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La Manche Suspension Bridge Trail: What to Expect

ByMelissa

If you’re looking for a quick hike on the Irish Loop, the La Manche Suspension Bridge Trail is worth adding to your itinerary.

In less than an hour, you’ll walk through forest, cross one of Newfoundland’s only suspension bridges, and may even spot seals or whales. I watched four seals swim below the bridge during my first visit, making it one of my favourite hikes on the Avalon Peninsula.

Although the trail includes a few rocky and muddy sections, it’s great for most hikers who enjoy short but scenic hikes and rewards you with beautiful ocean views without requiring a full-day adventure.

Let’s get right into what you need to know before your La Manche Suspension Bridge hike, including what to expect, how difficult it is, where to park, and hiking tips.

La Manche Suspension Bridge Trail Overview

Total Distance: 1.5 miles | 2.4 km

Trail Type: Out-and-Back

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Duration: 1 hour

Facilities: Small parking lot, no washrooms

How Difficult is the Hike?

Hiking to the La Manche Suspension Bridge is a fairly easy hike, except for near the end.

The 1.2 km trail is primarily through the forest and is relatively flat except for the last 10 minutes before you reach the bridge. That’s where the moderate hiking difficulty begins, where you’ll hike through rough patches and decline over angled boulders.

The trail is well-marked but some parts are slippery or muddy after rain. You’ll want to wear shoes with good grip. Even with my trail shoes, I slipped in the mud during the larger descend section near the end.

After reaching the bridge, you can continue hiking to La Manche village ruins or return to the trail start heading back the way you came.

I started the day watching the sunrise at Cape Spear before going on a puffin tour and then arriving to hike. After crossing the bridge, I returned the same way and rewarded myself with an evening relaxing in my hotel’s hot tub.

Note: You can hike La Manche bridge year-round, but there is no snow removal in winter.

What You’ll See

Along the way, you will pass waterfalls, walk over the bridge, have ocean views, and, if lucky, spot some of the local wildlife. As well as many locals walking their dogs. We saw at least 4 dogs enjoying the trail too.

I found this hike to be as picturesque as hiking in Quebec but saw more wildlife, including 4 seals I spotted from the La Manche bridge. Watching 3 seals sunbathe on the rocks while another swam around below the bridge was the highlight of my hike.

The seals weren’t there my second time hiking this trail, so hopefully they come out for you.

Others have seen puffins and whales off the coast, so keep your binoculars ready.

How to Get to La Manche Suspension Bridge

While driving along Route 10, you can reach the suspension bridge from Tors Cove, St. Michael’s, Bauline East and the La Manche Suspension Bridge Trail outside La Manche Provincial Park. 

Once parked, it is:

  • 6.4 km hike to the suspension bridge from Tors Cove
  • 4 km from St. Michaels
  • 2 km from Bauline East via the East Coast Trail
  • 1.2 km from the La Manche trail (I chose this shortest and easiest option)

Driving Directions: St.John’s to La Manche  

  • Once on NL Route 2, follow signs for Route 10 (Irish Loop)
  • Drive almost 40 km and turn left on an unnamed road. There will be a sign for La Manche Provincial Park. Drive past the Provincial Park entry, and take the next side road with the sign for the Suspension Bridge Trail.
  • At the end of the road is a small parking lot. Park there. The trailhead is on your right, where the sign is.

La Manche Suspension Bridge Map

Here is a map that shows you where the bridge is within La Manche Provincial Park:

History of the Suspension Bridge

Originally built to help the residents of La Manche Village cross the La Manche River, the first suspension bridge was destroyed in 1966 by a storm.

In 1999, the new and current 50 m suspension bridge was built by the East Coast Trail Association and opened in 2000. 

Tips for Hiking La Manche Suspension Bridge Trail

  • Pack water to take hiking with you to stay hydrated. Well you might be okay without it, it’s always better to bring water and not need it. I drink a lot of water when I hike, so I definitely needed water.
  • While you don’t necessarily need hiking boots, wear shoes with good grip to climb up and down angled boulders along the path in the rough sections.
  • Bring hiking poles for extra support through the rougher inclined areas at the end of the trail.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife. During the suspension bridge hike, you can often spot seals, otters, and bald eagles. Unexpected wildlife is one of my favourite things about planning a trip to Newfoundland.
  • Try not to hike immediately after rainfall, the trail will be muddy, but with proper footwear can still be enjoyed.
  • Finish hiking before dusk, as there are no lights along the suspension bridge trail, and the park is in the wilderness, away from communities.
  • Wear bug spray if doing the La Manche hike in summer, as the bugs were so brutal in June, that no one stayed on the bridge very long.
  • Dress in layers for your hike. Starting in cooler temperatures, I dressed in layers and would remove or add them throughout the walk as I worked up a sweat.

Where to Stay Along the Irish Loop

When looking for where to stay when driving on the Irish Loop, here are the best picks for each section of the loop (beginning, middle, and end):

Cliffs Edge Retreat – Boutique cottages and seaside hotel in Mobile, NL (I stayed here and loved it)

Edge of the Avalon Inn – An award-winning Inn and restaurant in Trepassey, NL

The Wilds Resort at Salmonier River – Tucked-away resort and golf course in Holyrood, NL

Things to Do Nearby

Plan Your Irish Loop Adventure

The La Manche Suspension Bridge Trail is one of my favourite stops along the Irish Loop because it’s short enough to fit into a full day of exploring without feeling rushed.

I paired it with sunrise at Cape Spear and a puffin boat tour before ending the day relaxing at my cliffside hotel’s hot tub, but there are plenty of ways to build it into your itinerary.

While you can drive the Irish Loop in a day, it’s better explored over a weekend. If you’re spending 2 days or longer exploring the Avalon Peninsula, you should combine this hike with nearby attractions like Ferryland, St.Vincent’s Beach, or a whale and puffin tour.

Since the trail only takes about an hour to complete, it’s an easy addition to almost any Irish Loop road trip.

Happy travelling!

Travelling to Newfoundland? Read more:

Melissa is the founder of My Beautiful Passport. A Canadian who has explored 20+ countries on 4 continents, she enjoys combining soft adventure and affordable luxury. Through sharing her own experiences, travel tips, and destination itineraries, she helps others plan their unique adventures whether it be at the beach, in the city, or in the mountains.