Walk the Killick Coast with a born-and-raised guide and trade typical viewpoints for local stories, foraging tips, and close-up geology. This moderate 3-hour coastal hike from St. John’s mixes cliff-top views, birdlife, and a drive through historic Pouch Cove.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A cold Atlantic wind pushes at your jacket as the trail peels away from a small parking pullout and bends toward the sea. Wave-cut ledges and battered cliffs open into a wide horizon; gulls quarrel above, and rock underfoot changes from layered volcanic sheets to smooth glacial pavement. Deneen — born and raised here — points out edible seaweeds in a tidal pocket and tells a short town story that makes the coastline feel lived-in rather than scenic only.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness — able to handle uneven terrain, short steep sections, and occasional rocky scrambling.
Wildlife
History
Pouch Cove and nearby outports were settled in the 1600s and developed around seasonal fisheries and small-scale harvesting of land and sea resources.
Conservation
The East Coast Trail communities encourage Leave No Trace practices; nesting seabirds and fragile coastal plants are sensitive to off-trail walking and disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the St. John's Coastal Hike with Top Local Guide Deneen today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer for wind and spray
Bring a windproof outer layer and insulating mid-layer — coastal winds and sea spray can make temperatures feel much colder.
Sturdy, grippy footwear
Choose waterproof hiking boots or shoes with good traction for wet rock and mud on coastal sections.
Watch tides and slippery rock
Avoid low-traction sections at high tide and step carefully on algae-coated ledges and glacial bedrock.
Bring binoculars and water
Binoculars increase chances of spotting eagles, seals, or distant icebergs; carry 1–2 liters of water for a 3-hour outing.
Waterproof hiking boots
Provide traction and keep feet dry on wet rock and muddy trail.
Windproof shell
Protects against persistent coastal wind and sea spray.
Binoculars
Bring to scan for whales, icebergs, and distant seabird colonies.
summer
Hydration and snacks
Sustains energy over the 3‑hour hike and helps maintain body temperature.