Western, Newfoundland and Labrador is the ultimate winter adventure destination. Whether you are an adventure thrill seeker or prefer aprés ski, gorgeous views and a spa day then Western, Newfoundland has it all for you. If you are looking for things to see, do and eat during winter in Western, Newfoundland then check out this guide to the very best.
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Getting to Western, Newfoundland and Labrador
There are several ways that you can get to Western, Newfoundland and Labrador. The easiest way is by flying into the Deer Lake Regional airport (YDF) from either St. John’s, Newfoundland or direct from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Montreal, Quebec or one of several Ontario airports. From there you can rent a car to explore the area. You can also reach Western, NL by driving from St. John’s or other parts of the province or by taking the North Sydney, Nova Scotia ferry to Port aux Basques and driving north from there.
One of the most unique ways however to get to Western, NL is by snowmobile. You can literally board the ferry in North Sydney, NS on a snowmobile and take the ferry to Port aux Basques, NL. From there, there are well groomed and maintained snowmobile trails all the way up the west coast of Newfoundland. There are actually so many snowmobile trails in the province that you could ride all the way from Port aux Basques to St. John’s on the east coast of the province.
Western, Newfoundland for the Thrill Seekers
Skiing in Western, Newfoundland
Marble Mountain is located in Steady Brook, Western, Newfoundland and is one of the best ski hills in the province. Actually it is one of the best, largest, and tallest ski hills in all of Atlantic Canada. On average the hill is open for 3 months every winter from January to April. With 43 runs and 230 acres of skiable terrain, there is room for everyone to ski, snowboard, snowshoe and more. People of all skills from beginner to expert can enjoy the slopes and there are lessons available as well.
Zip-lining by Frozen Waterfalls
I have gone zip-lining once in my life in Mexico over some crocodiles. I am not running out to do it again anytime soon. In Western Newfoundland however zip-lining in the winter is a much different experience. Marble Zip Tours operate at Marble Mountain year round and give you a unique experience in the winter months. First you hop on a snowmobile and are driven to the top of the line. Then you zip down nine different lines with one of the most epic being in front Steady Brook Falls. Hope for good weather and it should be an amazing experience if thats your cup of tea.
Snowmobiling in Newfoundland
Of course I already mentioned the immense amount of snowmobiling trails in Newfoundland that you could ride on continuously across the entire province. Snowmobiling is so popular in Newfoundland and Labrador that there are lots of Snowmobile clubs that maintain the trails all season long. They also help maintain public warming huts along the trails that are great spots to stop for a break on your trip.
The snowmobile season in Newfoundland is one of the longest in Canada often starting in November and stretching all the way into May. There are also many snowmobile shops including ones like Rugged Edge in Corner Brook that offer snowmobile rentals and tours. Located right on the edge of a snowmobile trail they are a great shop to visit to buy gear, rent from, get lessons or take a tour with.
Marble Zip Tours mentioned above also offer snowmobile rentals and tours as well.
Snowshoe the Powdery Trails
Anywhere there is a trail in Newfoundland that is covered in snow you can snowshoe it. Be mindful of course of the cross country skiers and snowmobiles and have a grand time. Bring your own snowshoes or rent them from a local company. The Blow Me Down Cross Country Ski Club in Corner Brook has snowshoe rentals available for all. $20 for adults and $12.50 for kids. One of the best places to go snowshoeing aside from Marble Mountain is on the Blow Me Down trails in Corner Brook made up of 42km of groomed trails.
Further north on the western shore of Newfoundland is also Gros Morne National Park which is open year round. The park consists of tons of trails that are perfect for snowshoeing. Reach out to Wild Gros Morne for snowshoe rentals or tour options.
Fat Bike Rentals
Fat Biking is an increasingly popular sport and is a great way to get around and adventure in the snow. Stop into Cycle Solutions NL in Cornerbrook to rent all of the gear you need. Whether you are riding the streets or the trails, getting around on a fat bike is a whole new way to experience the winter months. Also if you are really into fat biking then be sure to check out the Marble Mountain Fat Bike Festival every February.
Western, Newfoundland for the Relaxers
Enjoy the Spa
Whether it’s post adventure or you’re skipping the thrill seeking altogether you definitely need to enjoy a great spa experience in Western, Newfoundland. Conveniently located right across from the Marble Mountain Ski Hill is the Salt Water Spa and Healing Centre inside the Marble Inn & Suites Riverside Resort. The spa is the perfect destination if you aren’t a fan of hitting the slopes. Or ideally a great place to recuperate the day after enjoying the ski hill and adventurous activities when you might be a bit sore.
At the Salt Water Spa and Healing Centre you can enjoy a salt room, pools of various temperatures, a cold plunge, a unique Labradorite steam room, a sauna and more. Don’t forget to add on a facial or relaxing massage experience too!
Enjoy A Light Hike
Western Newfoundland in particular is a popular spot for hiking. Hiking isn’t the easiest activity in the snow however it is still possible especially for slow paced leisurely hikes. There are many trails all around the area but two in particular that I enjoyed are Bottle Cove and the Three Bear Mountain Trail.
The Three Bear Mountain Trail is a short 1km trail located in Corner Brook as part of the Corner Brook Stream Trail Network. There is a bit of elevation to begin the trail but it is rewarding with gorgeous views overlooking the city and port.
Bottle Cove Trail is located 45km from downtown Corner Brook on the coast. A 2km trial made up of a gravel trail and wooden boardwalks that follow the coastline. The end of the trail gives you epic views of sea caves and more while you soak in the ocean air. If you are lucky you might even see a whale or two!
Dine on Delicious Food
I will be honest the food scene in Corner Brook surprised me and I enjoyed quite a few tasty meals while visiting. First was the Best Coast restaurant in the Hew & Draw Hotel. They serve up free breakfasts for hotel guests and then a delicious food menu for lunch and dinner paired with local craft beer. I enjoyed the fish and chips and delicious dessert.
It might seem weird at first to eat sushi in Newfoundland as it’s so far away from Japan, but you can’t get fresher seafood than on a large island in the Atlantic ocean. Newfound Sushi Izakaya was a must stop in Corner Brook for sushi with a Newfoundland twist. Serving up cod bao buns, locally caught spicy tuna or salmon rolls, and all of the sushi delights you could expect anywhere else.
After you hit the slopes or enjoy the spa you are bound to be hungry and thankfully there is a great restaurant at Marble Mountain for you to enjoy. Bishop’s Tavern & Smokehouse offers a delicious pub food menu with great views of the slopes. Said to feature world class Southern BBQ and smoked meats they are a great spot to fill you up with everything from ribs to tacos. While there I enjoyed the burger and was beyond impressed. Stop in for live music and trivia nights as well.
Enjoy Great Craft Beer
Newfoundland and Labrador are known for their classic beers like India, Black Horse and Blue Star. Years ago Quidi Vidi began brewing craft beer in St. John’s and now great craft beer breweries and microbreweries can be found all across the province.
In Corner Brook in particular you can find Boomstick Brewing Company on the ground floor of the Hew & Draw Hotel. Visit to take a tour of the brewery, then enjoy the flight and a bite or two in their taproom and the Best Coast restaurant on site. Look into booking a bed & brew tour package with the hotel as well. Boomstick Brewing Co. creates several unique brews to enjoy, my favourite was the Lone Flamingo Fruity Sour. You definitely need to try their Wild Bologna beer in a flight as well.
Found just down the block from Boomstick and across the street in Corner Brook is the Bootleg Brew Co. . A funky little nano sized craft brewery with all of their brews made in house and the majority of them sold only from their location. Their brewery / pub also serves up tasty cocktails and is a great spot to enjoy your drinks with a snack or two with some live music. Stop in to see what they currently have available on tap and you won’t regret it.
Where to Stay in Western, Newfoundland
There are many different accommodation options in Western, Newfoundland. Specifically in the Corner Brook area if you are looking for a nice clean boutique hotel with a bit of a hipster feel then the Hew & Draw is the place for you. Opened in March 2020, this 36 room boutique hotel is the newest hotel in Corner Brook and is full of modern touches that reflect the towns history. The hotel also features a small gym, hot tub, lounge area, and a restaurant / brewery combo with breakfast included in your stay.
Other accommodation options in Corner Brook include Historic Hotel Corner Brook, and the historic Glynmill Inn. Closer to Marble Mountain you can of course stay at the Marble Inn and Suites.
Western, Newfoundland and Labrador is the perfect destination year round, and you should really consider visiting in the winter when it is at it’s best!
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