Chance Cove Coastal Trail: A Complete Guide + Brigus, Newfoundland

Planning to hike the Chance Cove Coastal Trail in Newfoundland? You’ve found the right guide. This spectacular 3.2-mile loop along the coastal cliffs of the Avalon Peninsula is one of the most dramatic and accessible hikes in Newfoundland.

This trail is one of the best introductions to what makes hiking here so different from anywhere else in North America. Green headlands dropping into the Atlantic, sea stacks rising from the water, a hidden beach tucked between cliffs, and a “Take a Spell” bench that becomes genuinely necessary by the second half of the trail.

We paired Chance Cove with a morning stop in Brigus, a charming 400-year-old fishing village about an hour west of St. John’s. Together they made a perfect first day on The Rock. Both are part of Day 1 of our 12-day Newfoundland itinerary. Here’s everything you need to plan your visit to both.

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Planning Your Visit to Chance Cove & Brigus, Newfoundland

Before You Venture Out

• There are no fees to visit Brigus or hike on the Chance Cove Coastal Trail.
  • Parking might be an issue in Brigus during high season, but there are plenty of parking spots at the Chance Cove Coastal Hiking Trail.
• Newfoundland is known for potholes! In some places, locals might joke about them, but you don’t want to bust a tire on your trip. Potholes are most abundant on the backroads in Newfoundland. In most cases, signage will alert you. You’ll have little to no issue on the Trans Canada Highway and other main roads.
• Cell service is great at both of these locations.
• Be sure to practice Leave No Trace as you enjoy this trail.

Weather and General Safety

• Be aware of the weather at all times. You might experience all four seasons in one day! Sun, rain, fog, wind, heat, cold, you name it.
• Bring plenty of snacks and water. Carry at least 1 liter of water per person for every 5 miles planned to hike. We recommend this water bladder!
• Please follow the posted speed limits – don’t forget, in Newfoundland, it’s kilometers per hour!

Animal Safety in Newfoundland

• The island of Newfoundland is home to many animal species, including moose, caribou, black bear, lynx, and fox. Furthermore, many species of birds and fish reside here.
  • It is very rare that you would encounter a predator animal anywhere in Newfoundland, but you will encounter flies!
    • Newfoundland is a pristine natural location and is thus home to the famous black fly. If you know, you know. Black flies are active from spring through summer.
    • Mosquitos might also chase you down as well.
      • Keep DEET bug spray handy, and a head net will become your best friend if you get swarmed.

Things To Do in Brigus, Newfoundland

Brigus may be a small town, but it has plenty of character and charm. With old-style architecture, narrow winding roads, green gardens, and views of the sea, you can’t go wrong here. Start by parking on Water Street near the town hall and explore all this village has to offer.

The town’s forge, Brigus Blacksmith is still up and running. Stop by to see if it’s open to learn how materials are made or purchase something for yourself. Next, head over to the Saint George Church of England for great views of the surrounding area.

End your stop by exploring the Brigus Tunnel. Walk the road behind the church toward the waterfront. The 80-foot-long tunnel was hand-dug for Captain Abram Bartlett to use his large shipping boat.

This is the only location deep enough to dock the boat, so the tunnel was created to allow for easy offloading of Bartlett’s catch. Other attractions in Brigus include Brigus Mercantile and Ye Olde Stone Barn. If your timing is right, the annual Blueberry Festival might be occurring!

Chance Cove Coastal Trail: What to Expect on the Hike

Finally, Take a Spell. In Newfoundland, this loosely translates to take a break from work to rest. Head one hour west from Brigus to reach the scenic Chance Cove Coastal Hiking Trail. This trail is a double-figure 8 with plenty of overlooks and stunning views.

The first part of the trail is the steepest, but after that, the views go on for days. Make your way along the trail to Green Head. This is a lush, green, stunning cliffside bluff. Be careful here if it’s windy!

Next on the trail, you will make your way to Island Cove Beach. There is a new set of stairs to help you down to the beach here. This is a great place for a rest, a snack, or a quick dip in the water.

Furthermore, continue your hike to Big Cove. Here, there is a huge sea stack that makes the landscape that much more breathtaking. There is a rope to help get you down to the beach area, but we decided to stay on the trail for this one.

Finally, make your way back to the parking lot and head to your next destination, Clarenville, NL, where you can spend the night. We recommend staying at the Quality Hotel.

Is the Chance Cove Coastal Trail Worth It?

Yes! Visiting Brigus and taking a hike in Chance Cove was a great introduction to Newfoundland after our busy morning of travel. The Chance Cove Coastal Hiking Trail was a great intro to hiking here to catch a glimpse of what the rest of Newfoundland has in store for you during your trip.

At this point, we knew that this was going to be an amazing vacation! Looking for more excellent things to do in Newfoundland? Visit our post with the full itinerary here!