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Trail Development

The development of recreational trails for both the resident and non-resident user has been occurring for decades in the province. In many instances, trails expose users to our spectacular natural heritage of coastlines, beaches, barrens, wildlife and birds while providing opportunities for physical activity. Acknowledging the significant contribution of walking/hiking trails, the division has been working with other government departments and agencies, regional and municipal groups and associations to highlight the importance of developing, maintaining and promoting trails systems as market ready tourism products.

The 2003/2004 Exit survey noted that 80% of the non-resident visitors participated in pleasure walking or hiking as an activity while visiting the province. One quarter (25%) also reported that they hiked in a wilderness area during their visit. Participation in other activities can also be linked to trails in the province. Please visit http://www.tcr.gov.nl.ca/tcr/publications/2003/ExitSurvey_ProgramHighlights_2003.pdf for an overview of the visitor characteristics, including activity participation, for those non-residents traveling to the province. This survey data will be updated during 2011. Surveys conducted by the East Coast Trail Association and Gros Morne National Park strongly support the importance of trail infrastructure to increased visitation, extended stays and repeat visitation. Other research such as the Travel Activity and Motivation Survey (TAMS) continues to also show the importance of walking and hiking trails to visitors to Canada.

The division promotes trail development done in collaboration with community groups ideally composed of municipalities, local businesses, recreational interests, and interested community stakeholders, thereby enhancing the long term sustainability of community trails. Properly regulated and maintained trails could then be promoted as provincial and regional assets to tourists while contributing to the recreational needs of the residents and the resident traveller.

Trail Information Sheet (71 KB)

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