The 12^th East Coast Trail Tely Hike

ECTA Fast Facts

The East Coast Trail Association has moved the East Coast Trail in eighteen years, together with our community, provincial and federal partners, from a promising concept to a valuable piece of tourism & recreational infrastructure. It is remarkable what a small volunteer-member based organization can achieve with the active support and participation of the community.

Awards & Recognition:

• 2012: National Geographic identifies the East Coast Trail as one of the Top Ten Adventure destinations in the world.
• 2011: The East Coast Trail Association receives the City of St. John's top tourism award "the Legend Award" in recognition of ECTA's significant contribution to the Tourism Industry.
• 2010: National Geographic selects the Avalon Peninsula as the No. 1 Coastal Destination in the world.
• 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."

The East Coast Trail Association (ECTA):

• The East Coast Trail is managed by the award winning East Coast Trail Association.
• ECTA is a volunteer, membership based, not-for-profit, registered charity, formed in 1994.
• ECTA's mission is to develop, maintain, enhance and preserve the East Coast Trail.
• ECTA promotes healthy living, relaxation, enhanced well-being, employment, economic and tourism growth for the communities located on the Trail, their residents and visitors.
• ECTA also promotes respect for the environment and the preservation and protection of our coastal lands and ecosystems.
• ECTA's volunteers are the backbone of the Association; they have proven their resourcefulness and long-term commitment to the Trail through their annual investment of time and expertise.

The East Coast Trail:

• The 540 km East Coast Trail includes:
  • 420 km coastal trail running along the eastern edge of the Avalon Peninsula from Topsail Beach to Trepassey, and
  • 120 km inland wilderness trails extending from Ferryland across the Avalon Peninsula to Placentia.
• 265 km of the coastal trail between Cappahayden to Cape St. Francis are fully developed and maintained. Please see Trail Detail for completed paths.
• The East Coast Trail is a "world class" attraction, a unique and appealing destination offering outstanding natural beauty and wildlife, location, history, culture and geology.

"We have traveled as far as New Zealand to find exceptional hiking experiences, only to find places, such as the East Coast Trail, within Canada, to match anything the world has to offer."

- Hiker of the East Coast Trail

Achievements & Community Support

• The Trail is making a significant social, economic and environmental contribution to the province.
• The Trail is recognized as a destination hiking trail by the provincial government, a trail that is generating travel to the province for both dedicated hikers and other tourists.
• The Trail is seen as an investment opportunity by stakeholders to strategically connect existing and new tourism infrastructure throughout the region.
• The Association is recognized as a value-added partner in the community economic development process and an important pillar for the future development of the Trail communities.
• The Trail is highly praised as a top tourist destination by the Travel media.
• The Trail experienced more than 100,000 hiker passes in 2011.

The Association is constructing and maintaining, a world-renowned tourism and recreational asset, while minimizing the impact on the natural environment. We are providing access to experience the raw natural beauty of the East Coast Trail and helping to fuel and enrich the economies of 30 communities.

Please refer to milestones for a list of our many achievements.

***The East Coast Trail Association is a registered charity BN#899356364 RR0001. Charitable Donation receipts will be issued as per the Canada Revenue Agency rules.