Port au Choix National Historic Site of Canada

Hiking

• Trails
• Map

Walk in the footsteps of the Palaeoeskimo people along the trails to their dwelling site at Phillip’s Garden. Explore the limestone barrens looking for plants and fossils found nowhere else in Canada. Keep an eye out for sculptures offering glimpses into ancient Aboriginal ways of life. Be sure to bring sturdy shoes or boots, water, and sunscreen or a raincoat depending on the weather.

Limestone barrens on the Dorset Trail
© Parks Canada/S. Stone

Dorset Trail

Length: 3 km (45 min-1 hr) one way
Location: Visitor Centre to Phillip’s Garden
Conditions: Maintained trail, gentle terrain, steep 90 m climb up 120 steps (can be bypassed)
Features: Limestone barrens, tuckamore (small, dense trees), panoramic ocean views from Crow Head, can see caribou & birds

Tuckamore on the Coastal Trail
© Parks Canada/S. Stone

Coastal Trail

Length: 1 km (10-20 mins) one way
Location: Old Port au Choix to Phillip’s Garden
Conditions: Maintained trail, gentle terrain, rock crossings slippery when wet
Features: Coastal tuckamore (small, dense trees) forest, ocean views, can see small fishing boats & whales

Coastal views on the Point Riche Trail
© Parks Canada/S. Stone

Point Riche Trail

Length: 3 km (45 min-1 hr) one way
Location: Point Riche to Phillip’s Garden
Conditions: Maintained trail, rugged terrain, steep decline near Phillip’s Garden slippery when wet
Features: Lighthouse, limestone barrens & rock formations, ocean views, can see caribou, sea birds, & whales