Discovering the Double Feature and Cinematic Slab area on Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula feels like stepping into a quiet cinematic set—a place shaped by the dramatic coastline but rarely headlining the climbing limelight. Here, just beyond Maddox Cove and tucked a short walk from the better-known Main Wall, adventure seekers can enjoy an experience defined by sweeping slab lines, playful boulder problems, and a sense of exploration rarely found so close to town.

The crag divides itself into two distinct sectors: the namesake Double Feature and the prominent Cinematic Slab, both drawing climbers in with unique character. Approaching is part of the adventure—after passing the rappel line for Main Wall, continue an extra hundred meters. The trail loses itself down low-angled granite ramps, and, while your boots grip the gradient, you catch first sight of Cinematic Slab stretching across an airy void. Step by step, the anticipation builds: the bay’s salty breeze meets sharp, humid forest air and the faint crunch of lichen beneath the tread.

Steeped in calm, the crag rarely bustles. Whether you’re chasing the sun on a warm late spring morning or bundling up after an autumn squall, chances are, the peacefulness will be as memorable as the climbs themselves. At just 4 feet above sea level, the setting feels dramatically close to the pounding Atlantic—on a good day, you might even catch gulls dancing overhead as waves echo through the boulder field below.

Cinematic Slab (5.7, 4 stars) is the highlight for those drawn to moderate adventure. Its generous slab rewards precise movement and steady nerves, making it perfect for newer climbers keen on breaking into outdoor leads, or seasoned folks looking to move smoothly through technical terrain. The friction here is classic Newfoundland: gritty, compact, and confidence-inspiring. Not far away, Suspense Slab (5.7, 3 stars) challenges technique and balance in equal measure—requiring both careful footwork and commitment. For those more inclined to a powerful session, Popcorn (V2, 4 stars) among the area’s boulder problems, is prime for dialing in dynamic moves and savoring the satisfaction that only a successful top-out can deliver.

The sector’s compact size is its strength—routes are close enough for easy sessioning, and a scattered collection of boulders offers variety to keep both rope climbers and pebble wrestlers entertained. Terrain underfoot is sloped yet manageable, with the main landings relatively clear. Though the guidebooks list only a handful of established climbs, each has the solid, reliable feel that speaks of careful development and regular traffic.

Planning is straightforward, though this area’s maritime climate means weather must always be factored in. The cliffline sits mostly open, with southeastern exposure catching abundant morning light but fading to shade by late afternoon. Late spring through early fall brings the most stable conditions—misty mornings yield to sun, rock dries quickly after showers, and temperatures generally stay mild.

Gear up for single-pitch trad or bouldering sessions, but keep your rack modest. Standard protection does the trick on the slabs, and three to four pads suffice for most boulder problems. While the proximity to Maddox Cove means cell service and civilization aren’t far, the crag’s location still demands attentive movement—slippery ramps and loose rock on approach call for caution, especially after rain.

Altogether, Double Feature and Cinematic Slab offers an adventure perfectly balanced between approachability and wildness. For locals, it’s a go-to for quiet weekday laps; for traveling climbers, it’s a low-key must-visit that distills the best of the Avalon Peninsula’s style into a single, striking package. Whether mapping out a slate of slab leads or stringing circuits between sculpted boulders, this sector delivers simple pleasure—unhurried, unspoiled, quietly unforgettable.