The Bay of Islands is just 50 minutes outside of Corner Brook, Newfoundland. The dark blue mountains towered over the deep greenery that lined one side of the road. The bay was dotted with blue islands, beckoning to be explored and the overcast day just added to the area’s mystique..
We saw several locals who were using the path and some stairs to a waterfall near our boondocking spot at Blow Me Down Provincial Park (currently in the number one spot for great park names).
Bay of Islands 
The next morning, we made our way to what has now become our favorite cove in Newfoundland, Bottle Cove!
One thing we found interesting throughout Newfoundland was that most of the trails are maintained by the local community and this community (Outer Bay of Islands Enhancement Committee), like many, had done an outstanding job! The trail starts along the cove upon a new wooden boardwalk that contains a small wooden ship for kids (and kids at heart). After I’d finished my I’m-on-top-of-the-world-Titanic pose, the trail continued along the boardwalk before making the short climb to flat, grass-covered plateau named “Trail’s End” by Captain Cook, when he first explored the area.
From this overlook, primary-colored boats bobbed in the harbor and the rocky Appalachians across the mouth of the bay contained sea caves that just scream pirate treasure is probably buried in there. A little further up the trail, provided the prettiest view – the twists and turns within the cove. The lollipop loop had some steep sections where the trail was rope-lined to aid hikers. It’s only 1.3 miles long, but the lands end views are well worth it!
On our way back to where the RV was parked, we met a couple of local women who suggested that we should walk the ~2-mile-out-and-back Cedar Cove Trail, which we did! Portions of the trail were unremarkable as even in late summer the trees were missing leaves and/or needles but other areas were lush with ground cover and a spectrum of different greens. As we emerged from the heavily wooded area, it opened up to a home near a lake that sits in a valley surrounded by mountains on 3 sides with the 4th side, Wild Cove, opening up to the large Gulf of St. Lawrence, and ultimately, the Atlantic Ocean.
Dog friendly, a small beach, and the only ones on the trail! Fabulous!
We grabbed lunch in the town of Lark Harbor before heading to Channel Port aux Choix and the midnight ferry back to Sydney Nova Scotia.
The trail to Bottle Cove and Cedar Cove Trail seemed to be off-the-beaten path (if there is a beaten path in Newfoundland). Both areas were easily accessed (not extremely remote) and near people (a home near the lake along Cedar Cove Trail and docks in Bottle Cove), but the views in both areas were pristine and the human touch was light, adding to the beauty versus spoiling it. Please add these two short hikes to your must-do Newfoundland trip!
