Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve

Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve is one of Canada's newest and most remote protected areas, encompassing a vast wilderness of boreal forest, rugged tundra, and pristine lakes in Labrador. This park offers intrepid travelers a chance to experience true solitude and untouched landscapes, with opportunities for backcountry hiking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing in a setting that feels like the edge of the world. It's a place for those seeking an authentic, off-the-grid adventure.

Highlights & What to See

• Mealy Mountains Massif – The park's namesake, this dramatic mountain range rises sharply from the surrounding plateau, offering challenging hikes and panoramic views of the Labrador wilderness.
• Lake Melville & the Churchill River – Paddle these vast waterways, where you might spot caribou, black bears, and bald eagles along the shores.
• Boreal Forest & Tundra – Traverse the transition zone between dense spruce forests and arctic tundra, a unique ecosystem that supports rare plants and wildlife.
• Northern Lights – Due to its latitude and lack of light pollution, the park offers exceptional aurora borealis viewing from late summer through early spring.
• Indigenous Heritage – The area is traditionally used by the Innu and Inuit peoples; respectful exploration includes learning about their deep connection to this land.

Suggested Time to Spend

Given its remoteness and the need for careful planning, allocate at least 3–5 days for a meaningful visit. This allows time for a multi-day canoe trip or a backcountry hiking expedition into the mountains. Most visitors access the park via floatplane or boat from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, so factor in travel time. The park has no developed facilities, so self-sufficiency is essential.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Happy Valley-Goose Bay – The main gateway community, where you can arrange permits, gear rentals, and transportation into the park.
• Churchill Falls – A stunning 75-meter waterfall on the Churchill River, accessible by a detour on the Trans-Labrador Highway.
• Torngat Mountains National Park – Further north, this park offers even more dramatic Arctic landscapes and is accessible via charter flight from Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
• Labrador Straits – The coastal region south of the park, rich in Viking history and whale-watching opportunities.
• Red Bay National Historic Site – A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring Basque whaling stations from the 16th century, located on the Strait of Belle Isle.

Please check official sources for current details.