Trans Labrador Highway

The Trans Labrador Highway is one of Canada's most epic road trips, a rugged ribbon of asphalt and gravel that slices through the raw, untamed wilderness of Labrador. This is not a drive for the faint-hearted—it's a journey into a land of boreal forests, endless rivers, and coastal fjords, where moose and black bears outnumber people. The highway links the remote communities of Labrador and offers a rare chance to experience true solitude and the stark beauty of the North.

Highlights & What to See

• Churchill Falls – Marvel at one of the world's largest underground powerhouses and the dramatic 75-metre falls (best viewed from the air or a guided tour).
• Red Bay National Historic Site – A UNESCO World Heritage site, this 16th-century Basque whaling station offers fascinating history and coastal scenery.
• Battle Harbour – A restored fishing village on an island, accessible by ferry, that feels like a living museum of Labrador's maritime past.
• Pinus River – A prime spot for fishing (Atlantic salmon) and kayaking in the heart of the wilderness.
• Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve – A vast, untouched landscape of peaks and tundra, perfect for backcountry hiking and wildlife spotting.
• L'Anse-au-Clair – The southern terminus of the highway, where you can dip your toes in the Strait of Belle Isle and spot icebergs.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least 5–7 days for the full 1,100-kilometre stretch from L'Anse-au-Clair to Labrador City, though many travellers take two weeks to explore side trips. The highway is mostly gravel east of Churchill Falls, so allow extra time for slower driving and unexpected stops. Break the journey at Happy Valley-Goose Bay, the main hub, and consider a detour to the coast at Cartwright or the remote Torngat Mountains.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site – The only confirmed Viking settlement in North America, a 2-hour drive from the highway's southern end.
• Gros Morne National Park – A UNESCO site in western Newfoundland, reachable via a short ferry from Blanc-Sablon.
• Twillingate – A charming fishing town in Newfoundland known for icebergs and whale watching.
• St. Anthony – Gateway to the Northern Peninsula and the Viking Trail.
• Labrador City – The western end of the highway, a mining town with access to the Churchill River.

Please check official sources for current details.