7.0
KM
Salvage trails have it all – history, heritage and natural beauty!
This trail takes you through the historic Town of Salvage with many off-shoot paths connecting you to lookouts and historic graveyards. Pass by the twin heritage homes on Burden’s Point before heading to the spectacular coastal views along Net Point and Southern Head. Icebergs, whales and seabirds are plentiful if you visit at the right time of year.
| Length | 7 KM |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Expected Time | 4-6 Hours |
What to Expect
Expect to traverse over some steep and rugged sections. Exercise caution when hiking over bedrock as it may be slippery, especially when wet.
Be aware of cliff ledges that may be undermined and please stay on the designated path. Monitor trail and weather conditions and dress accordingly.
Starting Points
The Salvage Trails can be hiked as a single trail or as a series of shorter walks depending on the experience you are looking for and the time you have available.
We recommend starting at the Sprucey Hill end of the harbour and walking through the picturesque community of Salvage. There are a couple of branches off the main road that will take you to lookouts that will provide a panoramic view of both the community and harbour of Salvage. At the end of the main road take the trail in either direction to hike out to Net Point, Old Harry’s Cove and Southern Head.
Or you can start at Sunday Avenue and walk through the community to the end of the main road; then continue on the trail out to Net Point, Old Harrys Cove and Southern Head. From this location:
- the hike out to Net Point is approximately 60 minutes return;
- the hike out to Old Harry Cove is approximately 60 minutes return;
- the hike out to Southern Head is approximately 90 minutes return.
If you only have time for a quick look at the community of Salvage, leave from the parking lot at the new cemetery and walk up Sprucey Hill to the gazebo and take in the panoramic view of Bishop’s Harbour and the community of Salvage.
Features
Graveyards
Salvage is one of the oldest communities in the Province, dating back more than 400 years. This is evident if you visit the many graveyards located along the trail system. One graveyard is currently in use, while the other four are historic graveyards. Explore these to find the names of the earliest settlers in Salvage and imagine what life might have been like here in the early days of the settlement. Two of the four historic graveyards are located on Cemetery Hill, which can be found along the section of trail that runs along by and behind the Salvage Fisherman’s Museum. The other two historic graveyards are located at the end of the community, one is located at Burden’s Point and the big one along the trail on route to Southern Head, Old Harry Cove and Net Point.
Lookout
The Salvage Trail boasts a number of lookout opportunities. Four of these lookouts provide panoramic views of the community of Salvage. The lookouts at Round Head and Net Point provide views of both the community and some of the islands of Bonavista Bay; whereas, the lookouts at Old Harry Cove and Southern Head provide views of the coastal area and the greater Bonavista Bay.
Fauna
Seabirds and whales can be seen where the trail hugs the coast: humpback, minke and finback whales and dolphins would most likely be seen from the headlands of Net Point and Old Harry Cove.
Geological
Although the bedrock of the Eastport Peninsula is mostly sedimentary, roughly 400 million years ago this was an area of active volcanoes in the Appalachian mountain chain. Glacial activity removed much of the soil and over time these mountains were eroded to create the large hills found in this area today. The beautiful sandy beaches found at Sandy Cove and Eastport were formed by outwash deltas.
Museum
The Salvage Fishermen’s Museum is housed in one of the oldest houses in the community which was donated to the town by a resident. He had collected a large variety of artifacts, connected to the traditional Newfoundland fishery, and to ensure that they were displayed, his will specified that the museum should be community owned and operated.
Parking
Parking is available at two locations. To walk the entire trail or the first half of the trail, park at the working cemetery in Salvage, follow the signs for parking just as you enter the community of Salvage. To hike out to Net Point, Old Harry Cove and Southern Head, park at the designated area off Sunday Avenue near the end of town.
Flora
The flora along this trail is diverse. Throughout the community domestic gardens are carved out of the rock; these might include wild roses and old lilac trees. Off the main drag the flora changes to old boreal forest with scraggly black spruce trees and alders. Out on the headlands or up on top of the ridges surrounding Salvage, the landscape becomes barren with low level bushes and small bunches of delicious berries. As the trail winds around the coast, pitcher plants (the official plant of Newfoundland and Labrador) can be seen standing guard alone or in bunches.