Now, b’ys, let me spin ya a yarn about a journey that took me deep into the belly of Newfoundland’s west coast. In this episode of Adventures Unknown, I found meself in Corner Brook, a city nestled snug between the mountains and the sea. But I wasn’t there just to admire the scenery—I was fixin’ to explore the hidden world beneath our feet, delving into the ancient caves that snake through the limestone bedrock. And let me tell ya, it was a time!
Corner Brook, perched on the shores of the Bay of Islands, is a place where history and nature dance together like a jig at a kitchen party. Once a bustling hub for the pulp and paper industry, this city has transformed into a vibrant community that holds tight to its roots while embracing the future. As I rolled into town, the sight of the Humber River winding its way through the landscape was a sight for sore eyes, a reminder of the natural beauty that defines this place.
But I wasn’t here just to take in the views. I had a date with the underworld, and I was as eager as a fisherman on opening day.
When I first set out to film Newfoundland in winter, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The thought of navigating frozen landscapes, unpredictable weather, and the challenges of icy terrain was both exhilarating and a little intimidating. But as I soon discovered, the magic of the North lies not only in its beauty but also in the resilience and spirit of its people.
Now, I’ve had me fair share of adventures—from braving the icy waters off Twillingate to trekking through the wilds of Gros Morne—but caving? That was uncharted territory for this islander. The Corner Brook Caves, carved over millennia by the steady flow of the Corner Brook Stream, offer over a kilometer of underground chutes and passageways to explore. These limestone caves are a hidden gem of Newfoundland’s west coast, and I was keen to uncover their secrets.
Standing at the cave’s entrance, the cool air seeping out was both inviting and a tad intimidating. With a trusty guide from Cycle Solutions leading the way, we ventured into the darkness, headlamps flickering against the damp walls. The silence was profound, broken only by the occasional drip of water echoing through the chambers.
We squeezed through narrow passages, marveled at stalactites hanging like nature’s chandeliers, and even encountered a colony of bats, who weren’t too pleased with our intrusion. At one point, we turned off our lights to experience true darkness—it was a humbling reminder of the vast unknowns that lie beneath our feet.
After emerging from the depths, I took some time to soak in what Corner Brook had to offer. The locals are as warm as a cup of tea on a cold day, always ready for a yarn and eager to share their stories.
I visited the Corner Brook Museum & Archives, housed in a historic building that once served as the post office. The exhibits painted a vivid picture of the city’s past, from its Indigenous roots to its industrial boom.
A stroll through Margaret Bowater Park offered a peaceful retreat, with walking trails meandering alongside the Corner Brook Stream—a stark contrast to the underground journey I’d undertaken earlier.
If you’re planning a visit, here are a couple of places to lay your head:
After a day of exploring, you’ll be hankerin’ for some good grub. Here’s where I found some tasty vittles:
If spelunking isn’t your cup of tea, Corner Brook has plenty more to offer:
This episode of Adventures Unknown was a journey into the depths—both literally and figuratively. Corner Brook, with its blend of natural wonders and rich history, provided the perfect backdrop for an adventure that pushed me out of me comfort zone.
So, if you’re lookin’ to explore the unknown, challenge yourself, and experience the warmth of Newfoundland hospitality, make your way to Corner Brook. Just remember to bring a flashlight—you never know what mysteries await in the dark.
Watch the Episode Here:
Adventures Unknown (Episode 4)
