Blanche Brook Spring, Newfoundland

## Overview Blanche Brook Spring is a roadside public drinking spring located along the Hansen Highway (Route 117) near Stephenville on the west coast of Newfoundland, Canada. Situated at approximately 48.5625°N, 58.5820°W, this spring offers travelers a convenient stop to access naturally flowing water in a region known for its pristine landscapes and abundant freshwater sources. Stephenville, originally settled as a French community and later home to a significant American military base (Ernest Harmon Air Force Base, operational from 1941 to 1966), sits along the shores of St. George's Bay. The surrounding area features the Long Range Mountains and numerous brooks and rivers fed by snowmelt and rainfall, creating ideal conditions for natural springs. Blanche Brook itself is one of several waterways in the region, and this roadside spring has historically been used by locals and passing motorists as a freshwater source. ## Directions 1. From Stephenville, head along the Hansen Highway (Route 117). 2. The spring is located roadside near the address 117 Hansen Highway, Stephenville, NL. 3. Watch for the spring on the side of the road — it is accessible directly from the highway without any significant hiking. 4. GPS coordinates: **48.562506, -58.581945** — use these for precise navigation, as the spring can be easy to pass at highway speed. ## What to Expect Blanche Brook Spring is a classic Newfoundland roadside spring — simple, accessible, and set against the rugged natural beauty of the province's west coast. Expect a pull-off or shoulder area along the Hansen Highway where water flows from a natural source near the road. The spring is publicly accessible year-round, though winter conditions in Newfoundland can make roadside stops more challenging due to snow and ice. Spring through autumn is the most comfortable time to visit. The surrounding landscape features boreal forest, rolling hills, and the dramatic scenery typical of western Newfoundland. Visitors have historically used this spring as a drinking water source, and it has been reported to provide clean-tasting, cold water. As with any natural water source, conditions can change seasonally, and the water is untreated. The area around Stephenville offers additional attractions, including the Stephenville Theatre Festival, nearby Barachois Pond Provincial Park, and access to the scenic coastline of St. George's Bay — making Blanche Brook Spring a worthwhile stop on a broader exploration of Newfoundland's west coast.