Why Taylor's Brook Road is so key to the NF winter scene and Backcountry access?

Why Taylor's Brook Road is so key to the NF winter scene and Backcountry access?

This didn't happen overnight as the Taylor's Brook Road (TBR) region has been a key access point for the Newfoundland Backcountry for a very long time.  What's really neat about the TBR area is the number of accommodation options in there.  We wanted to simply take a quick rundown of some of the options, share some details and general info.  This listing is for operations directly on TBR.  Keep that in mind before we get bombarded with folks say'n..."what about this place?"  

Arluk Adventures - DRIVEN article

Some of our readers/viewers might be wondering, where the heck is this place?  First of all, Western Newfoundland as a snowmobile destination is possibly one of the best kept secrets for all of Eastern Canada...when you think Backcountry, the Newfoundland product really sums it up; tons of snow, incredible landscape and open access for you to enjoy it.

Location wise...you'll find TBR East of Deer Lake (NL).  If you were flying in, Deer Lake (YDF) would be your closest airport.  Driving east, you'll take Route 420 and head about 24 KM to the turn off for Taylor's Brook Road.  You can't miss the sign.  And if you do, you'll end up down in Sops Arm.  We'll start this list of winter accommodations on TBR from based upon location.  The access road is plowed to the 3 KM point where you'll find paid parking...yes, paid to help with the expense of snow clearing.

At the 2 KM point, you'll find the only accommodations that you'll be able to drive directly to your accommodations with your truck/trailer, this is the newly constructed Arluk Village.

Arluk Chalet - Arluk Village

ARLUK VILLAGE (Arluk Chalets) - On the site of the former B&R cabins (Taylor's Brook Cabins & Convenience), you'll find this new and fresh build.

  • Six Chalets - each with 3 bedrooms and well appointed (several will be opened for February of 2026)
  • On site Garage 
  • On site Care taker 
  • Parking included for Guest staying at either the Arluk Chalets or one of the Remote Lodges operated by Arluk Adventures; Caribou Lake Lodge, Main River Lodge and High Pond Lodge - we'll touch on the other 'remote' lodges too
  • Pricing is moderate

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DRIVEN - Canada's powersports webstore
Snowy Lake Camp

SNOWY LAKE LODGE (Big River Camps) - At the 19 KM point on TBR, you exit the main trail (right side) and head another 10 KM to Snowy Lake Lodge.

  • You'll have to use the pay parking at the 3 KM point (ensure you arrange)
  • Ride in access - you'll need to get your gear transported in
  • Large lodge with full meals, wifi and nice lodge comforts
  • Moderately priced as this lodge is somewhat off the main trail and you're still a good distance from Gros Morne National Park (GMNP)
  • Perks - good tree riding and access to Main River drainage 

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DRIVEN - Canada's powersports webstore
Silver Mtn Lodge - Rob Clarke
Silver Mtn Lodge - Rob Clarke

SILVER MTN LODGE - Located just before the 24 KM fork in the main trail (TBR).  This operation is an owner/operator by the name of Rob Clarke.  This point of TBR, left will take you towards Silver Mtn and Matty's pond and the right (straight route) will take you into Eagle Mtn Pond.  

  • Silver Mtn Lodge has snowmobile rentals on site (Polaris Rentals - Current year)
  • The comfortable lodge can sleep up to 8, two of those will be on roll out cots
  • You'll need to arrange pay parking at the 3 KM point
  • Gear transport will be needed
  • Rob does offer guiding services/tours
  • Full meals provided
  • Pricing is moderate to high 

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WARM UP SHELTER - 26  KM POINT - TAYLOR'S BROOK ROAD - SHELTER -

Western Newfoundland

This shelter was put in place by local cabin owners on the TBR and is not presently maintained by the NL snowmobile federation.  From an interview with the local TBR cabin owners association, the shelter was offered up to the NLSF but was refused.  Not sure on the grounds as to why...but shelters are typically maintained by volunteer clubs.  There's talk of this same cabin owners group putting a 2nd shelter at the 60 KM point of TBR...hat's off to this dedicated local group.  In fact, the group were looking for more NLSF trail pass holders to indicate "Taylors Brook Road" as their riding area to bring more needed grooming attention for the main trail (TBR)

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Snowy Cabin Adventures
Snowy Cabin Adventures

SNOWY CABIN ADVENTURES - Located at the 34 KM point of TBR and operated/owned by Edgar and Gaye Randell.  Snowy has been in the accommodations busy for quite some time and Edgar & Gaye are some of the nicest folks you'll ever meet.

  • Edgar knows the country like the back of his hand - and he will guide groups
  • Harbour Deep is one of his special offerings
  • Hospitality is high at Snowy but you're not going there for ambiance - you'll be well fed, warm and showers are decent
  • You'll need to arrange for your parking
  • You'll need to arrange for your gear/gas transport - some onside gas for sale
  • Main lodge can easily sleep 12 in eight bedrooms
  • Full meals provided
  • Pricing is low to moderate.  If you're looking to save a dollar, this is possibly the most economical option on TBR (Operators could possibly up the price slightly)

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Caribou Lake Lodge - Arluk Adventures

CARIBOU LAKE LODGE - Caribou Lake Lodge is one of the three remote lodges operated in the winter by the Arluk Adventures folks.  To find this location, you'll leave the main trail (TBR) at the 37 KM point on the right side of the trail and you'll take a short run to access Caribou Lake.  The Arluk Adventures team will have it well marked.

  • All of the Arluk Adventure Lodges are staffed with both a cook and caretaker to fully cater to guests
  • Portage services provided so you don't have to worry about moving your gear, supplies and refreshments
  • This Lodge can accommodate 9 guests
  • Full meals and snacks
  • Caribou Lake riding area is close to the main attractions but very close to the riding zones of the main river drainage areas
  • Parking provided for Caribou Lake Lodge guest at the Arluk Village
  • Pricing is Moderate to high (seems like the recent marketing efforts of Arluk Adventures, their remote lodges are being targeted to Corporate groups)

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EAGLE MTN LODGE

Eagle mtn lodge
EAGLE Mtn Lodge - Western Newfoundland
Eagle Mtn Lodge

EAGLE MTN LODGE - This beautiful remote lodge operates with a very small operating window.  Owned/operated by Brad Chaulk/Alana Price.  Eagle has been in the remote lodge space for many years.  At the 50 KM point on TBR, you'll turn left and a short access route will get you to Eagle Mtn pond and from there you'll see the lodge.

  • On site Hot Tub (Backcountry luxury)
  • Impressive dining room
  • Easily accommodate bigger group (12-15 ppl)
  • Ensure you have parking arranged
  • Transport of your gear can be arranged
  • Meals included
  • Guiding can be arranged
  • Pricing is on the higher side

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ARLUK - MAIN RIVER LODGE

Main River Lodge
Main River Lodge
Main River Lodge

ARLUK - MAIN RIVER LODGE - This iconic remote lodge has been enjoyed by big game hunters for years and now, within the new Arluk Adventures winter remote lodge offerings, will be available for bookings.  Using the same turn off you would use for Eagle Mtn Lodge, you will continue on for another few KMs and nestled near a steady, you'll find this beautiful facility that can accommodate 7 guest.

  • Full hospitality - Meals & snacks
  • This lodge is the closest to Gros Morne National Park 
  • Location is definitely a key point here...when everyone else has to head out of the country, you can simply return to your lodge
  • Portage service is provided; as with all Arluk Adventure remote lodges
  • Parking is provided for Arluk Guest
  • Guides are included
  • Pricing is on the higher side with a focus on corporate and/or group bookings

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High Pond Lodge

ARLUK - HIGH POND LODGE - This newly constructed Lodge sits the furthest in your access on TBR.  At approximately the 52 KM point, you're taking a north bearing for 10 miles (16.4 KM) and you'll find High Pond Lodge.  This Lodge is three levels with guest accommodations on the 2nd level with four big bedrooms, all with ensuites.  The main guest area is big and modern.  This Lodge is best suited for March and later April trips.

  • Like all Arluk Adventure lodges - parking is provided (Arluk Village - 2 KM point)
  • Portage services provided - you don't have to worry about moving gear, grub and/or refreshments
  • Full hospitality - meals & snacks
  • Full time cook and caretaker on site
  • Guides provided 
  • Location is definitely a key here 
  • Pricing is on the higher side, but for a group or company looking for that truly unique location, this is the one

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This piece is in no way a "Where to stay/What to do" but more of a highlight of the number of accommodation locations on the Taylor's Brook Road in an effort to bring more attention to the region and the need for better grooming of the main trail; Taylor's Brook Road.

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