Michelle Coish

Why I hike.

There’s a certain kind of stillness that only nature can offer—a profound calmness that settles deep in the soul. For me, hiking isn’t just a hobby or a way to stay active. It’s a ritual. A reset. A return to myself.

When I lace up my boots and step onto the East Coast Trail, I’m not just walking through the rugged beauty of Newfoundland’s coastline—I’m stepping into a space where my thoughts can breathe. The trail, with its winding and rugged paths, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping ocean views, becomes a sanctuary. It’s where I do my most critical thinking. Where the noise of everyday life fades, and clarity begins to rise.

Each hike feels like a bath in nature—cleansing, grounding, and deeply restorative. The scent of salt air, the sounds of ocean waves, the rustle of wind through trees, the distant call of sea life—it all works together to wash away the mental clutter. I come off the trail lighter, more centered, and more connected to myself and the world around me.

The East Coast Trail is a gift. Stretching along parts of Newfoundland and Labrador’s coastline, it offers some of the most breathtaking scenery I’ve ever encountered. Towering cliffs, hidden coves, and panoramic ocean views that stop you in your tracks. On lucky days, you might even spot whales breaching in the distance or icebergs drifting silently by. It’s a place where nature shows off—and I never tire of the show.

But beyond the views and the wildlife, it’s the feeling that keeps me coming back. The calm. The clarity. The quiet strength that builds with every step. Hiking helps me reconnect with the parts of myself that get lost in the busyness of life.

That’s why I hike.