Ever wondered where to find peaceful, nature-rich walks — from downtown streets to winding forest paths — all within reach of home in the St. John’s metro area?
You’re in luck. The region’s network of walkways and trails, anchored by the Grand Concourse Authority (GCA), links city, suburbs, parks, lakes, and coastline — giving you a “green spine” of outdoor living whether you’re in St. John’s, Mount Pearl, Paradise or CBS.

Why the Grand Concourse matters for residents — and home-buyers

• The Grand Concourse Walkway Network spans more than 200 km across the Northeast Avalon region, linking virtually all major parks, rivers, ponds, and green spaces.
• Managed collaboratively by the city and the GCA, the walkways aren’t just for summer. Some are maintained for winter use — featuring groomed loops for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing when the snow falls.
• For anyone relocating to or living in our region, this network offers a lifestyle benefit: easy access to nature, healthy living, and a variety of outdoor experiences without needing to drive far.

Top Trails & Walks You Should Know

Here are several standout trails and walkways — from easy strolls to more scenic escapes — ideal for different moods and seasons:

– Signal Hill National Historic Site & North Head / Ladies Lookout Trails

These iconic trails give you sweeping views of St. John’s harbour, the Atlantic Ocean, and the coastline. The “North Head Trail” and “Ladies Lookout” route — both part of the Grand Concourse network — combine history, scenic overlooks, and fresh sea air.

– Quidi Vidi Lake Loop

A peaceful, roughly 3.8–4 km loop around Quidi Vidi Lake — it’s easy, accessible, and ideal for a quick after-work walk or a relaxed weekend stroll. On nice days, it’s especially popular and gives a nice mix of water views and urban convenience.

– Pippy Park & Long Pond Walk

Pippy Park is a 3,400-acre urban park tied into the Grand Concourse system. Within “the Park,” there are multiple well-marked trails. A great example is the 3.1 km Long Pond Walk — a gentle route through forested land that passes by marshes rich in wildlife and offers calm, restorative nature just minutes from the city.

– Waterford River T’Railway (Connecting St. John’s → Mount Pearl → Paradise → CBS)

For a longer, shared-use trail — great for walking, cycling, or a longer nature escape — the Waterford River T’Railway is a standout. Starting near the Railway Coastal Museum, it winds westward through landscaped natural areas and old railbeds, eventually connecting multiple communities including Mount Pearl, Paradise, and CBS — a perfect illustration of the “green spine” concept.

– Virginia River Walk

If you prefer something a little longer and more varied in terrain, the 9.2 km Virginia River Walk is worth checking out. It follows one of the region’s productive trout streams, weaving through urban forest, sloped valleys, and riverside scenery — offering a nature-rich walk without leaving city limits.

When to Walk — Seasonality & Practical Tips

• All seasons have something to offer. In summer and fall, many trails offer full greenery, lake or harbour views, and comfortable walking conditions. In winter, certain parts of the GCA network remain maintained for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing — including loops in Pippy Park.
• Use the official trail map. The GCA provides a mobile-friendly interactive mapping tool where you can check routes, distances, markers, accessibility, and even parking. Great for planning a walk or sharing with clients relocating to the area.
• Mix and match based on your mood. Whether you want a quick 30-min walk, an evening stroll after work, or a more extended nature walk by bike or foot — there’s a trail for it. That variety is a major asset of living in the region.

Why This Matters to You — and to Home-Seekers

If you’re helping a family or individual relocate to the St. John’s metro area, pointing out the strength of the Grand Concourse walking network is a powerful differentiator.

• It signals lifestyle: easy access to nature, waterfronts, and green space — even within a city.
• It signals community connectivity: trails link neighbourhoods like downtown St. John’s, Mount Pearl, Paradise, CBS — a great benefit if buyers value walkability or access to outdoor recreation.
• It supports health and wellbeing: options for walks, cycling, snowshoeing, skiing — regardless of season — makes this area attractive for active families, professionals, retirees.

As a real estate professional, these aren’t just pretty extras — they’re compelling lifestyle features that can help prospective buyers imagine life in this region beyond the house itself.

Final Thoughts

The Grand Concourse and its connected trails are one of the genuine hidden gems of the St. John’s metro area — a “green spine” that ties together city, suburbs, parks, and coastline. Whether you’re a longtime resident or helping someone new to the region, knowing these trails adds real value.

If you haven’t yet, grab the official trail map from the Grand Concourse site — and consider taking a walk yourself this weekend. You’ll likely rediscover parts of your community in a new light.