Fishing Cove Trail

Fishing Cove drops nearly 335 metres over eight kilometres to a hidden cove that was once home to a small Scottish fishing settlement. The trail is steep in spots but well graded, weaving through hardwood and conifer stands before delivering hikers to a grassy meadow above a wild Gulf of St. Lawrence beach. Eight backcountry tent sites sit just back from the shore—reservations are required. Day-trippers should plan a full day for the return climb. Carry plenty of water and watch for moose along the upper section.

What you'll see

• A grassy meadow on a hidden cove with a wild Gulf shoreline at its mouth.
• The foundations of an abandoned Scottish fishing settlement.
• Dense hardwood and conifer forest along the descent, with brilliant fall colour.
• Moose along the upper trail at dusk and dawn — keep your distance.
• Bald eagles, peregrines, and the occasional whale offshore.
• Eight Parks Canada backcountry tent sites tucked into the meadow above the beach.

On the trail

• About 16 km round trip via the longer route, or 12 km via the steeper direct route.
• About 335 metres of climb on the return — the back-out is the hard part.
• Well-graded and well-marked, but steep in places.
• Allow at least six hours for the round trip; longer if you swim or have lunch.
• Watch for moose; do not approach.

What to bring

• Real hiking boots and trekking poles.
• Plenty of water — at least three litres per person; the only safe source is the brook at the cove (and even that needs filtering).
• A bear-bag system if you camp; food storage is your responsibility.
• A swim suit and quick-dry towel — the cove begs for a dip.
• Bug spray and a light layer for the breezy meadow.
• A reservation through the Parks Canada system if you plan to camp.

Park & access

• Two trailheads on the Cabot Trail north of Pleasant Bay; both signed.
• Parks Canada day pass required for hiking; backcountry permit additional for camping.
• Vault toilets at the trailheads and at the cove.
• Open seasonally — typically late spring through mid-autumn.

Combine it with

• A whale-watching boat from Pleasant Bay before or after.
• The Whale Interpretive Centre in Pleasant Bay.
• The Skyline Trail for a different highlands experience the next day.