Wicked Winter Tours
This year, embrace winter like you never have before. Enjoy the view of the frozen landscape from high atop a mountain, head deep into the wilderness, or explore an iconic landmark youâve only visited in summer to appreciate the new perspective Old Man Winter offers. Depending on your familiarity with the area you choose to explore, it might be advisable to take along a trusted guide to help you navigate through winterâs wonderland. Luckily, whether your preferred mode of winter transportation is a snowmobile, snowshoes - or even sled dogs - tour operators across Newfoundland and Labrador are available to lead the way. Snowshoe Gros MorneVisitors who flock to Gros Morne exclusively in the summer are missing out on what might just be the most scenic season to explore the region. Once a backcountry specialist for Gros Morne National Park, Clement Reid (pictured above) now runs Clemâs Trekking Adventures, guiding snowshoe enthusiasts to the parkâs most stunning winter vistas. In addition to coastal lowland routes following fairly flat terrain, Clement leads the way to towering vantage points like the one atop Big Lookout - an eight-hour trek on the south side of Bonne Bay that rewards travellers with stunning views of the Tablelands, Bonne Bay and the rugged coast of the Great Northern Peninsula. He says a six-hour journey into the Southeast Hills makes for an excellent snowshoeing experience, covering varied terrain that includes mild hilly sections, forests and frozen lakes. And folks looking for a shorter jaunt will enjoy a four-hour hike to Big Hill, offering a gorgeous view of Bonne Bay. Clement, who grew up hiking the hills of Gros Morne, also customizes outings to suit his clients.Explore the Southwest CornerCourtesy Shudamunks Adventure ToursWhether youâre into snowmobiling, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, David Keats, owner/operator of Shudamunks Adventure Tours, can lead you on an exciting journey through the wintry wilderness of Newfoundlandâs southwest corner. Adventurers can bask in the beauty of the Port aux Basques area, heading down the coast toward Margaree, or travel alongside the magnificent 518-metre Table Mountain. But when it comes to scenery, David says his tours into the scenic Codroy Valley just canât be beat. âThatâs about the prettiest scenery youâre going to get,â he beams. Each tour includes ice fishing and a trail lunch enjoyed beside a crackling fire or in the warmth of a Labrador tent. Snowmobilers may avail of half-day or overnight tours, while snowshoe and ski treks typically last between three and six hours (though David is open to customizing longer or shorter excursions). Snowmobile the West CoastCourtesy Four Seasons ToursDarren Park of Four Seasons Tours, based in Coxâs Cove, Newfoundland, guides snowmobilers to stunning winter scenery along the islandâs west coast. Some of his most popular day trips include the journey into the North Arm Hills on the north shore of the Bay of Islands, and the ride to Old Manâs Pond (pictured above) - a stunning scene east of Coxâs Cove. Darren also guides snowmobilers to the Lomond Sinkhole, a spectacular natural formation located just outside the border of Gros Morne National Park, near Wiltondale. Approximately 30 metres deep and 45 metres wide, the massive crater transforms into a frozen wonder in the dead of winter - with the sounds of a rushing waterfall still audible from behind a giant sheet of ice. Along the way, you might drop into Darrenâs cosy backcountry cabin located at Goose Arm to enjoy a hot drink beside the fire, and feast on caplin, smoked mackerel and homemade muffins. There are also half-day tours to Darrenâs cabin and back.Adventures Around Corner Brook Corner Brook bike shop Cycle Solutions firmly believes that winter isnât a time to stay indoors - they donât even believe in putting their bikes away. âWe have a new product this winter that weâre going to give a shot, which is fat biking - basically bikes with snow wheels on them,â says owner Peter Ollerhead. Throughout the snowy season, folks can take a fat biking tour, accompanied by an experienced guide, on trails in and around Corner Brook. If cyclingâs not your thing, Cycle Solutions invites winter lovers to strap on snowshoes and journey with them to several scenic destinations. Cedar Cove, located on the southwestern tip of the Bay of Islands, offers magnificent coastal scenery; the Humber Valley Trail takes snowshoe enthusiasts to the top of the âOld Man in the Mountainâ; and the Corner Brook Gorge is a sight to behold when draped in snow. Or, journey with a guide to the Corner Brook caves and admire the stalactites and stalagmites - unique mineral formations adorning the caves. Plus, enjoy the relative warmth inside the caves, which maintain a fairly steady temperature year-round. Fat bike and snowshoe rentals are available in store. (Photo courtesy Cycle Solutions)Sled or ZipCourtesy Marble Zip ToursJust steps from the ski slopes at Marble Mountain is the headquarters for yet another winter loverâs dream. Marble Zip Tours, best known for creating and running the provinceâs first zipline, also offers guided snowmobile tours on the areaâs vast trail network. Spend a full day exploring the backcountry or venture over mountainous landscape, including the beautiful Blow Me Down Mountains west of Corner Brook. Tours include a stop at a cabin for snacks and a chance to warm up. No snowmobile? No problem. Marble Zip Tours offers rentals. And folks can still opt to take a thrilling ride across Steady Brook Falls on the companyâs zipline, open year-round.Snowmobile to New HeightsCourtesy Rob Clarke MotorsportsRob Clarke Motorsports, based in Springdale, Newfoundland, guides snowmobilers to stunning destinations ranging from half-day to multi-day adventures. Popular spots include some of central Newfoundlandâs highest peaks: the Gaff Topsails, an abandoned railway settlement with sweeping views south of the Baie Verte Peninsula; and Hodges Hills near Grand Falls-Windsor. The company also ventures beyond central, taking snowmobilers to the renowned Western Brook Gorge in Gros Morne National Park, the Lewis Hills, part of the Long Range Mountains, and just about any destination a snowmobile can reach. A wide variety of tour package options include everything from boil-ups to homemade meals, machine rentals and, for multi-day excursions, accommodations. Whether youâre looking for backcountry boondocking, rugged terrain or incredible views, Rob Clarke Motorsports can take you there.Snowshoe the AvalonJudy Hillier photoLooking for a snowshoe adventure on the Avalon Peninsula? Adventure gear retail store The Outfitters in downtown St. Johnâs has countless adventures to choose from. When conditions are adequate, on Friday evenings an experienced guide leads snowshoe enthusiasts on short hikes to places like Freshwater Bay, Windsor Heights, Pippy Park, Sunshine Park and many more. Hikes normally cover five kilometres and take about two hours to complete. For folks interested in longer treks, there are snowshoe day tours. One of the most scenic options takes adventurers to the Spout, a natural attraction located along the coast between Shoal Bay and Bay Bulls. The wave-powered geyser is truly a sight to see in winter, transforming into a conical, snowy structure. Check www.theoutfitters.nf.ca and visit them on social media for scheduling - or if thereâs a particular spot youâd like to visit on snowshoes, call them to customize your outing. Snowshoe rentals are available in store. Mush!Neil Pepper photoGetting from point A to point B by dog team might be considered a unique mode of travel today, but it was once common practice in Labrador - and itâs a tradition that Scott Hudson of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is trying to preserve with his tour company, Northern Lights Dog Sledding. âI grew up on the south coast in a community called Black Tickle and dog teams were very common there,â says Scott. âJust like thereâs cars in peopleâs driveways today, there were dog teams in peopleâs backyards.â Throughout the winter Scottâs 11 huskies tow clients of all ages between the communities of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, North West River, Sheshatshiu and Mud Lake. Tours typically last three hours, but can be extended to include a break for a boil-up, to do some ice fishing, or to make it an overnight adventure.Many of the tour companies featured above also offer year-round adventures. To find out more, click the links in each tour description above.
