Labrador City

The main hub for exploring Labrador's vast wilderness and mining heritage, offering access to pristine northern landscapes. It's a gateway for adventure tourism including hiking, fishing, and experiencing subarctic ecosystems and indigenous cultures.

Things to do

• Explore the Iron Ore Discovery Centre — Learn about the region's mining heritage and geological history through exhibits showcasing the iron ore industry that built the city.
• Hike the Labrador City Nature Trails — Trek through subarctic boreal forests and tundra landscapes on well-maintained trails offering views of pristine wilderness and local wildlife.
• Fish the Wabush Lake — Try freshwater fishing for brook trout and northern pike in this accessible lake system near the city, a favourite spot for both locals and visitors.
• Visit the Menihek Lakes — Camp, canoe, and fish at this series of interconnected lakes offering excellent access to Labrador's remote backcountry.
• Experience Innu Cultural Encounters — Engage with local Innu First Nations communities through guided cultural experiences, traditional crafts, and storytelling about indigenous heritage.
• Take a Helicopter or Bush Plane Tour — Gain aerial perspective of Labrador's vast tundra, waterfalls, and untouched wilderness inaccessible by road.

Food to try

• Arctic Char — Fresh locally-caught arctic char, typically grilled or smoked, showcasing the region's pristine freshwater fishing traditions.
• Labrador Tea — A traditional indigenous-inspired herbal tea brewed from wild plants found throughout the subarctic landscape, served in local cafés and homes.
• Partridge (Ptarmigan) Stew — A hearty traditional dish featuring wild game birds stewed with root vegetables, reflecting Labrador's hunting heritage.
• Seal Meat Dishes — Traditional preparations of seal meat, often braised or dried, representing historic Inuit and Innu food practices still honoured locally.

Local customs & good to know

• Embrace the Subarctic Pace — Life here moves deliberately with seasons and weather; visitors should be flexible with plans and embrace the slower, weather-dependent rhythm of northern living.
• Respect Indigenous Presence — The Innu First Nations have deep historical and ongoing ties to the land; approach cultural sites and interactions with genuine respect and humility.
• Prepare for Extreme Weather — Despite summer visits, bring layered clothing and rain gear even in warmer months, as subarctic conditions change rapidly and can be unpredictable.
• Support Local Outfitters — Hire local guides and book accommodations with community-based operators to contribute meaningfully to the local economy and gain authentic insider knowledge.