The best running trails in Newfoundland and Labrador

Tucked beneath the cliffs along the coast near St. John's, Cuckold Cove offers a rugged glimpse of Newfoundland's shoreline at its rawest. Waves crash against the rocky coast below, while the surrounding headlands provide wide views of the Atlantic. The cove can be reached by a short side trail and feels surprisingly secluded despite its proximity to the city.

The Signal Hill Visitor Centre is an educational stop while exploring the Signal Hill National Historic Site, with parking, exhibits, and restrooms, all free of charge. Walk around the building on a paved path for a stunning view of St. John's Harbour below.

This scenic pond sits right on the Burma Road Trail, built by American servicemen in the Second World War, where the pond served as a pump house for the battery. Today, Georges Pond is a great viewpoint and a nice swimming hole in the summer.

The Queen's Battery Barracks was constructed between 1832 and 1833 and housed soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars, the American Civil War, and more. Today, Parks Canada has refurbished the site to reflect how it looked in 1862. Visitors can find all six reproduction 32-pound guns and enjoy fantastic views of St. John's Harbour and the Narrows below.

Rennies River runs through the east side of St. John’s, flowing from the higher ground around Pippy Park down toward Quidi Vidi Lake. Along this section, it’s a narrow, steady-moving river bordered by trees, with a mix of shaded and more open stretches. You’ll cross it several times on footbridges as the trail follows alongside. The name comes from early landowner James Rennie, who owned property in this area in the nineteenth century. It’s not a dramatic river, but it shapes the entire route.

This is an easy, mostly level path following Rennies River as it winds through the city, with a mix of paved and compact gravel sections. It’s well-used and easy to navigate, connecting several parks, including Bannerman Park and areas near Quidi Vidi Lake. You’ll pass small footbridges, wooded stretches, and open sections where the river widens slightly.

Quidi Vidi Lake is a calm, sheltered lake just outside downtown St. John’s, with a flat loop trail running around its edge. It’s best known as the site of the Royal St. John’s Regatta, so you’ll often see rowing activity on the water. The trail is easy to follow and widely used, with open views across the lake and surrounding hills. It’s more of a local walking route than a quiet escape, especially on clear days.

The trail around Kent's Pond is a flat, well-maintained loop that circles the entire pond. It’s wide and easy to follow, making it popular for walking, running, and dog walks. The path stays close to the water for much of the route, with a mix of open shoreline and wooded sections. It’s an accessible, low-effort option for getting outside without leaving the city. In winter, the area transforms into a cross-country skiing and skating spot, giving it year-round use.