Hiking
Port au Choix National Historic Site
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
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
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
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
Map
1. Point Riche
The parking lot at the lighthouse is the trailhead of the Point Riche Trail.
2. Visitor Reception Centre
The trailhead for the Dorset Trail is across from the parkinglot at the Visitor Reception Centre.
3. Philip’s Garden
All three trails join together at this archaeological site.
4. Crow Head
A lookout and archaeological site off the Dorset Trail.
5. Coastal Trailhead
A parking lot, privy, and picnic area are located at the start of the Coastal Trail.
Related links
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