Quebec-Labrador Border to Forteau

The Labrador Pioneer Footpath starts at a trail head near the Quebec-Labrador border on Highway Route 510.

The trail takes you to a small cove called L'Anse au Cotard and the Jersey Rooms historic site. From there you carry on along the trail to the town of L'Anse au Clair.

From L'Anse au Clair it's 17 km to the town of Forteau. The trail follows the shoreline, is well marked and is moderately used.

A Walker's Perspective: from the Border to L'Anse au Clair

The gravel trail leaves the parking lot at the Quebec-Labrador border and has a gentle slope that stretches one kilometre to the coast and joins with the historical Jersey Trail. The trail is gentle for about 500 meters and enters into a much steeper decent before reaching the Jersey Trail. Approaching the Jersey Trail we see a number of storyboards that give historical reference to the people who first settled there years ago.

From there we travel around the cove and see telegraph pole remains and some historical rock formation from the past. Onwards to LAC we travel through the community and to the next portion of the trail, L'Anse au Clair to Forteau.

- Robert Hancock, Forteau

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First recognized by archaeologists in 1986, the Jersey settlement at L'Anse au Cotard was the focus of archaeological excavations in 2004. Three stone structures were identified at the site, which is still above ground. There is a man-made stone walkway that extends the length of the site, a kind of trademark of the Jersey presence in the area. L'Anse au Cotard is a lovely, secluded cove situated just a few minutes walk from the Quebec-Labrador border. Artifacts from the site can be seen in the Visitor Centre.

The Town of L'Anse au Clair is an incorporated municipality in the province of Newfoundland & Labrador. The town was incorporated in 1970. A volunteer town council holds regular meetings to conduct town business and manage services provided to residents.

To learn more visit the town's website at lanseauclair.ca.

Be sure to visit the Gateway to Labrador at L'Anse au Clair.

A Walkers Perspective: L'Anse au Clair to Forteau

Leaving the town of L'Anse au Clair the trail is initially gravelled and used by hikers and ATVs. The first place of interest is the Ugly Place Cliff where the trail get much narrower as it reaches a steep incline to the next level. The trail is narrow for the next 2kms, but we have a great view of the Town and Islands to the west. From the eastern point of land we start to get a coastal view of the rugged coastline, but fairly easy walking after the narrow trail. You can see the coastline features — sculptured rocks, coves, cliffs, etc.

Following the coastline you will see remnants of ship wrecks from the past and glacier deposits. As we travel the coastline about 6km we came upon scattered debris of a ship wreck, and further to the east another. Although rugged, the trail is easy to hike; some short wet section but mostly dry. As we walked around a cove called Square Cove, some portions of this cove is mossy and very slippery when wet. At Square Cove point the trail has a steep incline to the next level and joins the multi used ATV/hiking trail for the next few kms. The trail is dry and excellent condition.

When we leave the grassy wooded area we come to a place called Old Post Cove and on to Grassy Point. Form Grassy point we get a view of Forteau bay and Point Amour lighthouse. The trail leads to Overfalls Brook; be careful of slippery and rolling rocks and high tides on the way. You have to return to climb steps to continue. At this height You get a great view of Forteau Bay, Point Amour Lighthouse and the straits. The trail on the cliff is easy, moderate walking. At the end of the cliff trail is a difficult downgrade before reaching the gravelled portion that lead to the trail head at Forteau.

The L'Anse au Clair To Forteau Trail has a few difficult sections but, overall, presents moderate hiking.

- Robert Hancock, Forteau