Corner Brook and the Bay of Islands

Corner Brook is located at the mouth of the Humber River, one of the provinces most scenic areas. The city has a population of 25,000 and is an industrial centre with a huge pulp and paper mill at its core that was established in the 1920s. The city is built in a bowl valley and has all the modern conveniences for a traveller; motels and hotels, restaurants and night clubs, historic spots and an Arts and Culture performing centre.

In July the city hosts the annual "Hangashore Folk festival." Attracting traditional performers from throughout the province, the festival is one of the highlights of the West Coast's summer season. Experienced rock climbers will find plenty of challenges and the city has many natural attractions including Margaret Bowater Park, a picnic and recreational facility that's situated in a wooded river valley that runs to Humber Arm, near the city's pulp and paper mill.

It's February that Corner Brook comes alive. Its Winter Carnival is the high point in a winter-long skiing adventure centred at Marble Mountain a ten minute drive east of the city. Marble Mountain has some of the best and most reliable skiing weather in eastern North America. Both downhill and cross country skiing as well as heli-skiing is available at glorious Marble Mountain.

Corner Brook is a good base from which to explore the surrounding countryside, whether you are driving or bicycling. Route 450, along the southern shore of Humber arm, is a twisting highway that, in many places, had to be blasted through solid rock. In Curling the summit of the Captain james Cook Memorial lookout provides a panoramic view of Corner Brook and the Bay of Islands area. This area is blessed with a series of fine hiking trails of various lengths and degrees of difficulty. Ask for information at the Visitor Information Centres scattered throughout Western Newfoundland.

Further west are the small communities from halfway Point to Frenchman's Cove. A few kilometres more brings you to the Bay of Islands and an opportunity to view and photograph Guernsey, Tweed and Pearl Islands which rise out of the sea to give the place its name. Near Lark Harbour at the road's end you may want to bargain for a meal of seafood or visit Blow Me Down Provincial Park, a small campground with a nature trail and picnic/recreation area. The park is only a few kilometres from Bottle Cove Lookout with its panoramic view of the Bay of Islands.

To visit the north shore of Humber Arm return along Route 450 to Corner Brook and take Route 440 to Cox's Cove, which overlooks Middle Arm. A leisurely drive on this route offers views of Corner Brook from Summerside and Irishtown, two of the more colourful places nestled in the sheltering arms of the bay. On your return to Corner Brook via Humbermouth, visit Prince Edward Park, a pleasant municipal park situated near the mouth of the Humber River. When you leave Corner Brook , travelling east on Route 1, keep a look out for "The Old Man in the Mountain" on the rock face overlooking Shellbird Island. It is said the face in the rock on the cliff guards an undiscovered hoard of pirate treasure. Shellbird Island is situated in the Humber River Valley, the main arterial route between the granite hills surrounding Corner Brook and the only transportation link for east-west land traffic in the area. Captain James Cook explored this river valley in 1767 while charting the coastal regions.

Long before skiing became popular, Corner Brook was known for salmon fishing in the world famous Humber River. Since last century anglers have taken advantage of the slow deep steadies to cast for the champion Atlantic salmon. The mighty Humber still defines the difference between fishing and great fishing.

Steady Brook, the home of Marble Mountain, is also where you can climb a steep forest path to view the magnificent Steady Brook Falls. The community itself, nestled among the sloping wooded hills,is a good place to make roadside purchases of fresh fruit a nd vegetables in season.

Eastward along Route 1 is Pasadena, a growing community nestled on the shores of Deer Lake. Nearby is Pasadena Beach Provincial Park where you can stop for a picnic and enjoy a refreshing swim.

Carry on to Deer Lake, a logging town that was first settled in the 1860s. At the western end of the town on the right hand side of the highway is the hydroelectric station originally built to power the pulp and paper mill in Corner Brook. Today, the town and its airport serve as a distribution point for the Great Northern Peninsula.

There is a municipal park on the lakeshore with some campsites available. At the nearby Tourist Information Centre you can the details you need about the Viking Trail.

To Scenic Tours: Western Region