Possibly some of the biggest news in the Newfoundland & Labrador winter product scene has been the buzz created by Arluk Adventures. With three remote lodges being opened this winter and the introduction of the new Arluk Village which will eventually have six chalets available for guests, we wanted to take a minute to connect with the Arluk Adventures team to get the details and ask a few questions.
Tell us more about Arluk Adventures?
Based on the success of Arluk Outfitters, which is a fly-in remote lodge and tent hunting venture that started in 2013, catering to non-resident big game hunters, the decision was made to expand the operating season to open the remote lodges to groups that want to create memorable world-class adventures. The remote lodges in the wintertime would normally be closed, waiting for the spring and the fishing and hunting seasons to commence. However, for the winter product within this province, all these lodges; Main River Lodge, High Pond Lodge and Caribou Lake Lodge all add new high-end options for groups looking to enjoy a truly memorable backcountry experience in Western Newfoundland.
Tell us more about why you use the word ‘memorable’ so much?
At Arluk Adventures, the team is truly committed to creating memorable world-class adventures. For example, the Arluk team will handle all the traditional challenges with getting into the backcountry…the lodge arrangements, logistics of moving gear, supplies and refreshments, the Arluk Portage service moves all your gear for you. Arranging snowmobiles if your group needs – we’ll help there. At the lodges, you’ll experience full hospitality – hearty meals and snacks, because great adventures will create a big appetite. While at the lodges, groups will always have dedicated guides to help attain all the key destinations and get those iconic group Gorge pictures. When other folks must head out of the backcountry, you’ll realize the biggest perk of being deep in the backcountry, you’re so close to the great terrain. Plus…all the small things, if a group desires to learn some technical riding, we’ll have Arluk Team members to help. In a nutshell, when folks get back from an Arluk Adventures trip, we want them talking about it for months, looking at those iconic Gorge pictures…all three of them, and saying, “That was a memorable adventure!” 
Of the Remote Lodges in the Arluk operation, which will be open this winter?
Great question because there are many beautiful lodges in the Arluk inventory. However, for this winter there were three identified. Main River Lodge – this well established and iconic lodge has been enjoyed by many over the years. Able to sleep seven guest, Main River Lodge is the closest lodge to the beautiful Gros Morne National Park. Step outside your door, jump on your sled and in minutes, you’re enjoying some of the best terrain in all Eastern Canada.
High Pond Lodge – Newly constructed in the fall of 2025. High Pond Lodge is Northeast of Main River Lodge. From Taylors Brook Road at the 52 KM point, you’ll take a North heading for approximately ten miles (16.4 KM) and you’ll find High Pond Lodge. This three-story Lodge can comfortably sleep eight on the 2nd floor which will present guests with four big bedrooms. All with two beds and each bedroom has its own ensuite. The main floor is open and modern. High Pond Lodge is best for groups looking for March/April bookings. Guests will be catered to with full hospitality, portage services – the Arluk team will handle those logistical details, allowing guest to focus on the fun.
Caribou Lake Lodge – Caribou underwent a new renovation and is now fresh and ready for guest. Many of the Arluk Outfitter guides hold Caribou as a special place with many great memories. Caribou can sleep nine guests, and all the same services are presented for guests: full hospitality, portage service and dedicated guides. All key points to ensure memorable adventures happen. Caribou Lake Lodge is ideal for those snowmobiler groups that want to access all the main attractions but be close to the Main River system which presents a snowmobiler’s paradise for endless pow riding and navigating the drainage systems.
Tell us more about the Arluk Village and the building of the new Arluk Chalets?
Once High Pond Lodge was finished, the construction side of the venture had to quickly focus on this next task. On the location of the former Taylors Brook Convenience and Cabins, this is where you’ll find the new Arluk Village. Many of you will recall the former operation as Terry Cramm’s cabins and many will recall back to the B&R Cabin days.
Why Village? What’s being created at this location is a community, a staging area and a gathering place – a Village. In the Arluk Village, guests will eventually find six chalets. Each chalet will have three bedrooms and will be able to accommodate up to six guests. The chalets will be well appointed, and guest comfort will be paramount. In addition to the chalets, the Village will have a large garage and a caretaker chalet. For mid-February, two of the chalets will be available for guests bookings. The early interest in the chalets has been great. Folks have already booked their dates. If you’re interested in knowing more about the Arluk Chalets, which will be fully accessible by vehicle and on the doorstep of Taylors Brook Road, pop over to the Arluk Adventures Facebook page, follow up and send a message there. That’s possibly the best way. If you’re not on the socials, don’t worry, send Peter Matthews a text/call at 709-693-7450 or email Peter.Matthews@ArlukOutfitters.com
For those readers not from Newfoundland & Labrador, why is the winter product different here and if someone from Eastern Canada was looking to do a winter adventure, why does Arluk Adventures and Western Newfoundland make sense?
That is a great question! First and foremost, Newfoundland has the only National Park in all of Canada that you can snowmobile in – that’s a huge point. Arluk Adventures has the closest Remote Lodge to the National Park…you step out your door and boom – the fun begins. All other provinces in Canada have great organized groomed trail systems. In Newfoundland, there are groomed trails, but the trails are used as access points to enjoy the backcountry. This is what’s so unique about Newfoundland, your ability to point your skis and go. Land ownership/access issues don’t exist like many other provinces. This means total freedom to explore. The dedicated guides of Arluk Adventures will ensure guests are safe and secure, but most importantly, smiling. We can talk about the snowpack, which averages from 10 to 15 feet… yes, that much. But possibly one of the most intangible attributes of what’s different about doing a winter adventure to Western Newfoundland, the authentic and cultural experience…summed up, the folks you’ll meet. Practically all of them will become lifetime friends – that’s what we’re calling memorable.
Picture: Scenic water fall stop, en route to Parsons Pond Gorge.
If you have any questions about the Remote Lodges or are looking to start organizing your memorable company trip, reach out to the Arluk Adventures team today. Drop Andrew an email at Andrew.Goldsworthy@ArlukOutfitters.com or call 709-853-9483.