Craig McMorris conquers most eastern rail in Canada at historic Cape Spear

Often when tourists come to St. John's, travelling the hilly and winding, road to Cape Spear is a must-see for its Atlantic ocean views, restored lighthouse and the first sunrise every day in Canada. 

Rarely do sightseers spot snowboarding potential at the prominent national historic site — but not every tourist is Craig McMorris.

On a grey and windy day in January, carrying a snowboard and shovel, the professional snowboarder eyed up a unique feature.

"There was a little wooden handrail, so we thought, 'Why not try?'" McMorris said. 

WATCH | McMorris goes for a rail slide by the 'mighty Atlantic': 

Snowboarding. At Cape Spear. Down a wooden railing

9 months ago

Duration 0:59

Craig McMorris was at the national historic site, with a snowboard and a shovel, and thought, “Why not?” So, amid tourists taking in the sights at the famous Newfoundland landmark, McMorris became a sight himself when he rode a staircase railing (staying within the safety barriers). He talked to the CBC’s Jeremy Eaton about the experience.

McMorris, originally from Regina, has been working as a host for CBC Olympics since 2014 and will be heading to Paris this summer to be part of the CBC's Games coverage.

But his passion is snowboarding, and he's been travelling the world for years in search of unique and creative jumps and features.

In January, he made his first trip to Newfoundland and Labrador, filming a segment for his new sponsor, Nidekcer, and Red Bull Canada. 

The prospect of sliding down a wooden rail at the most easterly point in Canada was too good to pass up.

"I think that was definitely a that was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said McMorris.

"You're looking over your right shoulder while you're sliding down the rail and you see the the mighty Atlantic."

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McMorris and his small team; which included snowboarder Adam Franks, spent a few days in and around St. John's finding features to film, including some scenes at the Colonial Building

"I absolutely loved it," he said. 'The people are just so kind and the architecture is so beautiful."

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