Labrador Straits Drive

The Labrador Straits Drive is a spectacular coastal route along the Strait of Belle Isle, offering a raw and rugged slice of Newfoundland and Labrador. This 300-kilometer stretch from L'Anse-au-Clair to Red Bay is a journey through dramatic seascapes, ancient Viking history, and vibrant outport communities. With the sea on one side and the imposing Mealy Mountains on the other, it's a place where icebergs drift past, whales breach, and the quiet resilience of coastal life is palpable. The drive is a feast for the senses: salt spray, cries of seabirds, and the sight of tiny fishing villages clinging to the rocky shore.

Highlights & What to See

• Red Bay National Historic Site – A UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing 16th-century Basque whaling stations, with a world-class interpretation centre and preserved chalupas and galleons.
• L'Anse Amour National Historic Site – The oldest known burial mound in North America (over 7,500 years old) and a beautifully restored lighthouse offering sweeping coastal views.
• Point Amour Lighthouse – Climb Canada’s tallest lighthouse (31 metres) for panoramic vistas of the Labrador coast and, on clear days, the distant mountains of Quebec.
• Battle Harbour National Historic District – A restored 19th-century fishing village on an island, accessed by ferry, where you can step back into the saltfish era and wander the boardwalks.
• Iceberg Alley – From late spring to early summer, massive icebergs drift by the coast; best viewed from shore near St. Lewis or Mary’s Harbour.
• Pinware River Provincial Park – A gem for kayaking, fishing (Atlantic salmon), and hiking through boreal forest, with an excellent beach for a picnic.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for a minimum of three to four days to fully experience the drive without rushing. The 300 km can be driven in a day, but the real rewards come from stopping at every historic site, hiking a coastal trail, and waiting for a sunset over the strait. Many travellers spend a week here, combining the drive with a ferry crossing to Blanc-Sablon, Quebec, and exploring the adjacent Pinware River area. Accommodation ranges from B&Bs in small communities to wilderness cabins, so book ahead in summer.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• L'Anse-au-Clair – The southern gateway, with the Labrador Straits Museum and a lovely sandy beach.
• Forteau – A quiet community with a historic church and excellent views of the strait.
• L'Anse-au-Loup – Known for its community museum and proximity to the Pinware River.
• Mary's Harbour – The departure point for the Battle Harbour ferry and a good spot for iceberg watching.
• St. Lewis – A remote fishing village at the northern end of the drive, with a historic lighthouse and seabird colonies.
• Blanc-Sablon, Quebec – Just across the provincial border, offering additional hiking and the ferry to Newfoundland’s Great Northern Peninsula.

Please check official sources for current details.