Explore the Region

Make Corner Brook your home away from home as you explore the region from east, west, north, and south.  Travel along the historic shores of the Bay of Islands, visit Gros Morne National Park – just 120 km (75 miles) from Corner Brook, or tour the culturally diverse Bay St. George region. 

Admiral Palliser’s Trail
North Shore, Bay of Islands - Route 440

The Admiral Palliser’s Trail is a popular scenic route which spans 38 km (23 miles) along the North Shore of the Bay of Islands. It begins at the outskirts of Corner Brook on Route 440 (near Riverside Drive) and ends in the community of Cox’s Cove. This scenic route is known as Admiral Palliser’s Trail, named after Sir Hugh Palliser.  Sir Palliser sent Captain Cook to explore and chart the west coast of Newfoundland in the 18th century.

This route will take you through six communities:  Hughes Brook, Irishtown-Summerside, Meadows, Gillams, McIvers, and Cox’s Cove.  Hike the Hughes Brook Trail; look for the Arctic Tern colony just off McIvers; or take a boat tour at Cox’s Cove and learn about the three “arms” in the area: Middle Arm, Goose Arm and North Arm.  You might just spot a whale!

Captain Cooks Trail
South Shore Highway, Route 450

The Captain Cook’s Trail stretches 50 km (30 miles) from Corner Brook along the south shore of the Bay of Islands.  A drive along this scenic route will take you through the communities of Mount Moriah, Halfway Point, Benoit’s Cove, John’s Beach, Frenchman’s Cove, York Harbour, and Lark Harbour.  As you journey along this route take time to enjoy its many natural amenities.  Enjoy a swim at Cook’s Brook, named after Captain Cook who was said to have wintered in the area because of ice conditions in the bay.  Hike the Blow Me Down Mountains, or visit the Blow Me Down Provincial Park in York Harbour where you can hike, picnic, enjoy ocean activities, and savour the ocean breeze – the scenery is breathless.  At Little Port take in the fresh air and visit Bottle Cove, relax with a picnic lunch along the picturesque shore, or, at low tide, walk along the beach and explore the naturally carved “sea cave” on the south side of the cove. 

Humber Valley: Corner Brook to Deer Lake
Trans Canada Highway, East of Corner Brook

The Humber Valley scenic route beckons you to explore the majesty of the Humber Valley region. The mighty Humber River is renowned as one of North America’s best Atlantic salmon rivers.  Salmon anglers from all over the world travel to the Humber Valley region to take advantage of the slow, deep steadies of the Humber River to cast for the champion Atlantic salmon.  For anyone visiting from away you will be required to obtain a fishing license and a licensed guide. 

Fall in the Humber Valley is spectacular.  Vibrant autumn colours appear in mid-September as leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold.  Colours are in their prime around mid-October.  The Humber Valley is also the ideal location to make roadside purchases of fresh fruit and vegetables when they are in season.

The Humber Valley Region is home to several towns including Steady Brook, Pasadena and Deer Lake. A drive along this scenic route will lure you into outdoor activities including hiking, paddling, beach excursions, caving, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, or just sitting back and taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Steady Brook is home of Marble Mountain Ski Resort. This 1700m vertical mountain welcomes locals and visitors from all over the world.  During the summer take a hike to the top of the mountain and view the beautiful Bay of Islands. You can also hike a trail along Steady Brook Falls.  For the more adventurous, you can zip line your way across the Steady Brook Gorge to view the magnificent Steady Brook Falls.  Mountain-biking is also a popular activity in this area. 

Eastward along the Trans Canada Highway is Pasadena, a growing community nestled on the shores of Deer Lake.  Pasadena Beach is a popular swimming area during the summer.  If you enjoy winter activities, visit the Pasadena Ski and Nature Park or try skating on the town’s outdoor rink.

The Town of Deer Lake  is the gateway to the province’s Great Northern Peninsula and Labrador. Deer Lake Regional Airport offers easy air access to and from Western Newfoundland.  Deer Lake is also the gateway to the Viking Trail (Route 430), the highway travelling up the Great Northern Peninsula to Gros Morne National Park and St. Anthony.

Gros Morne National Park (Route 430)

For the nature lover, Gros Morne National Park is a must.  Gros Morne National Park is located approximately a 1.5 hour drive from Corner Brook.  The park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, has amazing natural beauty with a rich variety of scenery, wildlife, and recreational activities.  Waterfalls, marine inlets, sea stacks, sandy beaches, and colourful nearby fishing villages complete the phenomenal natural and cultural surroundings. Visitors can hike through wild, uninhabited mountains and camp by the sea.  Boat tours bring you under towering cliffs of a freshwater fjord carved out by glaciers.  For lively theatre, check out the popular Gros Morne Theatre Festival at Cow Head throughout the summer. 

Bay St. George

Stephenville is located at Routes 460 and 490.  The Harmon Air Force Base was located in the community from 1941 – 1966 and much of the American influence can be seen today. Visit the Port au Port Peninsula (Routes 460 and 463) and explore the French Ancestors Route/La Route des Ancetres. Travelling along Route 461 and 490, visit the community of St. George’s, home to the province’s first official Mi’kmaq cultural and historic museum.

It’s yours to discover and only a day’s trip from Corner Brook!