Plans for a world-class walking and biking trail on the Great Northern Peninsula are moving forward with a Provincial Government commitment of $7 million. This funding will support the trail’s development, including efforts to construct and promote the planned 850 kilometre Great Coastal Trail as a world-class adventure tourism destination. This funding will also support the creation a trail head to mark the start of the trail in Parson’s Pond.

The Provincial Government will now assist with the creation of a board of directors to oversee development and governance of the trail and to administer funding.

Preliminary work on the trail has already begun. This includes completion of an inventory of existing trails, attractions and services, as well as an assessment of existing bridges. Consultations occurred with communities along the proposed route of the Great Coastal Trail this past summer, with positive feedback being received on the concept of the trail.

The trail will be anchored by two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Gros Morne National Park and L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site – and will give users the adventure of a lifetime as they experience rugged coastlines, mountains, icebergs and whales. With these incredible assets, the Great Coastal Trail will attract more adventure tourism enthusiasts and increase tourism revenues in host communities throughout the Great Northern Peninsula.

Along with increased access to outdoor recreation opportunities, the Great Coastal Trail will provide opportunities for increased health, well-being and quality of life The trail’s development is expected to stimulate new business and tourism growth, strengthen existing businesses, and create new employment opportunities that will support population growth by attracting and retaining residents to the area.

Quotes
“Our commitment to the development of the Great Coastal Trail has Newfoundland and Labrador hitting our stride in the adventure tourism sector like never before. The planned development of the province’s newest 850 kilometres of trail puts us on an exciting path, as our partners move forward with development, creating the latest addition to our expanding trail network.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Today, the dream of a Great Coastal Trail for the Great Northern Peninsula is well on its way to being realized, thanks to the initial funding this government is providing. A world-class hiking and biking trail like no other will perfectly complement the natural beauty and spirit of adventure we offer here on the peninsula, drawing still more tourists to this spectacular region, and supporting economic development and job creation for generations.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“The Great Coastal Trail will add tremendous value to Newfoundland and Labrador as a tourism product. I am pleased to see this investment in the development of the trail and I look forward to the project’s advancement.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“Today, our shared vision of a Great Coastal Trail is closer to a reality. The Central Development Association is proud to have played a charter role in this project and looks forward to partnering with other like-minded individuals and organizations on the Great Northern Peninsula to see this opportunity happen. We look forward to developing a trail that residents can enjoy for improved health and well-being, and visitors from around the globe will be drawn to enjoy as a unique adventure-tourism experience.”
Lucy Goosney
Co-ordinator, Central Development Association

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