Built by community.
Defined by place.
The Great Coastal Trail exists to honour those who walked before us, to serve the communities who live alongside it today, and to create opportunity for those yet to come. It is built with respect for land and sea, shaped by local knowledge, and strengthened through collaboration.
To create a world-class coastal trail destination that celebrates the landscapes, heritage, and people of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Great Northern Peninsula while supporting long-term economic growth and community resilience.
Our Great Coastal Vision
Great Coastal Trail Authority
The Great Coastal Trail Authority (GCTA) is leading one of Canada’s most ambitious rural trail and destination development initiatives. The creation of a 1000+ kilometers of interconnected coastal trail network spanning Newfoundland and Labrador’s Great Northern Peninsula.
A Community-Led Approach
At the heart of the Great Coastal Trail is collaboration.
The GCTA works closely with communities across the Great Northern Peninsula to ensure trail development reflects local priorities, local culture, and local opportunity. Every region, community, and landscape along the trail has its own story to tell, and those stories matter.
We believe the future of rural development depends on partnership, cooperation, and shared vision. Trails are not built by infrastructure alone — they are built through relationships, stewardship, and the people who care deeply about the places they call home.
Our Commitment
Sustainable and environmentally responsible trail development
Supporting rural economic growth and tourism diversification
Protecting and celebrating local culture and heritage
Encouraging healthy, active communities
Building strong regional and international partnerships
Creating meaningful opportunities for future generations
Ensuring communities remain at the centre of the project
-
The vision continues to grow.
When complete, the Great Coastal Trail will connect more than 60 coastal communities across the Great Northern Peninsula through an interconnected network of trails, experiences, cultural assets, heritage sites, and natural landscapes.
The project will strengthen local economies, support entrepreneurs, attract visitors from around the world, encourage active lifestyles, and help ensure that rural communities remain vibrant and resilient for generations to come.
-
The Great Northern Peninsula is home to extraordinary landscapes, remarkable history, and resilient people.
For generations, communities along this coast have adapted to change, overcome challenges, and built lives connected to the land and sea. The Great Coastal Trail honours that legacy while creating new opportunities for the future.
It is an investment in people.
An investment in place.
And an investment in the belief that rural communities can thrive.
-
At the edge of the North Atlantic, where ancient coastlines meet endless horizons, a new story is being written.
One trail.
One community.
One step at a time.
Revitalizing communities on the edge — one step at a time.