🌊 Atlantic Ocean Views🏖️ Middle Cove Beach🐟 Capelin Rolling🦅 Birdwatching🐋 Whale Spotting📷 Photography🐕 Dog Friendly🌿 Coastal Nature🗺️ East Coast Trail
🚗20 minFrom St. John’s
🐟CapelinRolling at Middle Cove
🧭Path 07East Coast Trail
The Silver Mine Head Path is one of the most accessible and rewarding short hikes on the East Coast Trail an easy 3.8 km coastal walk that connects the historic town of Torbay with the beloved Middle Cove Beach, just 20 minutes north of St. John’s. Ideal for families, beginner hikers, casual walkers, and anyone looking to experience the raw beauty of the Newfoundland coastline without a strenuous all-day commitment, this trail delivers outstanding scenery in a compact and welcoming package.
The trail begins at Motion Drive in Torbay, a historic community with roots stretching back centuries. From the trailhead, the path follows the rugged Atlantic shoreline, weaving between coastal forest and open headland with the ocean as a constant companion. The views of the Atlantic from the trail are wide and unobstructed, stretching to the horizon the kind of views that remind you exactly where you are on the eastern edge of Canada. Seabirds patrol the clifftops and offshore rocks, and on clear days, whales are often visible surfacing in the waters below.
The highlight of the Silver Mine Head Path is its arrival at Middle Cove Beach one of the most beautiful beaches on the Avalon Peninsula and famous throughout Newfoundland for a natural phenomenon that draws visitors from across the province: the capelin rolling. Typically in late June and early July, millions of small silvery fish called capelin come ashore to spawn, blanketing the beach in glittering masses and attracting seabirds, whales, and people in equal measure. Locals have built beach fires and watched the capelin roll for generations. If your visit coincides with this window, it is one of the most uniquely Newfoundland experiences possible.
Outside of capelin season, Middle Cove Beach is a wonderful destination year-round its sandy shores, sheltered cove, and dramatic headlands make it a perfect place to rest after the walk, watch the waves, and take in the scenery before returning to Torbay. The trail is free to hike and maintained by the East Coast Trail Association. Consider supporting their work with a membership or donation at eastcoasttrail.com.
This is my go-to trail when I want a quick hit of the coast without a full-day commitment. The views of the Atlantic from the high sections are genuinely spectacular, especially in October when the light is low and golden. Middle Cove Beach at the end is gorgeous and the best spot in the province to see capelin rolling in late June. I have done this trail in every season and it is different and beautiful every time. Perfect for an evening after work or a relaxed morning hike with visitors who want to see what the Avalon coast looks like.
We were visiting St. John’s for a long weekend and wanted a taste of the East Coast Trail that was manageable for our group, which included my 65-year-old mother. This was perfect. Easy terrain, clear markings, stunning ocean scenery the whole way. We arrived at Middle Cove Beach for lunch and sat on the rocks listening to the waves for half an hour. We spotted a small pod of humpbacks offshore. Could not have asked for a better first Newfoundland hike. Easy to get to from St. John’s and completely free. Highly recommend for first-time Newfoundland visitors.
👨👩👧 Family group🐋 Whale sighting☀️ Sunny summer
SB
Sarah B. · Torbay, NL
★★★★★
I grew up in Torbay and this trail has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. What I love about it is how genuinely accessible it is I have hiked it with young children, with elderly relatives, and with friends visiting for the first time who had never done any hiking. Everyone can manage it and everyone is amazed by the views. The beach fire evenings during capelin season are a Torbay tradition that I look forward to every year. If you are planning a summer visit, time it for late June if you can.
🔥 Beach fire evening🐟 Capelin season👨👩👧 All ages
Frequently Asked Questions
The Silver Mine Head Path is 3.8 km long, rated easy, and typically takes 1 to 2 hours to complete. It runs point-to-point from Motion Drive in Torbay to Middle Cove Beach.
Parking is available on Motion Drive in Torbay at the northern trailhead. Middle Cove Beach also has a parking area at the southern end. As a point-to-point trail, consider leaving a vehicle at both ends or returning the same way.
Capelin rolling is a natural Newfoundland phenomenon where small silvery fish called capelin come ashore in huge numbers to spawn on beaches. Middle Cove Beach at the end of the trail is one of the most famous capelin rolling sites in the province. It typically occurs in late June and early July. Local beach fires during capelin season are a beloved Torbay tradition.
Yes. The trail is rated easy and is one of the most family-friendly sections of the East Coast Trail near St. John’s. It is suitable for children, casual walkers, and visitors with limited hiking experience. Dogs are welcome on leash.
The trailhead in Torbay is approximately 20 minutes by car from downtown St. John’s, making it one of the most convenient East Coast Trail sections from the city.
Yes. The Silver Mine Head Path is completely free to hike and open year-round. It is maintained by the East Coast Trail Association, a registered charity. Consider supporting their work at eastcoasttrail.com.
Yes. Humpback whales are frequently spotted from the coastal sections of the trail, particularly during summer (June to August) when they feed in the waters off the Avalon Peninsula. Bring binoculars for the best views.
