We came across several baby foxes playing just off the trail. They chased each other, tumbled through the grass, and seemed completely unconcerned that we were quietly watching from a respectful distance. 

The Skerwink Trail is also one of the best places to experience Newfoundland's wildlife. It's common to see whales feeding offshore, seabirds soaring along the cliffs, bald eagles overhead, foxes exploring the landscape, and if you're lucky, even a puffin or two. During iceberg season, you may also be treated to the sight of icebergs drifting past the coastline, making an already memorable hike even more special.

As beautiful as the scenery is, the trail also offers a glimpse into Newfoundland's rich history. Looking out over Trinity, Port Rexton, and the surrounding coastline, it's easy to imagine generations of fishing families who built their lives around these sheltered harbours. Long before visitors came to hike the trail, these waters supported communities whose livelihoods depended on the sea.

If you're visiting the Bonavista Peninsula and are able to handle uneven terrain with a few steeper climbs, I'd consider the Skerwink Trail an absolute must-do. It was one of the highlights of our visit to this part of the province, and it's a hike I'd happily do again.

We were disappointed we couldn't fit it into our itinerary this time, but perhaps that's just one more reason to come back. Some places deserve more than one visit, and for me, the Skerwink Trail is definitely one of them.

Have you ever hiked a trail that you still think about years later?