Hiking in the Humber Valley & Bay of Islands

The Humber Valley, carved out by the scenic Humber River, sits at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and stretches from Deer Lake to Corner Brook. Further west, opening onto the Gulf of St. Lawrence, is the Bay of Islands and its birch-covered Blow-Me-Down Mountains. This area of Western Newfoundland & Labrador is stunning year-round—whether the hills are covered in snow, shrouded in mist, or aglow with fall’s fiery reds and oranges. If you want to take it all in for yourself, each of these hikes can be completed as a day trip from the Corner Brook area.

Steady Brook Falls

Beginning at the base of Marble Mountain, the trail to the lookout over Steady Brook Falls is a quick trek with a big reward. Parking can be found just behind George’s Ski World, and from there you will begin your climb up the mountain access road. You will then head up through the forest with the sound of the falls in the distance. As you approach the top of the trail, a viewing platform will provide you with spectacular views of the rushing water plunging almost 60 meters into the valley below.

Steady Brook Falls is a 1.6-kilometre hike, out and back, with 100 metres of elevation gain.

Man in the Mountain (Humber Valley Trail)

Before you start your uphill climb, take a moment to stop at the rest area located alongside Exit 7 (Trans-Canada Highway / Route 440). The fabled Man in the Mountain can actually be seen from here—just look towards the mountain. Can you see him? Head along Riverside Drive (Route 440) and turn right to cross the Humber River, where an immediate right after the bridge will take you to the parking area for this hike. Be prepared to climb for the first section of the trail, as you ascend to nearly 1000 feet above sea level. As you wind your way through thick forest, you’ll have lots of opportunity to catch your breath and take in the views of the valley below. You’ll end up at the very spot you viewed at the beginning of this adventure.

The Man in the Mountain (Humber Valley Trail) is a 5-kilometre hike, out and back with 300 metres of elevation gain.

Corner Brook Gorge & Corner Brook Stream Trail 

Located in the heart of Corner Brook, the Corner Brook Stream Trail network provides numerous places to take a leisurely stroll. From Margaret Bowater Park the trail travels uphill and then dips down into the Corner Brook Stream Gorge, where you get a sweeping view of the Corner Brook area. Eventually, you will come to a bridge that will take you across the gorge and to the base of Massey Drive.

The Corner Brook Gorge and Corner Brook Stream Trail is a 6-kilometre loop.

Copper Mine Falls and Cape Blow Me Down

As you’re making your way around the Bay of Islands, get out and stretch your legs on the short-but-sweet Copper Mile Falls trail (located along Route 450—just look for the OBIEC Copper Mine Falls Trail Parking). This trail near York Harbour is easy and leisurely, but you’ll be treated to the thundering Copper Mine Falls at the end of it. There’s also a swimming hole where you can dive in and cool off. From the same starting point you can take on the more challenging Cape Blow Me Down Trail, where you’ll ascend 650 meters through lush forest and then out into the wide open terrain with spectacular views over the outer Bay of Islands. This is a steep and difficult climb, so prepare accordingly and check the weather forecast before heading out. You can save the waterfall for the end of the hike and enjoy a refreshing dip as your reward.

The Copper Mine Falls Trail is an easy 0.5-kilometre walk out and back, while the Cape Blow Me Down Trail is a 7.5-kilometre trail out and back, with a 650-metre elevation gain.

Bottle Cove

Bottle Cove, near the end of Route 450, is best enjoyed on a clear evening for its stunning sunset into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The Bottle Cove Trail is equipped with a network of boardwalks and paths that ensure easy access to views of the rugged coast with its many sea caves and cliffs. At sundown, the sky lights up in vivid strokes of pinks, purples, and oranges. You’ll get the best view from the aptly named Sunset Rock, and don't forget to bring your camera.

The Bottle Cove Hiking Trail is a 2.1-kilometre loop.

Cedar Cove & Little Port Head

You’ll find Little Port just past Bottle Cove; this charming fishing harbour happens to be the start of two of the most scenic hikes on the west coast. Cedar Cove Trail is the more leisurely of the two, and will take you to a rocky cove surrounded by mountains. In contrast, Little Port Head Trail takes you 250 meters above the Atlantic where you will find views far off into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. If you're lucky, you might even spot whales swimming below you.

The Cedar Cove Hiking Trail is 3.6-kilometres out and back, while the trail Little Port Head is 3 kilometres out and back with a 250-metre elevation gain. 

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When you're hiking in Humber Valley and the Bay of Islands, make sure to tag your posts on Instagram with #ExploreNL, #HikeNL and @NewfoundlandLabrador on Instagram. We look forward to seeing your fantastic pictures and video, there is no shortage of photo worthy places to experience. 

Check out our Hiking & Walking section for more inspiration for your trip to Newfoundland and Labrador.