East Coast Trail emergency & health guide: hospitals, search and rescue, 911 and 811

Emergency numbers

Mobile signal is good near the communities but missing on long stretches, especially on the Motion and Spout paths between Petty Harbour and Bay Bulls. Carry a satellite messenger or personal locator beacon, start early and tell someone your plan.

Rules to know

• No permit and no fee: the trail is free. The East Coast Trail Association, a volunteer charity, asks hikers to join or donate.
• Open fires are banned on the whole trail at all times, with no exceptions. Cook on a gas or liquid-fuel stove, and do not cut wood or build fire rings.
• The six ECTA wilderness campsites are free and first come, first served; pitch only on the platforms or levelled spots. Elsewhere, camp near trailhead communities, away from cliff edges, and ask the landowner first: much of the trail crosses private land.
• Dogs are welcome if they are under control; pick up and carry out their waste.
• Hunting and trapping are allowed on or near parts of the trail: in the autumn hunting season wear bright clothing and carry a whistle.
• Drones: Signal Hill and Cape Spear are Parks Canada sites and no-drone zones (fines up to $25,000). Elsewhere follow Transport Canada rules and keep away from occupied campsites.
• Closures in 2026: the Ferryland trailhead of the Sounding Hills Path is closed (walk Route 10 from Ferryland to Aquaforte), and the Tapper's Cove section of Father Troys Trail has a signed 1 km detour. Check the ECTA path advisories before you go.
• No maintenance from November to April: expect fallen trees and washed-out sections in winter and early spring.
• Treat or filter all stream and pond water, carry out all litter and food waste, and use the pit toilets at campsites; elsewhere bury human waste well away from water.

Before you go, check the ECTA path advisories and the Environment Canada forecast for St. John's and the Southern Shore. There is no hiker shuttle: arrange taxis, Uber or host pickups in advance, especially for Cappahayden, about 90 minutes by road from St. John's. Book outport B&Bs early: many have only a few rooms and open only in summer.

Nearest hospital for each stage

Hospitals

Urgent care and clinics

The Urgent Care Centre (East) at 28 Stavanger Drive in St. John's treats sprains, minor breaks, cuts, burns and infections from 8 am to 8 pm every day; book online or by text at 1-855-709-8559, or walk in until it is full. The Ferryland clinic is open on weekdays only and has no emergency department. For anything serious go to an emergency department or call 911; for advice call 811.

Pharmacies, cash and supplies

• Pharmacies: Torbay
• ATMs:
• Shops: Portugal Cove, Petty Harbour
• Bus stops: Quidi Vidi

Canada has no duty-pharmacy rota; pharmacies keep shop hours and the 811 HealthLine gives advice at any time. There are pharmacies in Pouch Cove, Torbay, St. John's and Bay Bulls. South of Bay Bulls there are few shops and none sell much outdoor gear, so carry a full first-aid and blister kit, insect repellent for the blackflies in June and July, and spare stove gas bought in St. John's.

Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.