This list is tough to limit to ten destinations and/or things to see and or do but this is really a start of what might become a multi-part piece about points of interest and routes in the Taylor’s Brook Road area within Western Newfoundland.  The goal, take you on a journey of discovering some possible cool things in the Taylor’s Brook Road area.  At the end of this piece, you might say to yourself, I’ve done half of those or maybe this will be the beginning, and you tackle a few this season.  This is not a race of who can do all of these but simply a suggestion of neat things to see and checkout, either this winter or over a few winters.  Let’s kick into this with talking about Gorges…but before we get there, let’s start with something that no other province in Canada can claim and this makes Western Newfoundland very unique for backcountry snowmobiling.

Gros Morne National Park – Western Newfoundland is where you’ll find the only National Park in all of Canada that you can snowmobile in.  That’s right and a fact that many don’t know.  Working in partnership with Parks Canada, a nice wide snowmobile corridor has been created to allow access to the Park and several key destinations, of which, folks have been enjoying for years.  And now, we’re ready to share this with the rest of the world.  You’ll need a Parks Canada pass to enter the Park. 

Western Brook Pond Gorge – more commonly referred to as “The Gorge”, Western Brook Gorge has become the iconic picture spot for both summer and winter…it’s way more accessible in winter via snowmobile.  Western Book Gorge is located within the National Park, so a Park Pass is a must.  The Park boundary is only 6 KM from Main River Lodge; no other Lodge is this close to the best terrain.  Access points can be from three main area: Matty’s Pond Access route, Main River/St. Paul’s Access and Angus Lake Access.  Guests at any of the Arluk Remote lodges can easily have Western Brook Gorge as a key route for their day.

Bakers Brook Gorge – In the line-up of Gorges within the National Park, Bakers Brook Gorge is south of Western Brook Pond.  Bakers Brook can be packaged in a multi-destination Gorge Day if someone desires.  Early season adventurers need to be aware of what early season conditions can be like in this area for wind and blowing snow.  This is where Arluk Guides will ensure that your day is adventurous but that you’re safe. 

Parsons Pond Gorge – This Gorge is north of Gros Morne and is outside of the National Park.  Parsons Pond Gorges is a marque day in itself and is a destination that would occupy a full day.  This destination is accessible from all the Arluk Lodges and doable from the Arluk Chalets and as an Arluk guest, you’ll have access to backcountry gas from one of the Arluk Lodges.  This simply needs to be arranged ahead of time.  Once again, this is why the Arluk experience is focused on ensuring you and your group have a memorable adventure.

Four Pond Route (Outer Pond) –  Waterfalls – This waterfall is accessible all winter season and a favourite of many in the spring of the year as a lunch spot.  Some seasons, the ice will form completely over the falls, making for interesting spring break-ups.  This waterfall would be part of a tour route that would see you either headed to Parsons Pond Gorge or coming down the valley of Four Ponds.  Leaving from all the Arluk Lodges, you’ll have a short ride on Taylor’s Brook Road to the 64 KM point where you’ll branch off to start the Four Pond valley system.  This route will present you with tons of dense forest and trails connecting several ponds.  This route will impress you with gorgeous rock faces along the frozen waterways.  Trust us…we know you’ll want to stop for pictures.  In fact, your Arluk Guide will help you set up and take that memorable picture.  For the adventurous ones in your group, you’ll pass by the Fingers while on this route and we’ll go deeper into The Fingers next.

The Fingers – If you get first tracks in The Fingers, with fresh snow and trust us, this zone sees a reset every day in the early season…you’ll be smiling from ear to ear.  The Fingers is accessible directly off Taylor’s Brook Road and you’ll pass by this zone enroute to Outer Pond and the Four Ponds Valley route.  This ride zone will please advanced riders, intermediate riders and new riders.  Like a ski resort, The Fingers will present you with different slopes/runs that will all have varying levels of difficulty.  Six to eight riders could easily spend some serious time enjoying this spot.

Transmission Line – The Transmission Line might not sound that exciting, but this route can be included into a loop route that might just surprise you.  The Transmission Line can allow you to start from the Arluk Village (2 KM point) and travel deep into the interior of the backcountry as Taylor’s Brook Road will intersect and run very close to the Transmission Line in a number or places.  Guest headed to Caribou Lake Lodge will cross over the Transmission Line to access the Caribou Lake.  Once again, this route is one of many options you have at your disposal while staying at any of the Arluk Lodges and Chalets. 

Stone Lion – Those of you that have seen the Stone Lion…you know what we’re talking about here.  Once you see it, you’re like… “That’s so cool!”  If touring either Western Brook Gorge or Bakers Brook Gorge, you could easily take in this must-see destination.  The weather will determine how well you can see the Stone Lion though as you see from the pictures here, the Stone Lion is best seen from a distance.  The Stone Lion could be blended into a route taking you back towards Angus Lake but you’d head towards Silver Mountain from the Big Angus Barren, and the trail system will take you back to Matty’s Pond Road.  This route will have you passing over the Humber River where many like to stop for a picture.  From there, you’d head east (right turn) on Matty’s Pond Road to meet into Taylor’s Brook Road.  From there, you’d head towards the Arluk Chalets or back to your Arluk Lodge.  This loop would be a larger KM Day but very doable on a tank of fuel. 

St. Paul’s North (Arluk Lodge) – Traveling up St. Paul’s Big Pond is a treat and the St. Paul’s North Arluk Lodge is a great stopover/rest point.  This picturesque Chalet is a gem…tucked away on the north side of this huge body of water.  Behind the cabin, you’ll find a nice tree zone that will please the tree riders in your group.  There is a set trail that will bring you up over the hill too.  For those traveling with an Arluk Guide, this Chalet can and will be used for warm up purposes too.  This is a perk for all Arluk Guest, you can stop into any Arluk location.

Humber River Bridge (via Silver Mtn) – if you’re traveling on the Matty’s Pond Trail, left turn at the Y (24 KM point off Taylor’s Brook Road, you’ll travel on this route for approximately 3-4 KM, where you’ll find a left hand turn that will quickly present you with this bridge.  The bridge itself is just a bridge but the Humber River at this point is usually quite impressive and worth stopping for a picture.  If you continue this side trail, you’ll venture into the Silver Mountain region.  This route will present you with some nice views of the upper Humber River system and valleys.

If you’d like to chat further about building your Arluk Adventure, simply reach out to [email protected] to set up a time for chat about your next adventure.