Meat Cove Beach

A short scramble below the cliffs at Meat Cove village ends on a small dramatic beach where the Highland mountains plunge straight into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The shoreline is mostly cobble with patches of darker sand. Most days the surf is too cold and unsettled for swimming, but the sense of being at the absolute end of the road is the real draw.

What it's like

The walk down from the village is steep — about ten minutes on a rough path. Bring sturdy footwear. Once you're at the water's edge, the cliffs and the Gulf are the show.

Best at

• Sunrise or late evening for the best light on the cliffs
• A clear summer afternoon for a picnic on the cobble
• After (not during) a Highland storm — be careful of slippery rocks

Park & access

Park in the village pull-off above the descent. No facilities at the beach itself; the village campground has washrooms.

Combine it with

• The hike up Meat Cove Mountain for the panoramic view
• A meal at the seasonal Chowder Hut
• A whale-watching tour out of Bay St. Lawrence on the way north