The Labrador journey began a few km beyond the place of disembarkation and overnight stay, which was Blanc Sablon. From the border, Highway No. 510 leads, and it is more than 600 km long. Actually, for us, it was the first road in Canada without potholes, holes, and unevenness. We had almost forgotten that quality roads exist. And it is a surprise for us. We knew that in 2022, the asphalt on both Labrador Highways was completed, covering almost 1.200 km. So not only Hwy 510, but also Hwy 500, but we did not expect such quality. The second thing we knew about was related to the mobile signal. Except for the first 70 km, there was actually none. And so we praise the small antenna on the roof of Starlink, which gives us internet even while driving and at unprecedented speeds.
The first 70 km leads along the coast with views of the bays. After turning inland, the landscape had a winter feel, with snowfields and frozen lakes.
In the last third of the journey, spring was in the area with fresh greenery starting to appear, but no flowers yet. The wild and untouched nature we passed through enchanted us. It is a pity that there is still a lack of tourist infrastructure, such as hiking trails, rest areas, parks, and other attractions.
On Hwy 510 to Happy Valley – Goose Bay, we filled the tank with diesel from the reserve tank, which is a necessity to carry in this part of Canada.
Labrador’s two asphalt-quality roads provide just an interesting road trip. And for us, a small personal record – we have never traveled through such a remote country. On this first 600 km-long section to Happy Valley Goose Bay, we met approximately 5 trucks, 5 campers, and 15 cars. Plus one bear, who was faster than our fingers. More photos of Labrador Highway 510.
After arriving in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, we were nervous for a while because the first gas station didn’t exist, the second didn’t have diesel, and only the third one gave us juice to continue our journey. Hurray! But while we were refueling, a woman ran up to us and told us more unpleasant news. Forest fires had broken out in Churchill Falls, 300 km away, and Highway 500 might be closed. We had no idea what was going on. Given this information and the fact that the town itself didn’t seem very welcoming, we checked into a campground, Gosling Park, 15 km away, saying we would wait for developments.
And thanks to our own internet source, we looked at all the available reports, which confirmed that the village of Churchill Falls had been evacuated and Highway 500 towards it had been closed. In addition, the forest fire had jumped the Churchill River and was threatening the power plant that supplies electricity not only to Labrador, but also to neighboring Quebec, where lines were forming at gas stations. We didn’t expect such a scenario. As we learned from the news, the deficit of snow in winter, together with high temperatures, is causing forest fires in several provinces. Uff…there is nothing left but to wait for further developments. The campsite was not bad, but not to our taste either. Filled with local long-term residents in trailers. We were the only ones in the travelers category.
After spending the night at the campground, we made our stay in Labrador more enjoyable by visiting the North River Interpretive Center. It significantly exceeded our expectations. We were the only visitors, and so we got a more detailed oral explanation from a local assistant in addition to the exhibition tour.
More photos of the North River Interpretive Center.
When the forest fires were extinguished, Highway 500, which leads from Happy Valley-Goose Bay to Labrador City, was opened, and we were able to set off west. The surrounding landscape changed, taking on a more sandy feel. And as we approached Churchill Falls, more dry trees and later burnt areas were visible. The fire – now only traces of it – approached the power plant along the road to a few hundred meters. In the village, we filled up with diesel from a tanker and continued toward Labrador City. The asphalt was still of good quality.
About 200 km before Labrador City, we crossed the Churchill River, the condition of which surprised us. Near Happy Valley, a mighty, fierce river… here, a tiny riverbed deep down below us. A few kilometers after the bridge over the Churchill River, we parked at a rest area. First, a smaller local resident came to check on us, and a few minutes later, one of the larger ones… We had originally intended to get out of the car, but we stayed in its safety. And in the morning, the bear came to say goodbye. Nice of him. More photos of Labrador Highway 500.
At the end of Hwy 500, we arrived in the capital, Labrador City. We were very happy to stock up at the local shopping center. And towards the end of the day, we moved to the neighboring province of Québec. On its territory we found not only poor quality gravel roads again, but also something positive – in the mining town of Fermont a relatively pleasant official place to spend the night in a motorhome. They allow 48 hours to stay for free.
After a pleasant overnight stay on the outskirts of Fermont, the biggest driving challenge so far awaited us: road 389, the only one that leads from Labrador to the south.
May 2025