Strait of Belle Isle

Strait of Belle Isle is a wild, windswept channel between Newfoundland and Labrador, where the cold Labrador Current meets the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This remote stretch of coastline offers dramatic seascapes, abundant icebergs, and a profound sense of isolation. It’s a place for travellers who crave raw nature, whale watching, and the chance to follow in the footsteps of early explorers and Indigenous peoples.

Highlights & What to See

• Iceberg Alley – From late spring to early summer, colossal icebergs drift through the strait, calved from Greenland glaciers. The best land-based viewing is from Point Amour or L'Anse-au-Loup.
• Point Amour Lighthouse – One of the tallest lighthouses in Atlantic Canada, offering panoramic views and a small museum on maritime history.
• L'Anse aux Meadows – A UNESCO World Heritage site, this 11th-century Viking settlement is the only authenticated Norse site in North America, just a short drive from the strait.
• Red Bay National Historic Site – A 16th-century Basque whaling station on the Labrador side, with well-preserved artefacts and interpretive trails.
• Whale Watching – Humpback, minke, and fin whales frequent the nutrient-rich waters; boat tours operate from St. Anthony and Red Bay.
• Battleship Island – A striking rock formation near L'Anse-au-Loup, perfect for photography and spotting seabirds.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate at least two full days to explore the strait properly, with a third day if you want to add L'Anse aux Meadows or Red Bay. The area is best visited between June and September when roads are clear and ferry services run regularly. Start from the Newfoundland side (St. Anthony) and cross via the ferry from St. Barbe to Blanc-Sablon; this allows a loop drive through southern Labrador and back. Mornings are best for iceberg viewing as light angles are optimal.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• St. Anthony – Gateway town with a replica of a Viking longboat, hiking trails, and a base for boat tours.
• Gros Morne National Park – A spectacular UNESCO site with fjords, tablelands, and hiking, about 4 hours south.
• Battle Harbour – A beautifully restored historic fishing village on an island in Labrador, reachable by ferry from Mary's Harbour.
• L'Anse-au-Loup to Blanc-Sablon – The coastal drive offers constant views of the strait and icebergs, with short walks to lighthouses and beaches.
• Quebec's Lower North Shore – Remote communities like Harrington Harbour and Tête-à-la-Baleine, accessible by ferry from Blanc-Sablon.

Please check official sources for current details.