Father Troy’s Trail is one of the most beloved sections of the East Coast Trail a dramatic, point-to-point coastal hike connecting the communities of Flatrock and Torbay on the Avalon Peninsula, just north of St. John’s. Named after the local Catholic priests who historically walked this route between their parishes, the trail carries centuries of community history across some of the most spectacular coastal terrain in Atlantic Canada.
The trail begins in Flatrock, where the landscape immediately explains the town’s name: the path follows a long, gently sloping sheet of flat bedrock along the shore before climbing to the exposed Beamer Lookout a rocky headland offering panoramic views north and south along the coast. The hilltop remains of a WWII bunker add a striking historical footnote partway along the ridgeline.
Continuing south, hikers traverse a high exposed ridgeline with breathtaking 360° coastal views before descending toward the trail’s most dramatic landmark: the Church Cove Area . Just beyond, Whale Cove is one of the finest spots on the Avalon to watch humpback whales feeding in the bay below in summer. A sizeable kittiwake colony nests on the cliffs at Church Cove, filling the air with calls through the summer season.
The trail finishes through historic meadows and farmer’s fields, arriving at Torbay Beach. As a point-to-point trail, you’ll need to arrange a car shuttle or return on foot. The trail is free to hike and maintained by the East Coast Trail Association, a registered charity supported by memberships and donations.
Note: As of 2025, part of the Torbay end is under temporary reconstruction due to wharf and breakwater work. Check eastcoasttrail.com for current conditions before visiting.
Hands down one of the best hikes on the Avalon. We did the full trail from Flatrock to Torbay on a clear September morning and the ridgeline section was absolutely extraordinary you can see for miles in both directions along the coast. The Church Cove area with the kittiwakes is incredible; thousands of birds nesting right on the cliffs. We spotted three humpbacks at Whale Cove. Make sure you arrange a car shuttle in advance because it’s a point-to-point. Waterproof boots are a must some boggy meadow sections near Torbay.
☀️ Clear skies🐋 Whale sighting🦅 Kittiwakes
KO
Kevin O. · Corner Brook, NL
★★★★★
The Beamer Lookout section alone is worth the entire trip. We stood on that flat bedrock point with ocean on three sides and it felt like the edge of the world. The WWII bunker ruins add a fascinating historical element that caught us off guard. Trail is well-marked throughout just follow the pink and white ECT markers. Bring layers and a windbreaker as the ridge is totally exposed. The berries along the meadow section on the way into Torbay were beautiful in late August.
🍂 Late summer💨 Windy ridgeline🏛️ WWII bunker
AF
Anna F. · Toronto, ON
★★★★★
Amazing trail but a heads-up for 2025 visitors the Torbay end has a detour in place due to wharf construction. The signage for the detour could be clearer; we ended up on a road section for about 20 minutes. Check the East Coast Trail Association website before you go for current conditions. Despite that, the coastal sections are breathtaking and the Church Cove area is genuinely one of the most photogenic spots I’ve ever seen. Would do it again in a heartbeat.
