News

Another Successful Spring Cleanup

Monday, June 10, 2013 - Twenty-two volunteers turned out on June 8 for the annual "spring cleanup" of a small section of the Sugarloaf Path near the Robin Hood Bay landfill site. The group collected more than 40 large bags of litter – everything from chip bags to Styrofoam packing material – which had blown into the area over . . . [ Continued ]

Volunteers Acknowledged and Thanked: Awards Night

Tuesday, April 23, 2013 - “We would be nowhere without our volunteers” says President Randy Murphy, “and as exceptional partners in this venture, you are helping to make the dream come true. Hundreds of kilometres of fresh, pristine wilderness, open, free and accessible to all.” East Coast Trail Association recognized five . . . [ Continued ]

Custodian Orientation Begins

Wednesday, April 17, 2013 - Three new volunteer trail custodians accompanied Ed Hayden on his spring custodian hike on Sounding Hills Path Monday April 15. The sunny southern shore day saw our small troop examine and record trail blowdown, undergrowth, erosion, signage and structure wear and tear. Custodians walk their designated . . . [ Continued ]

Accepting Nominations for Flamber Head and Tuckamore Awards

Wednesday, April 10, 2013 - Nominations due by April 17th, 2013. Nominations are now open for the Flamber Head Award and the Tuckamore Award given annually by ECTA to honour members and supporters. Awards will be presented April 23rd at a potluck . . . [ Continued ]

Trampers from New Zealand

Monday, December 10, 2012 - They couldn't be farther apart (approximately 16, 000 km in fact), yet Newfoundlanders have a lot in common with New Zealanders. Both island peoples have developed distinct cultures and are renowned for their friendliness, humour and hospitality. No matter how far they travel, Newfoundlanders and New . . . [ Continued ]

Improved ECTA Signage & Safety

Thursday, December 6, 2012 - With increased recognition of and, consequently, visitation to the East Coast Trail, there is a statistical potential of greater risk for a hiker incident on the trail. With this principle in mind, the Operations Committee of the ECTA has spent the 2012 season improving both safety and signage on . . . [ Continued ]

Leslie Storm Damage Update

Sunday, December 2, 2012 - Tropical storm Leslie (September 11, 2012) visited the East Coast Trail and left significant damage with blow down trees and heavy and high leaners over the trail. This was the third major storm to hit the East Coast Trail in the past four hurricane seasons. Fierce winds of up to 137 km/hr in a . . . [ Continued ]

Leslie Update: significant damage to East Coast Trail

Thursday, October 11, 2012 - Press Release, St. John’s NL, October 11th, 2012 (St. John’s): The storm damage is significant, with over 4,000 trees blown down or leaning across the trail, says East Coast Trail Association President, Randy Murphy. The Association has completed their trail assessment of downed trees . . . [ Continued ]

Article in West Jet's Up Magazine

Sunday, August 12, 2012 - In the August issue of Westjet magazine there is an article on the East Coast Trail Click here to read Shank's Mare and a Comfy Bed . . . [ Continued ]

NEW ZEALAND GROUP TO HIKE EAST COAST TRAIL

Thursday, July 12, 2012 - Press Release- (St. John’s): A party of eight hikers from New Zealand will arrive in St. John’s on Friday, July 13, to fulfill a long-planned desire to experience the East Coast Trail and other unique features of Newfoundland. The group is from Motueka, on the South Island. They . . . [ Continued ]

Wreck Path, the 40km Undeveloped Route connects Cappahayden and Cape Race, beyond the southern terminus of the Developed ECT

Wednesday, July 4, 2012 - Warning: No Trail and No Signs. Please ensure that you are adequately experienced and equipped to complete your journey without assistance. South of Cappahayden the East Coast Trail is a wisp of fog, fog blowing in from the grand banks, and fog that foiled numerous ships along this coast and onto . . . [ Continued ]

Reminder: No Open Fires

Thursday, June 28, 2012 - The East Coast Trail Association's policy is that open fires are strictly prohibited. Respecting this policy becomes even more important in times of dry, hot weather. Remember to leave no trace * Take only pictures. Leave plants and wildlife undisturbed. * Pack it in... pack it out. . . . [ Continued ]

NCC Conservation Area in Maddox Cove Protects East Coast Trail

Tuesday, June 26, 2012 - The Nature Conservancy of Canada has acquired an 11 acre parcel of coastal land in Maddox Cove, protecting a section of the East Coast Trail near the southern trailhead of the popular Cape Spear Path. The NCC, Canada's leading land conservation organization, works to protect forever, our most important . . . [ Continued ]

5th Year of Plastic Bag Trail Clean-Up

Monday, June 11, 2012 - June 9, 2012 was a lovely sunny day on the trail. Eighteen volunteers donated their morning to plastic bag clean up on the section of Sugarloaf Path downwind of the Robin Hood Bay Waste Management Facility. This marks the 5th year of trail clean up by the East Coast Trail Association with the cooperation . . . [ Continued ]

The 12th ECT Tely Hike Meets Goal

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 - The 12th East Coast Trail Tely Hike The East Coast Trail Tely Hike that took place on International Trail Day (Saturday June 2nd, 2012) was a huge success. We raised over $124,000 and registered over 364 hikers. The Association thanks each and every donor and corporate sponsor who . . . [ Continued ]

A Provincial Gem

Thursday, March 22, 2012 - The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation describes the East Coast Trail as a "provincial gem" and invites the members of the House of Assembly to "experience our world adventure destination by hiking along our incredible East Coast Trail." Please see Continued ]

East Coast Trail named one of the Best Adventure Destinations for 2012

Friday, March 2, 2012 - East Coast Trail named one of the Best Adventure Destinations for 2012 Press Release, St. John’s NL, March 2nd, 2012 (St. John’s): In February the National Geographic identified the East Coast Trail as one of the 10 best adventure destinations in the world for 2012.

“The East . . . [ Continued ]

New Path Completed: Pouch Cove to Cape St. Francis

Wednesday, October 5, 2011 - This summer and fall the ECTA crew has worked hard and finished development of the path from Pouch Cove north to Cape St. Francis. Development in the 2010 season completed and enhanced the Pouch Cove to Freshwater River portion, ending at a natural break outcrop with a picturesque falls and islands . . . [ Continued ]

Challenges and Work Done on the Southern Shore Trail

Saturday, October 1, 2011 - Craig Westcott's article Staying on top of it, (Irish Loop Post, September 2011) spells out work done on the East Coast Trail south of St. John's in the 2011 season. The rain and the number of blow-downs . . . [ Continued ]

AGM being held on Monday, October 3, 2011

Saturday, September 3, 2011 - Dear ECTA Members: The Nominations Committee requests your help to identify and nominate potential candidates to serve on ECTA’s Board. We are in the process of recruiting new directors to serve a two-year term starting in late September. All nominations will be processed by the Nominations Committee. . . . [ Continued ]

Proposed Changes to East Coast Trail Association By-Laws

Friday, September 2, 2011 - Dear ECTA Members: At our upcoming Annual General Meeting, scheduled for October 3, 2011 at 7:00 pm in the Foran Room, St. John’s City Hall, the ECTA Board of Directors will be asking the membership to vote on amendments to the By-Laws of the East Coast Trail Association. A copy of the amendments . . . [ Continued ]

The East Coast Trail Association receives the City's Top Tourism Award

Friday, June 24, 2011 - East Coast Trail Association / June 24, 2011 City of St. John’s 2011 Legend Award (St. John’s) At the City’s annual tourism awards ceremony, on Thursday, June 16th, Mayor Dennis O'Keefe presented Randy Murphy, President of the East Coast Trail Association, the Legend Award, given to the East . . . [ Continued ]

Fundraising goes well in 2011!

Monday, June 6, 2011 - The East Coast Trail Association is nearing its 2011 fundraising goal of $100,000 with an incredible effort surrounding this year's 11th East Coast Trail Tely Hike. Corporate sponsors and member donations raised during the run up to the event came to $67,325. On Saturday June 4th which was also International . . . [ Continued ]

For MORE Trail, Views, Hiking...

Friday, May 27, 2011 - ...We need your support. Dear members of the public and lovers of the East Coast Trail; The 11th East Coast Trail Tely Hike Fundraiser is quickly approaching. We are placing a call for your support to get involved and help us raise the $42,000 we need to reach our 2011 ECT Tely Hike . . . [ Continued ]

Proposed Housing Development Ragged Beach, Witless Bay

Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - News Release, St. John's, 11 May 2011 Proposed Housing Development Ragged Beach, Witless Bay The East Coast Trail Association, which has developed and maintains the East Coast Trail, opposes the development of housing subdivisions adjacent to the Trail along the coastline of the Avalon Peninsula. Such . . . [ Continued ]

The 2011 Trail Season Begins

Thursday, May 5, 2011 - Happy Spring! The ECTA has again hired over 25 paid crew members as seasonal trail builders and carpenters. The crew is currently out with chain saws clearing blow downs and leaners across the trail, readying the paths into good condition for walkers and hikers. Work will soon begin on . . . [ Continued ]

Flamber Head Awards 28 April : Accepting Nominations for 2011

Wednesday, April 6, 2011 - Recognizing our Community Stars. Join us on the evening of Thursday 28 April 2011 as the East Coast Trail Association honours volunteers who exemplify the association’s mission-centered commitment to the Trail. A pot luck supper at the Justina Centre gets underway at 6:30 p.m. and awards will . . . [ Continued ]

"Spout" attracts Visitors year-round...

Wednesday, February 23, 2011 - The Spout attracts Visitors year-round... The East Coast Trail Association has scheduled hikes and volunteer trail maintenance outings throughout the summer and fall. The volunteer trail maintenance group has continued our "outings for pleasure" into the winter months these past few years, . . . [ Continued ]

Hurricane Igor challenges Mickeleens Path...

Tuesday, January 11, 2011 - Hurricane Igor's visit to the East Coast Trail on September 21, 2010 resulted in a major compromise of our trail integrity. The worst hit of the developed paths, was Mickeleens Path from Bay Bulls to Witless Bay. The northern section of this path with its mature growth mixed woods was in the . . . [ Continued ]

ECTA Christmas stocking stuffers!

Sunday, December 12, 2010 - ECTA Products make great gifts! * Our mug ($10) has photos of Cape St. Francis and LaManche * Map sets ($37) and pairs ($5) for the new hiker * T-shirts ($4 - $13) and Guidebooks (#1 & #2) Plus the gift that keeps giving an ECTA membership. Memberships are fully tax receipted. To . . . [ Continued ]

Avalon Peninsula Rated No. 1 Coastal Destination by National Geographic

Monday, November 15, 2010 - Press Release, St. John's NL, November 15th, 2010 National Geographic ranks the Avalon Peninsula the No.1 coastal destination in the world Imagine that.... three hundred and forty National Geographic tourism experts have ranked the Avalon Peninsula as the best coastal destination in the . . . [ Continued ]

Low-Maintenance steps cut into the rock ...

Thursday, October 21, 2010 - There are now low-maintenance steps cut into the rock on Deadmans Bay Path just north of Freshwater Bay. In March 2010, a storm destroyed the structural walkway at this site, scattering the broken boards onto the barachois. The storm also destroyed the lovely flat stone walkway along the inside . . . [ Continued ]

East Coast Trail Association receives $50,000 charitable donation from ExxonMobil Canada

Friday, September 24, 2010 - Press Release- St. John's NL, Sept. 24, 2010 - The East Coast Trail Association today announced it has received a $50,000 donation from ExxonMobil Canada. This announcement coincides with a staff hike along the East Coast Trail on Sept. 24, 2010. "ExxonMobil Canada is proud to play a role . . . [ Continued ]

Igor Leaves Significant Damage on the East Coast Trail

Friday, September 24, 2010 - Press Release- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE This week, Hurricane Igor swept across the island, damaging homes, buildings and property, knocking out power lines, and leaving thousands stranded. The East Coast Trail also received significant damage during the hurricane, resulting in serious . . . [ Continued ]

New Deadmans Bay Path water diversion works - even after a deluge!

Friday, September 17, 2010 - A nice piece of structural repair, reservoir overflow berm-building and water re-direction has made the trail at the Fort Amherst end of Deadmans Bay Path a dry and pleasurable climb. After St. John's city engineering exam and advice, a berm was constructed below the old cement reservoir half way . . . [ Continued ]

A sign of appreciation

Wednesday, September 15, 2010 - A beautiful sign has reappeared on Torbay Road heading north into Torbay. A large coloured photograph of the Torbay beach, houses and nearby hills define the beautiful place of Torbay. "Enjoy the East Coast Trail" draws attention to this popular attraction and acknowledges the benefit of the Trail . . . [ Continued ]

Cobbler Path so popular it gets an upgrade

Monday, September 13, 2010 - Cobbler Path, newly developed and officially opened on International Trails Day, June 6, 2010, has received huge numbers of visitors and hikers this summer. The trail at the foot of Doran's Lane in Outer Cove attracts dog walkers and hikers alike. The boardwalk from the parking area elevates walkers . . . [ Continued ]

The High Maintenance Maniacs collect their prize

Saturday, September 11, 2010 - The winning team at the 10th East Coast Trail Tely Hike fundraiser took to the water in Cape Broyle for a grand afternoon offshore on September 11, 2010. The kayak prize for a team of ten was donated by Stan Cook who accompanied the group on their adventure, hauling up a sea urchin and starfish for . . . [ Continued ]

What we are doing this year

Thursday, July 15, 2010 - An update from the President There has been a lot going on in 2010. Read all about it on the President's Update (available in pdf format). . . . [ Continued ]

Tely Hike Celebrates 10 Years - The Telegram - Jeff Hiscock

Monday, June 7, 2010 - Sunday morning's dreary weather conditions didn't stop the crowds from hitting the East Coast Trail's section through Outer Cove-Logy Bay for the 10th annual Tely Hike fundraiser. About 200 people of all ages gathered at the Justina Centre to be bused to the hike's planned start point just off of . . . [ Continued ]

East Coast Trail thanks Citizen and Corporate Donors

Monday, June 7, 2010 - (St. John’s) The Tenth Annual East Coast Trail Tely Hike brought in more than $104,000 this weekend to support the maintenance and continued development of the East Coast Trail. Association President Randy Murphy says corporate and citizen donations exceeded expectations for the event which heralded . . . [ Continued ]

Blackhead Maintenance in High Spirits

Monday, May 31, 2010 - An intrepid group of outdoor enthusiasts headed out to Blackhead despite the call for drizzle and cloud.. for 5 hours of brushcutting and lopping, well 4 if you don't include lunch at the Gulch. There were 8 of us. We had fog, we had blue skies, we had sun, we had fun and we had SUCCESS. (See pictures) . . . [ Continued ]

'Red Cliff Path' Development for 10th ECT Tely Hike

Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - There will be a new path with a new name ready for the ECT Tely Hike Fundraiser on June 6th, 2010. A trail development team is currently working at Shooting Cove and building trail up Red Cliff Head. The view north towards Torbay Point along this section of the East Coast Trail is gorgeous. . . . [ Continued ]

Trail changes available online. Check out the path information before you hike.

Saturday, May 8, 2010 - Trail changes for the developed paths of the East Coast Trail are now available from the Trail Detail page in the Trail section of our website. The objective is to provide hikers with more recent information than is available through the printed maps. How to get the information: . . . [ Continued ]

Minister Introduces Pedestrian Trails Liability Protection Act

Monday, May 3, 2010 - Government of Newfoundland and Labrador News Release The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today introduced new legislation in the House of Assembly designed to ensure maximum public access to designated hiking trails. "The Provincial Government has supported . . . [ Continued ]

Volunteer Maintenance kicks off for Earth Day 2010

Saturday, April 24, 2010 - Volunteers came out in 2 degree mauzy weather Saturday to clean up plastic bags (mostly grocery bags) along a section of the Sugarloaf Path just downwind and downhill of the Robin Hood Bay landfill. A group of MUN medical students, Global Health group, NAACAP and others age 18 - 65 joined the trail . . . [ Continued ]

Celebrate Earth Day

Thursday, April 22, 2010 - Thank you to our members and supporters for bringing their recyclable drink containers to Ever Green Recycling and donating the deposit refund money to the ECTA. Over the past 3 years we have collected $235. with your help. In honour of Earth Day, we have set up an Ever Green Recycling Card ECTA . . . [ Continued ]

2009 Volunteer Maintenance Season Wrap Up

Thursday, January 21, 2010 - The volunteer maintenance 09 season ran from May to mid-November. Outings were usually held every second weekend. All work was done on Southern Shore paths. The paid crew assisted the volunteer crew for a number of the outings, increasing the work done with the brush cutter and chain saw. The data: * . . . [ Continued ]

Major Milestone Reached

Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - Important Message from the President Dear Members; I am writing to inform you, the members of the East Coast Trail Association, that the Board of Directors of the East Coast Trail Association reached a major milestone at our meeting on Monday, December 14th, 2009, and marked a solid end . . . [ Continued ]

Shoe Cove Bridge Complete

Monday, December 7, 2009 - The beginning of December saw the completion of the new bridge at Shoe Cove. Hikers can now cross the river comfortably without a precarious visit to the barachois and a wet crossing. With this bridge finished, the Stiles Cove Path is complete. As the snow is now flying, however, you might enjoy visiting . . . [ Continued ]

Infrastructure Renewal - New steps, New boardwalk and much more on our Southern Shore Trail

Friday, November 13, 2009 - A Southern Renewal is Happening! Attentive regular hikers will notice the fine work of our small stalwart ECTA team repairing infrastructure on the Southern Shore Trails. Based on thorough work-site surveys, Cathy and her two crew have replaced and added crib steps and boardwalk, supported . . . [ Continued ]

Trail Development - A Work in Progress

Monday, November 2, 2009 - The East Coast Trail development crew has been hard at work laying boardwalk, building crib steps and brushing trail between Doran's Lane and Red Cliff on our newest work in progress. The section of Trail between Logy Bay and Flatrock received funding this year from the Federal and Provincial governments . . . [ Continued ]

Wind Storms take down over 500 Trees

Monday, November 2, 2009 - Wind Storms take down over 500 Trees on the East Coast Trail. The high winds and rains in October took their toll on the Trail with over 500 trees down and not all the path reports are in yet. The ECTA team has cleared over 100 of the trees so far. However, it is unlikely that all paths will be . . . [ Continued ]

Spirits of the Official Opening NOT Dampened

Saturday, October 17, 2009 - High winds and driving rains did not dampen the spirits of the Official Opening of the Stiles Cove Path (Flatrock to Pouch Cove) on Saturday at the the Flatrock Community Hall. The Flatrock Ladies Auxiliary were out in full force with a wide assortment of baked goods and hot drinks and the Martin Family . . . [ Continued ]

East Coast Trail to Expand its Network with Provincial Government Investment

Friday, September 11, 2009 - Innovation, Trade and Rural Development Tourism, Culture and Recreation With a $205,000 investment from the Provincial Government, hikers of the world-renowned East Coast Trail will be able to further enjoy the unique experience. The provincial investment will enable the East Coast Trail Association . . . [ Continued ]

Take a look in the news archive for past news.