Goose Cove Hike: Hidden Trails and Maritime Heritage

Kim Martinez
Jul 1
2 min read

Goose Cove, Newfoundland

After exploring the fascinating Viking history at L'Anse aux Meadows and conquering St. Anthony's Daredevil Trail, we still had afternoon light to burn. In Newfoundland, when you see a road heading toward the coast, you follow it – and that's exactly what led us to the charming fishing community of Goose Cove.

A Village with Character

Goose Cove may be small – home to about 170 residents – but it's big on personality. This remote fishing village has no stores or shops, just a closed school and a weathered church, yet it radiates the authentic charm that makes Newfoundland special.

We couldn't resist settling into the signature red Adirondack chairs positioned perfectly for ocean gazing. The view was spectacular, but our curiosity got the better of us as we wandered back toward our truck. That's when we spotted something unexpected: a bright yellow door built right into the hillside, marked with a simple sign reading "Murrin's Root Cellar."

Root cellars are insulated structures, often partly buried, used to preserve vegetables and protect them from frost and rot. For generations, they helped fishing families store food to survive harsh winters along the coast. This little piece of living history perfectly captured the resourcefulness and resilience of coastal Newfoundland communities.

The Unexpected Trail

Just when we thought we'd seen all Goose Cove had to offer, we discovered a trail sign at the end of the road. Following our golden rule – always go as far as the road takes you along the water – we parked and started climbing.

The trail proved to be a classic Newfoundland adventure: rocky, boggy terrain with those breathtaking ocean views that make every step worthwhile. We encountered some nerve-wracking sections where the trail had eroded near cliff edges, creating dramatic drop-offs that demanded respect and careful footing.

The real reward came at the summit. Like many of Newfoundland's coastal trails, once you reach the top, you can traverse multiple connected mountain peaks, each offering new perspectives of the rugged coastline below.

A Perfect Ending

We had the trail mostly to ourselves – just one other couple visible in the distance. But as we made our way back to the truck, we were amazed to see 7-10 cars arriving to tackle the same hike. It's always surprising to encounter other adventurers in places that feel so wonderfully remote.

Goose Cove delivered exactly what we love about Newfoundland: authentic maritime culture, unexpected discoveries, and trails that reward the curious traveler willing to follow the road to its end.