It has been said many times that the Bay of Islands is often overlooked by tourists and is sometimes not even fully appreciated by its own residents.
Three men from Corner Brook are going to try and change that by starting up a new outdoor tourism business that will cater to visitors and locals alike who want to explore and enjoy some of the amazing experiences the area has to offer.
RELATED:
'Steady Brook tourism operator wants to see a stronger online presence for Humber Valley area'
'Western Newfoundland needs more tourism infrastructure, says panel of CEOs'
'Plans in place to raise awareness of Capt. James Cook’s important mapping work in Bay of Islands'
Eric Bourgeois and Rob Thomas have day jobs in the automotive sales business and Steve Zahanov is in the food industry and owns a renovations company, but they all share a passion for outdoor recreation and the opportunities available right in their proverbial backyard.
They have pooled their to form an entity known as EverOutdoor Adventures. They have purchased a property, the old Dusty’s Lounge in Humber Arm South, and have already done work renovating it.
The enterprise will also include a casual dining restaurant called The Saltbox.
Hoping to open the business at some point this coming summer, the trio are excited about the opportunity to add what they feel is a much-needed tourism offering in the Bay of Islands.
While there are still a lot of moving parts that have to fit into place, Everoutdoor Adventures will soon start building its new deck and dock facility. In addition to offering water-based activities, they hope to also provide information and tours about a wide range of on-land hiking or motorized vehicle excursions.
“The market is going to tell us where to go and what to offer,” said Zahanov. “We believe in the idea and we hope it will work out. If you don’t try, you’ll never know.”
The business won’t just be aimed at visitors, but also geared for the people who live within the Corner Brook and Bay of Islands region.
Geopark goals
To help boost the overland opportunities, Everoutdoor Adventures has struck a partnership with the Cabox Aspiring Global Geopark, a group trying to earn a UNESCO designation for the region because of its unique geology.
Besides having the highest point on Newfoundland, located in the Lewis Hills, the region is one of the few places in the world where the earth’s mantle protrudes above the surface.
The geopark also emphasizes the historic connection of explorer Capt. James Cook’s connection to the Bay of Islands and the many hiking opportunities to be found throughout the area.
The Everoutdoor Adventures location in Humber Arm South will be an information centre for all of the historical, geological and recreational aspects of the region that the geopark proponents want to showcase.
Bourgeois, who is originally from Humber Arm South, said that is just one example of how Everoutdoor Adventures hopes to foster working relationships with people and groups from all over the area to help offer the widest range of experiences possible.
Everoutdoor Adventures, with its tagline of “Everyone. Everyday. Outdoors.” will have a soft launch this summer.
