Dorset Trail - Port au Choix National Historic Site

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Dorset Trail - Port au Choix National Historic Site

Description:

The Dorset Trail in Port au Choix National Historic Site, Newfoundland and Labrador, is a 3-kilometer hiking route that showcases the region’s unique natural and archaeological heritage. The trail winds through rare limestone barrens, home to over 100 plant species, including the endangered Fernald's braya, and passes through wind-sculpted tuckamore forests. Along the way, hikers can enjoy panoramic coastal views, observe local wildlife such as caribou and seabirds, and explore the remains of Phillip's Garden, a significant Dorset Paleo-Eskimo habitation site occupied around 2,000 years ago. The well-maintained path includes a steep 90-meter climb with 120 steps, though an alternative route is available. Starting near the Visitor Reception Centre, the trail connects to other scenic routes in the area, offering an immersive experience of Newfoundland’s cultural and ecological richness.