Cabox Aspiring Geopark is a not-for-profit project initiated by the Newfoundland Chapter of the International Appalachian Trail, which traverses several UNESCO Global Geoparks and Aspiring Geoparks in Western Europe. Begun in 2014, the project has received the support of 14 town councils in the Bay of Islands, lower Humber Valley and Bonne Bay South, as well as Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Ltd, Grenfell Campus of Memorial University, Corner Brook Campus of College of the North Atlantic, Outer Bay of Islands Enhancement Committee (OBIEC), and Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador.
One of four Cabox Geopark meetings held at Grenfell Campus of Memorial University (November 2016)
In October 2014, Cabox became a partner in the EU Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme funded Drifting Apart project, which included UNESCO Global Geoparks and Aspiring Geoparks in Ireland/Northern Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Iceland and Canada, and a national park in Russia. The $1.6 million 4-year project aimed at “unearthing and strengthening our understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the fascinating and interconnected geological heritage of the Northern Periphery and Arctic region and its many links to natural, built and cultural heritage,” while supporting the development of new and Aspiring Global Geoparks and a network of geoheritage destinations in the Northern Periphery and Arctic Region.
In October 2018, Cabox partnered with the new Saltbox restaurant and Everoutdoor adventure company in Benoit’s Cove to establish the first Cabox Geopark Information Center. The partnership will provide a location for locals and tourists to learn about the natural and cultural heritage of the region, discuss their next or last adventure, and enjoy a tasty home-cooked meal – and maybe pint of beer – in a stylish and relaxing setting with a fantastic view of the Humber Arm.
