Conquering the Daredevil Trail & Exploring St. Anthony, Newfoundland

A Charming Seaside Town

Manny and I rolled into St. Anthony, a picturesque coastal town that felt like a bustling hub after days of remote Newfoundland travel. With its gas stations, grocery stores, hardware shops, and even a salon, it was a welcome dose of civilization.

St. Anthony, about 15 miles from Viking RV Park, is steeped in maritime history. Once an old fishing settlement, it's now home to dry docks, ship-repair yards, and cold-storage plants. It's also the heart of the International Grenfell Association, founded in 1912 by Sir Wilfred Grenfell, a medical missionary. The town is known as a regional medical center, and history buffs can explore the Grenfell Museum & House—though we had to save that for another trip. This time, our sights were set on Fishing Point Park, its iconic lighthouse, and the legendary Daredevil Trail.

St. Anthony

The Daredevil Trail: 476 Steps to Glory

After wandering the scenic, easy-access trails near the lighthouse, we geared up for the main event: the Daredevil Trail, a 476-step climb straight up a 500-foot cliff. The wind howled, and the air had a sharp bite, so we bundled up in layers—though I quickly regretted my heavy jacket about 100 stairs in.

Begin the Trail

The cliimb was no joke, but the engineering of the stairs built into the sheer rock face was impressive. I took frequent breaks, catching my breath while admiring the rugged coastline below. About three-quarters of the way up, I ditched my jacket, vest, and trekking poles (securely strapped to a bench—no way was I risking them blowing away!). Meanwhile, Manny had already summited, waiting patiently at the top like a mountain goat.

I'd assumed the hike was a simple up-and-down ordeal, but the real reward came after the climb.

Success & More Trails

At the summit, the Labrador Sea stretched endlessly, a breathtaking panorama—though no icebergs or whales made an appearance that day. The trails continued along the cliffs, beckoning us forward, but as the wind picked up and the chill set in, I realized I'd need my gear. Enter Manny, the MVP, who sprinted back down (and up again!) to retrieve my abandoned stash.

We trekked another couple of miles along the cliffside paths, soaking in the raw beauty, before the worsening weather nudged us back toward the stairs. The descent was far kinder than the climb—though my knees might disagree.

Tips for Hiking the Daredevil Trail

- Allow at least an hour for the full experience (ascent, views, descent).

- Dress in layers—you'll heat up fast on the climb, but the summit is windy and cold.

- Sturdy footwear is a must—those steps are no joke.

- Bring water and pace yourself—it's a thigh-burner, but worth every step.

Tidal Pools & Lighthouse Views

Back at the base, we crossed the road to explore the tidal pools we'd spotted from above. Clambering over the rocks, we appreciated the deep blue of the seawater, marveling at the intricate patterns carved by the tides. It was the perfect, peaceful end to an adventure-filled day.

St. Anthony and the Daredevil Trail delivered wild beauty, a killer workout, and unforgettable views—exactly what we'd hoped for in Newfoundland. And who knows? Next time, we might even make it to that Grenfell Museum.---