The 10 Best Nature & Parks in St. John's, Newfoundland

Explore 25 wilderness paths along North America's easternmost coastline. The East Coast Trail unites genuine wilderness hiking with richly historic communities from Topsail Beach, to Cape St. Francis, to Cappahayden. There are over 300 kilometers of developed trail to explore. The paths of the East Coast Trail take you past towering cliffs and headlands, sea stacks, deep fjords, and a natural wave-driven geyser called the Spout. Experience abandoned settlements, lighthouses, ecological reserves, seabird colonies, whales, icebergs, the world's southernmost caribou herd, historic sites, a 50-metre suspension bridge, two active archaeological dig sites, and many more attractions. While the East Coast Trail is free to hike. A $25 annual membership fee helps offset the cost of trail maintenance.

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.

MUN Botanical Garden is the province's only botanical garden and consists of 44 hectares of cultivated gardens and nature trails, surrounding beautiful Oxen Pond. The trails and flower gardens are open daily, May - November. The Garden was established in 1971 as a center for botanical, horticultural and environmental research and education, and has been developed to display plants native to the province, cultivated plants suitable to the local climate and to provide access to a native habitats through a system of hiking trails. Recognized for advancing and enriching sustainable relationships among people, plants and the environment, the Garden seeks to foster an appreciation of Newfoundland's natural history in the development and future of the university and the province. The Botanical Garden is located at 306 Mount Scio Road, just minutes from downtown St. John's and north of the main Memorial University of Newfoundland campus. It is located within Pippy Park.

Meandering along the course of Rennie’s River, this 2.9 km trail connects Quidi Vidi Lake with Long Pond. Starting from the Memorial University Campus, pass through a peaceful wooded valley and long-established residential neighbourhoods. See historic places, including the sites of Rennie’s Mill and the former Memorial Stadium.

This level, 3.8 km trail loops around Quidi Vidi Lake. During the summer rowers prepare for the Royal St. john's Regatta, held here annually in August since 1826. Observe waterfowl and seabirds that use the Lake year-round as a resting and feeding area.