Exploring the Rugged Beauty of the Burin Peninsula in Newfoundland
Our travels brought us to Marystown, Newfoundland for a project we were working on, however, what truly made the experience memorable was the time we spent exploring the scenic and rugged Burin Peninsula.
Nestled along Newfoundland’s southern coast, this remote and often-overlooked region surprised us with its dramatic coastal cliffs, charming fishing villages, and some enjoyable hiking!
Whether you’re drawn to off-the-beaten-path destinations, looking for coastal hikes in Newfoundland, or simply curious about life on the peninsula, we’re sharing our adventure, the trails we explored, and travel tips to help you plan a visit of your own.
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Getting There and Getting Settled
Our travels brought us in from the United States, making this a true cross-border adventure into one of Canada’s remote and scenic regions.
Tip: If you’re traveling to Canada from the United States, don’t forget your passport! It’s required for entry at all air and land border crossings.
Arriving Into Newfoundland
To begin our Burin Peninsula adventure, we flew into St. John’s International Airport, the main gateway for most travelers heading to Newfoundland. From there, we rented a car and made the scenic 3.5-hour drive to the Burin Peninsula.
The route winds through forested hills, along countless lakes, plus the rugged terrain that makes Newfoundland such a uniquely beautiful province to explore!
How We Got Around
If you’re planning a visit, we highly recommend renting a car so you can take your time and enjoy the drive. Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore hidden hiking trails, coastal lookouts, and small towns along the way.
Tip: There are multiple car rental agencies available at the St. John’s airport, similar to those you’d find in the United States. You can check out available options HERE.
Where We Stayed: Burin
Burin, where we stayed, is a quiet fishing town steeped in history and charm.
Accommodations here are limited, so booking ahead is key, especially in the warmer months.
We found a cozy and well-equipped cottage on VRBO that served as the perfect home base for our stay.
It had everything we needed and offered quick access to both hiking trails and nearby Marystown for supplies. You can rent Jandon Cottage by clicking HERE.
Marystown Newfoundland
Just a short drive from Burin, Marystown serves as the primary service hub for the southern part of the Burin Peninsula. From groceries to gear, this small but well-equipped town has everything you need to stock up before heading out on your adventures.
Groceries
One of our first stops was the Walmart in Marystown, which turned out to be a smart move.
With a full kitchen in our cottage rental, it was easy to pick up groceries for simple meals at home and grab trail-friendly snacks to take along on our hikes.
Whether you’re prepping breakfast before an early start or packing sandwiches for a day on the trails, having access to a major retailer like Walmart made everything easier and more affordable.
Tip: We stopped at Walmart as it was on the edge of town, but there are a few grocery stores to choose from. There is also a liquor at Sobey’s if you enjoy an adult beverage after a full day of hiking.
Hiking the Burin Peninsula
There are so many beautiful trails to hike on the Burin Peninsula. We honestly wished we had time to explore more of them! Below, we’ve highlighted the ones we were able to hike during our visit.
Landing Place Pond 🥾
We enjoyed a peaceful walk at Landing Place Pond, where a well-maintained trail offers a scenic break from driving.
This easy, scenic trail is a great way to start your hiking adventures on the peninsula.
The Landing Place Pond walking trail loops gently around a calm body of water, offering well-maintained paths, benches, and lovely views.
It’s also the perfect place for a morning stroll or an evening wind-down, and if the weather’s nice, it’s also a place for swimming! It was still a little too cold for us though!
Cook’s Lookout Trail 🥾
Located just minutes from where we stayed in Burin, Cook’s Lookout was a surprising gem!
This picturesque trail leads to a lookout over the ocean where you can imagine early explorers first setting foot on the rugged shores of Newfoundland.
The walk is relatively short, but the views are powerful!
We were genuinely impressed by the care and effort that’s gone into maintaining this trail. Clear signage helps guide you along the route, and thoughtfully constructed stairways make the climb more accessible to the incredible views from the top.
One evening after dinner, we went for a drive and were pleasantly surprised by the number of short, accessible hikes scattered throughout the area. Many of these trails were easy to tackle but still rewarded us with stunning views of the coastline, rolling hills, and peaceful harbors.
Jerry Cheeseman’s Lookout 🥾
One of our favorite spontaneous discoveries was Jerry Cheeseman’s Lookout.
This is an ideal spot for a sunset walk after a cozy meal at the cottage!
The trail is short, but the reward is big: panoramic views of the harbor and rugged coastline bathed in golden light from the evening sun.
Man O’ War Hill 🥾
As you explore the Burin Peninsula, keep an eye out for the well-placed signs marking the various trailheads.
The community clearly takes great pride in maintaining access to these natural spaces, and the signage is a thoughtful touch that makes it easier for visitors to discover new trails and hidden viewpoints.
These trail markers often pop up unexpectedly, turning a simple drive into an impromptu hiking adventure.
We weren’t the only ones taking it all in. Several friendly locals were out for their evening stroll as well, happy to chat and share a few tips about the area. It was one of those simple, authentic moments that made us feel truly connected to the community.
Chamber Cove Trail 🥾
We highly recommend taking a drive down to St. Lawrence to hike the Chamber Cove Trail. It was about 45 minutes from our cottage, and it ended up being our favorite hike of the trip!
The views were absolutely breathtaking! The water was an unreal shade of blue, and every turn offered something beautiful. What made this trail even more meaningful was the history: this is where ships ran aground during WWII, and where the brave local residents stepped in to help save lives.
🧠Mindset Moment: Standing there, it’s incredible to witness such stunning natural beauty, while also reflecting on how dangerous and powerful the sea can be. It’s a humbling reminder that even the most peaceful places can hold deep, untold stories.
There are several trails in the St. Lawrence area that look really interesting. A few of them covered some impressive distances, ones we would have loved to explore if we had more time and the right gear for longer hikes!
Practical Tips for Visiting the Burin Peninsula
Burin Peninsula Cell Service
Cell service on the Burin Peninsula can be spotty. We were glad our VRBO cottage had a reliable Wi-Fi connection, which made it easy to check maps, plan hikes, and stay in touch.
All Trails App
For more detailed trail guidance, including maps and user reviews, check out the different trails on AllTrails by clicking HERE.
Before heading out on the trails, download your hiking routes on AllTrails for offline use. Having offline maps ensures you can navigate safely even without a signal.
Final Thoughts: Burin Peninsula in Newfoundland
Our time on the Burin Peninsula reminded us of the value of slowing down. What began as a work trip quickly turned into a deeper appreciation for this rugged, windswept corner of Newfoundland, where the sea is never far away, and the people take pride in every trail, signpost, and small-town smile.
From spontaneous sunset strolls at Jerry Cheeseman’s Lookout, to panoramic views atop Man O’ War Hill, and peaceful walks around Landing Place Pond, each trail offered more than just exercise, they offered connection. To nature. To community. And to the quiet kind of beauty that doesn’t ask for attention but rewards it anyway.
If you’re looking for a destination that’s off the typical tourist radar, yet rich in natural charm, consider making your way to Burin. Bring your hiking shoes, your curiosity, and your sense of adventure. There’s something grounding about this place. Something that stays with you long after the hike ends!
Planning Your Own Hiking Adventure?
Be sure to check out our Travel Resources Page for all the tools, apps, and gear we personally use to plan unforgettable hikes and outdoor adventures. From travel arrangements to offline map tools, it’s everything you need to explore Newfoundland with confidence. Check it out HERE.
If you enjoyed this travel adventure, be sure to explore the other journeys we’ve taken! From coastlines to capitols, there’s a whole world of stories waiting for you. 👉 Check them out HERE!
Curious to read more about Newfoundland?
Don’t miss our story about how we spent 2 unforgettable days in St. John’s!