North Head Trail
North Head Trail
5
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An exhilarating hike featuring rugged coastal beauty, striking views, and historic sites. This challenging trail built by Parks Canada descends 500 ft and includes a narrow coastal path along the Narrows. Caution: This trail is not maintained by the Grand Concourse Authority. Steep cliffs and hazardous sections are common throughout and caution should be exercised at all times.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
197 reviews
Excellent
173
Very good
22
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
0
backpacker111ca
Toronto, Canada93 contributions
Sep. 2022
Did this trail after arriving in St. John's at the end of the day. A storm was meant to arrive in the morning (Earl) and was encouraged by a local running up the trail to continue. It was getting dark and I was concerned about getting back down safely. In the end I walked back down along the road which was very safe. Stunning vistas along the rugged shore up to Cabot Tower. Stayed to watch the sunset then the lights over the harbour and city! Magical.
Written October 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wendy S
Parksville, Canada4 contributions
Sep. 2022
very scenic and lots of places to stop and rest or just enjoy the view We had nice weather so that helps
Written September 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joshua T
Hamilton, Canada126 contributions
Aug. 2022
great loop trail to see the area from a different perspective. Combined with the Quidi Vidi loop then back up Signal Hill
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bucko007
Sudbury, Canada605 contributions
Jul. 2022 • Couples
Amazing vistas. Not an easy hike especially for someone afraid of heights. Three navy ships left port during our walk and it was amazing to witness. Lots of ups and downs. Your Fitbit will enjoy the day. Lol
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Richard E
11 contributions
Jul. 2022 • Couples
Not for the faint of heart. Being very afraid of heights, there were a couple of sections that were eerie. Having said that....the views are simply amazing. Once we were done, my Fitbit said we had walked nearly 8000 steps and climbed 70 stories.
Written July 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jamie L
Halifax, Canada12 contributions
Jul. 2022 • Family
Spectacular views. Really well maintained path. Not for anyone afraid of heights (or of walking up/down 800 or so steps). Wear comfortable shoes for a hike and bring water. We went from Battery Rd to Cabot Tower and walking up the hill (rather than down) worked well for us. Definitely the highlight of our stay in St. John's.
Written July 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Deirdre N
Dublin, Ireland45 contributions
May 2022
A wonderful walk with stunning views over the Atlantic. An incredible facility in the downtown area of historic St John's
Written June 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
wloo_andrew
Waterloo, Canada888 contributions
May 2022
The trail starts on the ocean side of the parking lot on Signal Hill and goes down! Down to the rocks along the ocean. Lots of steps down but it's great to see Signal Hill from below and to get close to the ocean along the Narrows leading into St John's harbour. Good footwear (ie not flipflops) are helpful as there are rocks you have to walk over. Great hike right in the city!
Written June 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Heidi
Charlottetown, Canada7 contributions
Sep. 2021 • Couples
Absolutely stunning! This trail is beautiful and convenient if your looking for some amazing views and a good hike. It’s conveniently located by Signal Hill and in the city of St. John’s. There are a few tougher areas of the trail such as lots of steps and walking on some uneven surfaces such as rocks. But it is a very friendly and safe trail. We saw lots of people of all ages walking the trail and lots of people walking their dogs too!
Written November 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David L
Montreal, Canada74 contributions
Sep. 2021
Great trail, some tricky parts to get through but that made it fun. Make sure to wear good footwear.
Written September 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lisago52
Richmond, VA2 contributions
Hi, what are the other options you mentioned for getting to the top of Signal Hill? My husband may not be so interested in the climb. Thanks, we are going next week.
reed622
Central Saanich, Canada296 contributions
Yes drive to Signal Hill. You can take the stairs going down to the rock cliffs. There are also some other trails you can take from the parking lot. The North Trail is very scenic and worth the walk and less travelled.
dianek12345
South Brunswick, NJ1,252 contributions
I have taken the North Head trail from Signal Hill down towards the Narrows and back to the city. I was wondering if the trail going the other direction from Signal Hill toward Quidi Vidi and then around George's Pond and back to the visitor center is just as pretty. I don't think I'll have time to do both.
Voyage40455019269
Chandler Heights, AZ
The Ladies Trail from Signal Hill to Quidi Vidi has a couple of nice view points but the footing is not great - very big and uneven rock base. Once you get past the lookout, it it basically all in the trees and then onto a gravel path. The North Trail is the winner here - so much prettier and very easy walk on the board walks.
Jack B
Rochester, NY65 contributions
We are arriving by cruise ship to St Johns Newfoundland. What is the best way to get to the North Head Trail?
Lynn B
Kingston, Canada54 contributions
Hello,
You have a couple of options re the North Head Trail.
1) If you go to the top of Signal Hill (you can walk, drive or take the bus to get there), you can then walk down the North Head Trail (well marked) from the top at Signal Hill to the harbour area. I personally think that this is the nicest way to go because the views are spectacular and in front of you.
2) Some people choose to walk up the North Head Trail from the Harbour area to Signal Hill. As a tourist, I am not sure how easy it is to find the beginning of the trail. There are a lot of stairs to climb up. And the view is behind you.
My granddaughter and I did the loop: up Signal Hill Road to the top and then down the North Head Trail. Remember your water, hat, good shoes and sunscreen.
I would not recommend doing the North Head Trail with kids. There are some steep parts close to the edge.
Have fun.
Lynn
TravelGuy
Collingwood, Canada46 contributions
Hi All
Looking for information on Signal Hill and surrounding area.
Can I park a car somewhere, walk up the North Head Trail, explore the Historic Site, walk down to Quidi Vidi,
and buy a sandwich somewhere along the way?
Is this doable?
Is it a good idea?
I like walking if the scenery is interesting.
I prefer hiking uphill, not down.
Thanks
F
dundr2015
Victoria, Canada132 contributions
You can park the car close to the trail head, maybe near the Terry Fox memorial. From there it is uphill - a very beautiful and scenic hike. Walking downhill isn't all that bad because the other side of the hill - along the road - is not very steep (but also not that interesting). Once you are down you just follow the Quidi Vidi Road to Quidi Vidi. There is food and there is a brewery in the village.
It is definitely doable, but it will take some time. Specially the last leg from Quidi Vidi to your car isn't that interesting.
Hope that information helps.
NORTH HEAD TRAIL (St. John's) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about North Head Trail
- Hotels near North Head Trail:
- (0.03 km) Hometel on Signal Hill
- (0.05 km) St.John's Fully Furnished Downtown Executive Brownstone On Bottom Of Signal Hill
- (0.06 km) Signal Hill Gate by Premiere Suites
- (0.16 km) Warm, Inviting, Conveniently located 3 BR house. Jacuzzi Ensuite, Private Garden
- (0.19 km) Ocean Front Cottage, Built Into the Cliffside, Overlooking St. John's Harbour
- Restaurants near North Head Trail:
- (0.13 km) The Battery Cafe
- (0.26 km) Belbin's Grocery
- (0.28 km) Oppidan
- (0.38 km) Classic Cafe East
- (0.36 km) Bellissimo Bistro & Espresso Bar