The Humber River, which empties into the Bay of Islands at Corner Brook, is one of the finest Atlantic salmon rivers in Newfoundland. The run begins in June and continues through September, and the stretch of river near the city is accessible without needing a backcountry expedition. Licensed guides operate out of Corner Brook and along the river toward Marble Mountain; hiring one is the practical approach for visiting anglers who do not know the pools.
Even non-anglers will find the Humber Valley worth following upstream. The river is clear, fast, and set between forested banks and the flanks of the Long Range Mountains. The drive along the Trans-Canada toward Marble Mountain follows the river for much of its length, and stopping at one of the pullouts to watch the water — and possibly spot salmon holding in the pools — costs nothing. Salmon are a serious presence in Newfoundland culture, and the Humber is one of the reasons.