MUSEUMS AND HISTORIC SITES

Explore the history of Labrador, from the beginnings of human habitation 9000 years ago to the industrialization of the Labrador hinterland.

Point Amour Light: At 109 feet it is the tallest lighthouse in Atlantic Canada, and the second-tallest in the country. It has been guiding ships throught the dangerous Strait of Belle Isle since it was completed in 1858.

Maritime Archaic Burial Mound, L'Anse Amour: The Maritime Archaic people were the first inhabitants of Labrador, nine millenia ago. This mysterious burial mound is the grave of a child who died 7,500 years ago—the oldest burial site in the New World. A designated Site of National Historic Significance.

Point Amour Lighthouse, Point Amour: The tallest lighthouse in the Atlantic provinces, and the second-tallest in Canada. Opened in 1858 as one of a chain of lights built by the Canadian government to improve shipping safety in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Strait of Belle Isle. A designated Provincial Historic Site. 1.709.927.5826

Labrador Straits Museum, L'Anse au Loup: Exhibits illustrate the 19th- and 20th-century history of the Labrador Straits region. 1.709.931.2067

World Whaling Capital, Red Bay: Red Bay was the principal harbour for whalers from the Basque region of Spain and France during the 16th century. The newly-opened Visitors Centre showcases the exciting archaeological finds in Red Bay and on the bottom of its harbour which revealed the extent of Basque whaling in the Strait of Belle Isle. A designated National Historic Site. 1.709.920.2197

Battle Harbour: The historic unofficial 'Capital of Labrador', the historic premises at Battle Harbour have been restored to their 19th-century appearance. Several of the buildings date to the late 18th century. This remarkable monument to the fishing heritage of the Labrador coast can be toured from neighbouring communities, with accomodations available for overnight stays. 1.709.921.6216

Cartwright: Visit the Flagstaff Hill where George Cartwright watched the weather, the ice... and the American privateers who ruined him. A memorial to the 18th-century trader stands in the old cemetery overlooking the site of his residence, "Caribou Castle".

Hopedale: The story of the Moravian Mission in Labrador comes alive at the Mission complex.

Moravian Mission, Hopedale: The oldest frame buildings in Canada east of Quebec City. Dating from 1782, the Mission complex includes the church, stores, residence and other buildings. A designate Site of National Historic Significance. 1.709.933.3777

Piulimatsivik, Nain: "The Place Where the Old Things Are Kept," the Nain Museum hosts a fascinating collection of artifacts. The collection includes items of Inuit manufacture, and articles documenting the Moravian presence in northern Labrador. 1.709.922.2327

Moravian Mission, Hebron: The Moravian Mission at Hebron occupies a beautiful site among the mountains and fjords of northern Labrador, in the middle of the proposed Torngat Mountains National Park. Hebron was established in 1829, and operated until it was abandoned in 1959. Accessible by boat or plane from Nain. A designated site of National Historic Significance.1.709.623.2601

Grand Lake: Departure point for the ill-fated 1903 expedition of Leonidas Hubbard. The view "up the Lake" from the site of the new Labrador Interpretation Centre in North West River.

Labrador Interpretation Centre, North West River: Dedicated by HM Queen Elizabeth II in June, 1997. The Labrador Interpretation Center will house exhibits illustrating the rich history of the entire Labrador region. Located on Lakeview Drive, left from the North West River Bridge.

Labrador Heritage Museum, Happy Valley-Goose Bay: Exhibits illustrate the prehistory of Labrador, the fur trade, and the ill-fated Leonidas Hubbard expedition. Located on the North Side, Goose Bay. 1.709.497.8779

Labrador Institute of Northern Studies, Happy Valley-Goose Bay: Displays of archival photographs of 19th-century Labrador, Stephen Hamilton watercolours, and traditional Labrador grasswork. 114 Hamilton River Road, Happy Valley. 1.709.896.2978

Vulcan Bomber, Goose Bay: The U.K. Royal Air Force trained the Vulcan Bomber out of Goose Bay during the 1970s. It is one of two aircraft on display in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, monuments to the town's rich military aviation heritage.

Static Aircraft Displays, Happy Valley-Goose Bay: Aircraft are on display at the entrance to Happy Valley, and at the access road to the passenger terminal.

Them Days, Happy Valley-Goose Bay: This non-profit organization publishes Them Days magazine, a quarterly devoted to Labrador history. An archive of Labrador historical and genealogical records can be consulted by appointment. 3 Courtemanche Street, Happy Valley. 1.709.896.8531 or themdays@cancom.net

Northern Lights Military Museum, Happy Valley-Goose Bay: Artifacts from the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, World War I and World War II. 1.709.896.5939

Hydroelectric Plant, Churchill Falls: Tours of the giant underground hydroelectric plant at Churchill Falls can be arranged by calling 1.709.925.8310

Height of Land Heritage Centre, Labrador City: Operated by the Labrador West Heritage Society, tours are by appointment. 1.709.944.2568

Iron Ore Mines, Labrador West: Tours can be arranged of the enormous open-pit iron ore mines that are the lifeblood of Labrador West. 1.709.282.3337

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