Main Brook: Craftsmanship, Hare Bay and Nature Experiences

On Hare Bay, Main Brook offers direct access to numerous coves, inlets, sheltered bays and the open sea. At the same time, the community is shaped by traditions that reach beyond life on the water: Main Brook’s historical heritage is more closely tied to the lumber industry than to fishing. Travelers looking to combine water, nature and insights into local crafts will find several ways to do so here.

Crafts and History

George Elliott, a resident of Main Brook, has been making steamed birch snowshoes since childhood and is willing to share his craft knowledge. Inga Coombs also preserves traditional textile work: a lifelong resident of Main Brook, she makes Newfoundland quilts in her spare time, among other things. These can contain up to 20 individual panels depicting traditional life on the Great Northern Peninsula. The snowshoes and quilts represent different forms of craftsmanship—a birch-made object and textile picture sequences depicting scenes of traditional life.

The stronger influence of the lumber industry compared with fishing is part of the context for understanding the community’s history. This is a distinctive aspect of Main Brook’s historical heritage and complements the impressions created by its location on Hare Bay. Families seeking both stories and crafts, as well as outdoor experiences, can take these different interests into account when choosing a destination.

Park, Swimming Area and Trails

Main Brook Park has campsites and RV sites, as well as a swimming area with sandy beaches. The park also has hiking trails and opportunities for canoeing. This offers a choice of both water-based activities and walking. Main Brook has other beaches and swimming spots, but the swimming season can be short. If you are planning a stay that includes swimming, keep this seasonal limitation in mind.

There are also several types of routes for walks and hikes: you can explore within Main Brook itself, along logging roads, and on ATV and snowmobile trails. From Main Brook, you can also access maintained and less-maintained trails that extend far across the island. Trail maintenance therefore varies; choose a route that suits your plans and bear in mind that trails can extend far across the island.

Experiences on the Water and on Land

Depending on the season, fishing for salmon, brook trout and char is possible in the sea, as well as in rivers and ponds in the area around Main Brook. These waters and fish species offer a range of seasonal opportunities for guests who want to include fishing in their trip. Hunting is also seasonal: during the relevant seasons in Main Brook, it is possible to hunt rabbits, moose, bears, caribou, and land and sea birds.

For boating enthusiasts, there is also a historical point of reference: at the old government wharf just past Main Brook toward Roddickton, visitors and residents could launch boats.

Community and the Right Vacation Rental

Main Brook’s Recreation Committee holds public dances at the Community Centre approximately once a month. They are open to visitors and residents and offer another glimpse into local community life. The approximate frequency is a helpful guide for planning a trip, but it is not a fixed event date.

If you are looking for a vacation rental or vacation home in Main Brook, the focus of your trip can help guide your choice: crafts and textile traditions, park amenities, trails, seasonal fishing or public dances appeal to different interests. Families whose wish list includes both culture and time outdoors can weigh these factors together when deciding on Main Brook.

Discover More Destinations

Other destinations to discover include Green Island Cove, Black Duck Cove, Division No. 9, Subd. A, Cow Head, Rocky Harbour, Port Saunders, Port Au Choix and Raleigh.

For the broader travel overview: Division No. 9.