Labrador Tourist Map

Description:
This map shows cities, towns, Trans-Canada highway, secondary roads, national parks, provincial parks, campgrounds, provincial/national historic sites, airports, local ferries, summer ferries, ski areas, golf courses, and provincial visitor information centres in Labrador.

Previous version of the map (2016)

Labrador Attractions

Overview

Labrador offers remote wilderness experiences, indigenous cultural heritage, historical sites, and natural attractions across a vast subarctic territory. Tourism in Labrador focuses on outdoor recreation, cultural tourism, and historical interpretation in one of North America's least populated regions. Access requires advance planning due to limited services and infrastructure across much of the territory.

Natural Attractions and Wilderness Areas

Torngat Mountains National Park

Torngat Mountains National Park, established in 2005, protects 9,700 square kilometers of Arctic tundra, glacial valleys, and mountain peaks in northern Labrador. The park is accessible only by chartered aircraft or boat, with access typically arranged through the park's base camp at Saglek Fjord. The park operates a seasonal base camp providing accommodations and guided excursions from July through August.

The Torngat Mountains feature dramatic peaks exceeding 1,500 meters elevation, coastal fjords, glaciers, and archaeological sites documenting thousands of years of human habitation. Wildlife includes polar bears, caribou, Arctic foxes, and various seabird species. Due to polar bear presence, visitors must participate in supervised programs with trained guides. Activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, cultural experiences with Inuit guides, and photography.

Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve

Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve, finalized in 2015, protects approximately 10,700 square kilometers of boreal forest and subarctic tundra south of Lake Melville. The reserve contains the largest remaining tract of undeveloped forest in eastern North America. Access is challenging, typically requiring boat, aircraft, or snowmobile depending on season. The park is in early stages of development with limited facilities or services.

Historical and Archaeological Sites

Red Bay National Historic Site

Red Bay, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, preserves the remains of a 16th-century Basque whaling station. Between 1530 and 1610, Basque whalers from Spain and France operated stations in the area, processing whale oil for European markets. Archaeological excavations have recovered three whaling vessels, including the San Juan, which sank in the harbor in 1565.

The site's interpretation center displays artifacts from excavations and presents the history of Basque whaling operations. Visitors can view underwater archaeological sites, visit the Saddle Island excavations via boat tour, and explore hiking trails to historic lookout positions. The site operates from June through early October.

Battle Harbour National Historic District

Battle Harbour, located on an island off the southeastern Labrador coast, functioned as the commercial and social capital of the Labrador fishery during the 18th and 19th centuries. The settlement served as a fishing station, merchant premises, and administrative center. The community was abandoned in the 1960s and subsequently restored as a heritage site.

The historic district includes restored buildings, including merchant premises, saltfish stores, a church, and residential structures. The site operates as a seasonal inn and museum from June through September. Access requires ferry service from Mary's Harbour, with crossings scheduled to coordinate with overnight stays.

Point Amour Lighthouse

The Point Amour Lighthouse, built in 1857, stands 33 meters tall and is the tallest lighthouse in Atlantic Canada. The Imperial Towers design lighthouse guided vessels through the Strait of Belle Isle, a historically treacherous passage with strong currents and frequent fog. The lighthouse operated until 1996 and is now maintained as a provincial historic site. Visitors can climb the 122 steps to the top for views of the strait and surrounding coastline.

Cultural Experiences

Indigenous Heritage

Labrador's indigenous peoples include the Innu, Inuit, and Southern Inuit-Métis (NunatuKavut). Happy Valley-Goose Bay serves as a cultural center where visitors can learn about indigenous history and contemporary culture. The Labrador Interpretation Centre in North West River presents exhibits on indigenous life, European contact, and the region's natural history.

Hopedale contains the Hopedale Mission National Historic Site, established by Moravian missionaries in 1782 as the second Moravian mission in Labrador. The site includes restored buildings and presents the history of Moravian missionary activity and interaction with Inuit communities. Nain, the northernmost community in Labrador accessible by road, offers opportunities to experience Inuit culture and serves as a departure point for explorations further north.

Outdoor Recreation

Hiking and Backpacking

Labrador offers extensive wilderness hiking opportunities, though most areas lack maintained trails. The Eagle River Canyon Trail near Mary's Harbour provides a 13-kilometer return hike to a remarkable river canyon. The Wonderstrands near Battle Harbour feature sand beaches extending for several kilometers. Hiking in Labrador's wilderness requires appropriate navigation skills, equipment, and preparation for changing weather conditions.

Fishing and Hunting

Labrador's rivers and lakes offer fishing opportunities for brook trout, Arctic char, Atlantic salmon, northern pike, and lake trout. The Eagle River supports Atlantic salmon fishing, while numerous lakes and rivers throughout the region provide trout fishing. Hunting for caribou, moose, black bear, and migratory birds draws sport hunters, with seasons and licensing requirements managed by provincial authorities. Outfitters and lodges operate in various locations, providing guided fishing and hunting services.

Winter Activities

Winter in Labrador, while extreme, offers opportunities for snowmobiling, ice fishing, and northern lights viewing. Snowmobile trails connect communities and provide access to remote areas. The northern lights are visible from September through April, with optimal viewing during dark winter months. Winter tourism requires appropriate cold-weather preparation and knowledge of extreme weather risks.

Communities and Services

Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Happy Valley-Goose Bay, with a population of approximately 8,000, serves as the main service center for central Labrador. The community offers hotels, restaurants, shops, and services. The community developed around a military airbase established during World War II. Goose Bay Airport provides air connections to other parts of the province and Canada.

Labrador West

Labrador City and Wabush form the Labrador West region near the Quebec border. These mining communities developed around iron ore operations and maintain year-round populations with full services. The region serves as a gateway for visitors arriving from Quebec via highway.

Labrador Straits

Communities along the Labrador Straits, including L'Anse-au-Clair, Forteau, and Red Bay, offer tourist services during summer months. Accommodations include hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds. The region is accessible via ferry from Newfoundland, with Marine Atlantic operating seasonal service between St. Barbe and Blanc-Sablon.

Access and Transportation

Access to Labrador requires air travel or driving the Trans-Labrador Highway. Air services connect Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Wabush, and several coastal communities to other parts of the province. The Marine Atlantic ferry provides seasonal vehicle access between the island of Newfoundland and the Labrador Straits. Provincial Airlines and Air Borealis operate scheduled flights to coastal communities. Northern communities are accessible primarily by air or seasonal boat service, with winter ice roads occasionally providing surface access.

Travel Planning and Considerations

Travel in Labrador requires careful planning due to limited services, remote locations, and challenging conditions. Travelers should book accommodations in advance, particularly during summer months. Vehicle travel requires attention to fuel planning, as service stations are widely spaced. Emergency supplies, appropriate clothing for variable weather, and communication devices are essential. Cell phone coverage is limited outside major communities.

Black flies and mosquitoes are prevalent from late May through July in forested areas, requiring insect protection. Weather can change rapidly, with summer temperatures ranging from cool to warm, and fog common along coastal areas. Wildlife, including bears and moose, requires appropriate precautions and awareness. Visitors should inform others of travel plans when venturing into remote areas. Tourism operators and outfitters can provide guidance and services for specific activities and destinations.

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