Corner Brook is a city with a lot to see and do; an adventurer’s paradise with gorgeous sunsets and amazing coastline views. Located in Newfoundland and Labrador, Corner Brook boasts 20,000 residents and many popular attractions, including the Corner Brook Museum, Marble Mountain, and Captain James Cook monument. With the combination of stunning scenery and friendly people, this city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Newfoundland.
Corner Brook is rich in culture, amazing arts, and history. The city is also known for its shopping spots, amazing restaurants, and outdoor facilities where you can enjoy activities like skiing, ziplining, and fishing. Whether you want to cruise at the city port, see the mouth of the Bay of Islands, or enjoy local cuisines, Corner Brook offers something for everyone.
From boutique shopping, art centers, and amazing lookouts, here are some of the best things to do in Corner Brook.
1. Outdoor Adventures at Marble Mountain
Marble Mountain is one of the most amazing and largest ski hills in Newfoundland, and people can enjoy exhilarating zipline tours of up to 30 kilometers. Take in the stunning views while enjoying a zip-lining, skiing, and hiking adventure.
2. Boomstick Brewing Tour
Beer lovers will enjoy this interesting brew tour where you get a chance to see everything that goes on behind the scenes at Boomstick Brewery. Take your time to enjoy one or two larger drinks after the tour.
3. Stay at the Hew & Draw
Hew & Draw hotel has everything to ensure you experience a great visit to Corner Brook. The hotel boasts a very elegant interior, mountain and ocean views, an onsite restaurant, and access to modern amenities, including a 24-hour fitness center.
4. Go Caving
Adventurous people will love the experience of touring the Corner Brook Caves infrastructure. You can explore the various limestone caves, ice stalactites, and stalagmites formed after thousands of years of running water.
5. Louis Gee’s Pizza
6. Railway Society Train Site
The Railway Society of Newfoundland Museum is an indoor museum where visitors can enjoy the views of the restored rail cars from when the railway operated in the area years ago. There is a lot to see here, including railway snow plows, steam locomotives, dining cars, diesel-electric locomotives, and many other artifacts.
7. Marble Zip Tours
Marble Zip Tours offers tour opportunities where guests can zip through the nine available lines while enjoying views of the Marble Mountain Resort and Tableland Mountains. Don’t worry if you don’t know the first thing about zip lining because there are experts and trained staff available to guide you.
8. Bootleg Brewing
Bootleg Brewing is one of the best craft breweries on the island, and a trip to Corner Brook isn’t complete without a taste of their delicious beer. Drop by their tap room to enjoy their wide selection of local beer.
9. Captain James Cook Monument
History buffs will enjoy learning about the British explorer, Captain James Cook at this historic site. Located at the top of Crow’s Hill, this monument offers great views of the city, the Blomidon Mountains, and the bronze statue of Captain James Cook. You will also get to view the copy of the charts mapped by Captain Cook to outline his journey through Corner Brook in 1767.
10. Mountain Bike Tour
Whizz through Corner Brook and Newfoundland on two wheels through the customized guided cycling tour by Cycle Solutions. It’s an adrenaline-filled activity and an experience of a lifetime.
11. Play Games at Sugar and Dice
This board game cafe is open to everyone who wants to play games and enjoy delicious gourmet treats with friends or strangers.
12. See a show at the Arts and Culture Centre
The Arts and Culture Centre hosts events, comedy shows, plays, and musicals by diverse artists from Canada and abroad. So while you’re in Corner Brook, get a spot in the 400-seat proscenium theatre to enjoy one of the shows.
13. Spider Challenge High Ropes Course
The Spider Challenge is a fun, adventurous activity that involves high rope courses built from interconnected poles. If you’ve always wanted to try soaring in the air at a fast speed, you will enjoy the Spider Challenge offered by Marble Zip Tours.
14. Coffee at Brewed Awakening
Located at West Street, Brewed Awakening offers an extensive beverage menu that includes tea, espresso, hot chocolate, and of course, coffee! Get your day going by grabbing a cup of coffee and one of the baked snacks on the menu.
15. Grenfell Art Gallery
Visitors are always welcome at Grenfell Art Gallery to learn more about the diverse histories, culture, and local artworks of the area. Exhibitions include the Grenfell Community Curtain, which provides a detailed representation of the Grenfell community.
16. Corner Brook Stream Trail
This community walking trail system features hiking trails for seasoned hikers, viewing platforms to take in the wilderness areas, and pedestrian bridges to easily tour the area.
17. Experience a boil-up in Benoit’s Cove
Join other guests at Benoit’s Cove to enjoy a seafood cookout with many amazing local foods like cold water mussels, molasses, corn, sausages, and more. You will get to sit around a beach fire while enjoying your meals over music, stories, and jokes.
18. Humber Fjord Evening Zodiac Cruise
There is no better way to experience the beauty of Newfoundland than through the Humber Fjord zodiac boat tour. This zodiac adventure will provide you the opportunity to see close-up views of the Bay of Islands as well as the fascinating views of marine and wildlife.
19. Cross-country Ski on the Blow Me Down Trails
If you are into outdoor adventures, check out the Blow-Me-Down mountains for an opportunity to enjoy cross-country skiing, hiking, or walking the trails while enjoying the stunning views and beaches. You can also enjoy a guided boat tour, camping, and wildlife viewing.
20. Shop for souvenirs at the Newfoundland Emporium
This locally owned business is a perfect place to shop for souvenirs in Corner Brook. You can shop from the wide display of antiques, postcards, fine art, folk art, hancraft, and products of local historical interest.
21. Stay in the coolest AirBnB
If you are looking for a great place to stay in Corner Brook, we highly recommend this cool Airbnb. This quirky apartment sits on a land-locked boat in a private garden with many fruit trees and cute birds. The hosts are also super friendly, the room can host up to 2 people, and you will enjoy the homemade local breakfast.
22. Shop at Birch & Berries
Birch & Berries is a lifestyle and wellness store that offers everything from skin and bath products to confectioneries and jewelry. Take a stop here to shop curated health and wellness items, books, and gifts.
23. Jigs & Wheels Festival
Every summer, Corner Brook hosts the Jigs & Wheels festival, which lasts more than a week. There are many things to see, including fireworks displays, plays, yoga, live music, hiking, auto racing, and mascots. If you are lucky to be in Corner Brooks during this time, you shouldn’t miss the festival.
24. Jig a Cod on a Guided Experience
Join the guided tour at Four Seasons Tours for a cod fishing experience where you may get the chance to land a cod, a flounder, or a squid. You will also enjoy watching the scenery, the bald eagles, and a tour through the bay of the island.
25. Explore the winter backcountry
Explore the winter backcountry and go deeper into the mountain wilderness on an adventurous snowmobile tour with Rugged Edge. This tour is perfect for all ages and all riders, whether beginners or advanced.
When is the best time to visit Corner Brook?
The best time to visit Corner Brook, NL depends on the type of activities and experiences you are looking for.
In the summer months (June-August), the weather is generally mild, and it’s a great time to explore the outdoors and enjoy the many hiking trails and parks in the area. The summer season is also when many festivals and events take place.
In the fall (September-November) the leaves change color, and it’s an excellent time to take in the natural beauty of the area.
In winter (December-February) the temperatures can get quite cold, but it’s a great time for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
In spring (March-May) the weather starts to get warmer, and flowers start to bloom, it’s a great time for bird watching, and it’s also a good time to visit before the peak tourist season.
Overall, any season has something to offer in Corner Brook, so it depends on what you’re interested in experiencing.
Do you need a car to visit Corner Brook?
A car is not necessary to visit Corner Brook, NL, but it can make it easier to explore the area. The city has a public transportation system, as well as taxi services available. Additionally, many local tour operators and shuttle services offer transportation options to popular attractions and destinations in the surrounding area.
If you don’t have a car, you can still explore the city on foot, bike or by public transportation. Many of the city’s attractions, restaurants, and shops are located within walking distance of each other. The city also has a good network of hiking trails, and some of them are accessible by public transportation.
In conclusion, having a car would give you more flexibility and freedom, but it’s not a necessity for visiting Corner Brook.
Is Corner Brook worth visiting?
Corner Brook is a great base for exploring the surrounding areas, such as the Bay of Islands, the Long Range Mountains, and the Viking Trail. Overall, Corner Brook is a great destination for those looking for a mix of outdoor activities, culture and scenic beauty. The rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural landscapes definitely make it worth a visit.
Where to Stay in Corner Brook?
Corner Brook, NL has a variety of accommodation options, including hotels. Here are some of the best hotels in Corner Brook based on guest reviews and ratings:
Hew & Draw Hotel: The Hew & Draw Hotel is a centrally located hotel in downtown Corner Brook with unique decor and comfortable rooms, but it can be noisy on weekends due to its lively surroundings.
Greenwood Inn & Suites: This hotel is located near downtown Corner Brook and offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and an indoor pool.
Glynmill Inn: This historic hotel is located near downtown Corner Brook and offers comfortable rooms with unique decor, a restaurant, and a lounge.
Comfort Inn Corner Brook: This hotel is located near the highway and offers comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and a complimentary breakfast.
Marble Villa at Marble Mountain Resort: This hotel is located near the ski resort and offers comfortable rooms and suites, as well as ski-in/ski-out access.
Quality Inn Corner Brook: This hotel is located near the highway and offers comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and a complimentary breakfast.
Book Your Trip to Newfoundland & Labrador
Book Your Flight
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Book Your Accommodations
You can book your hotel with Booking.com as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hotel. If you want to stay in a vacation rental or cottage in Newfoundland & Labrador, use VRBO to find the perfect place for the whole family.
Book Your Car Rental
Newfoundland & Labrador is mainly rural and it’s best to have a vehicle at your disposal. Be sure to book your car rental with Discover Cars early because they often sell out in summer.
Book Your Travel Insurance
While Newfoundland is generally a safe province, you never know when something could happen. Be prepared with travel insurance from SafetyWing.
Not one mention of Gros Morne National park. The gem of the West Coast of NL. There is mention of East Coast activities I think a mention was warranted.
Gros Morne isn’t in Corner Brook and so mentioning it as a “thing to do in Corner Brook” wouldn’t be appropriate. Also, we don’t mention any activities in this article that are outside of the Corner Brook area. We do also have an entire article dedicated to things to do in and around Gros Morne.