Fox Island Trail
The basics: Coastal Trail through fishing village in Port Rexton, Newfoundland
Location: Fox Island Trail-head, Port Rexton, Newfoundland
Date: September 2026
Cost: None
Weather: Sunny & Slightly Overcast
Difficulty: 3.5/5 (Moderate on All Trails)
Cleanliness: 5/5
Facilities: Picnic bench at beginning & benches scattered throughout trail
Accessibility: Parking area; map
Animal Life: Insects; Aquatic life; Sea birds
Plant Life: Many different tree species; fungus; blueberry & partridge berry bushes; fox grass
(Read more below)
Fox Island Trail is located in Port Rexton, Newfoundland, and is absolutely one of the most diverse trails I have ever experienced. The trail takes you through flat gravel roads, dense wooded terrain, steep hills with stunning coastal views & cliffsides, and the paved roads of the fishing village of Champney’s West. I was prepared for all weather but it ended up being a calm, clear day for the most part, clouds drifting lazily by on occasion.
An unimpressive & small parking lot leads to a wide gravel road “trail” giving me the impression that it would be a smooth but uneventful hike- oh how wrong I was. After passing a well maintained graveyard, the 5.3 km trail immediately narrowed and led into the trees. Expect roots, grass, mud & loose rock on this trek, with quite a few inclines & declines. Some spots were so narrow you’re forced to walk one foot in front of the other to avoid trudging through bushes.
The first view you’ll have of Chapney’s West is from a high hilltop where the whole town is visible, surrounded by ocean, dramatic cliffs, & lush plant life. Pick some blueberries from the full bushes, wander through the tall grass and take in the view before continuing with your hike. Navigating this part of the trail will take you over roots rocks, around mud puddles, along boardwalks & wooden planks, until eventually opening up once more at sea level to a stunning ocean view. The water looked almost turquoise as it crashed over the rock beach. Keep an eye on the ground as you walk over the rounded stones and rocks of the beach area, brimming with urchin shells from the sea birds lunch.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife, aquatic life and sea birds, and unique plants. You can also check out the charming houses, shops and the aquarium of Champney’s West village. Although the aquarium was closed when I went through town, it was still a calm and picturesque spot to stop for lunch. The inlet village is brimming with colorful houses, shops, boardwalks and boat moorings.
The trail is leashed dog friendly, offering lots of sniffing and exploring opportunities for human and dog alike. Signage marks your way where there are forks or off shoots, and also marks the KM as you traverse. The coastal views alone make this trek worth while, and if you’re .lucky, you might see a whale, puffin or seal swimming close to the island (I saw a few seals during my time there!)