Hike The Fox Island Trail

The Fox Island trail begins in the community of Champney's West and follows a loop of approximately 3 kilometers. Much of the trail is fairly easy to hike however the portion of the trail that leads to the the headland of Fox Island raises over 35 meters and is classed as being difficult.

Fox Island (Fox Head) isn't an actual Island anymore. It is connected by an isthmus to Champney's Island which in turn is also connected by another isthmus to the mainland at Champney's Arm. The Image below shows the beaches along the isthmus as seen from the top of Fox Island. The town can be seen in the background.

Fox Island Isthmus - Picture By Barb Walters

The most talked about of the numerous attractions along the trail is located on the lower plateau of Fox island. Here there is clear evidence of trenches that were used as a defence during Queen Anne's war that began in 1701 as a result of conflict between England and a Spanish-French alliance. It ended with the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, which granted sovereignty of Newfoundland to England and gave the French fishing rights from Bonavista to Point Riche.

An archaeological dig on Fox Island in 1995 revealed the remains of approximately 15 earthen features or structures, a number of which are in excess of 8 m in length. The principal area of occupation was enclosed with an earthen parapet wall, and a number of bastions were strategically positioned on prominent points of land.

A visit to Fox Island will illustrate why it was chosen as a fortification to protect the surrounding area including the historic town of Trinity. From Fox Island on a clear day you can see miles in any direction including south across Trinity Bay, east to the headland called the Horse Chops and west to Trinity. Historic (sailing) war ships could be spotted well in advance from this point of observation.

The geographical nature of the location ensured that there were few points where a possible attack from land could be carried out. The only way in by foot is across the isthmus. The remainder of Fox Island is composed mostly of shear rock cliffs that drop nearly straight down into the ocean. This feature made defense measures easier to carry out. The trail up to the top of Fox Island first leads to the area known as "the porch". At this point you can see were the defense trenches were constructed to defend against attacks from land. Visit our history section for more information.

Once you reach Fox Island be sure to check out the "Initial Rock" a soft rock in which many people have craved their names and initials over the years. There is also a Geocache located nearby to find and leave a trinket in if so inclined.

Along the trail there are many excellent view points from which to observe the ocean, whales and other marine life, as well as splendid rock formations including sedimentary rock strata located at Quart Cove as seen in the image below.

Quart Cove

The trail begins and ends in the village of Champney's West and your hike wouldn't be complete unless you tour the town and visit the waterfront with that is dotted with restored fishing stages and includes an excellent wharf and sheltered anchorage. This was the historic gathering place of people young and old and still is today. In fact it's scene of the annual Champney's West days celebration. An well attended event that include cardboard boat races, local music, fun and games and more.

View of Wharf Area - Picture by Barb Walters

How to get Here
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Come visit us, hike the trail, see the sights, meet the people and have a trip to enjoy and remember!