The heritage of the Labrador Straits is portrayed at four interpretation centres in our region.

RECEIVE AN orientation to our region at the Gateway to the Straits Visitor Centrein L'Anse au Clair. This building was the community's first church (built in 1909 by volunteers) and is now restored for use as a welcome centre.

Amongst the many displays at the Gateway is the Labrador Straits Heritage Quilt, a patchwork quilt depicting local heritage that was made by women from all the local communities.

THE LABRADOR STRAITS Museum offers a rare chance to examine artifacts related to the people's way of life on the Labrador coast in earlier times. A special attraction is the 10-foot long komatik, a type of sleigh still used by local people for winter wood hauling and recreation. The Labrador Straits museum has recently been renovated and a new exhibit theme, "150 Years On the Labrador", portrays the lifestyle of early settlers, the growth of today's permanent communities and the development of the Labradorian identity.

BUILT IN THE 1850s to serve a new steamship route through the Strait of Belle Isle, Point Amour lighthouse is the tallest in Atlantic Canada. Now designated a Provincial Historic Site, the lighthouse has been restored and renovated. Extensive exhibits portray the maritime history of our region.

The lighthouse is situated in one of the most beautiful areas of the Strait of Belle Isle. It is well worth the energetic climb up the 122 steps of the lighthouse tower for the spectacular view of the surrounding land and seascape. The tower measures 109 feet from the ground to the light and 125 feet to the silver tip of the brass lightning rod. The walls are 6.5 feet thick at the base, tapering towards the top.

See our Point Amour Lighthouse page for more information and also visit the Point Amour Lighthouse website.

THE RESULTS OF 15 years of archaeology at 16th century Basque whaling stations are presented in extensive exhibits at the Red Bay Visitor Centre. View a feature video, The Basque Whalers of Labrador, and embark on a short boat ride to Saddle Island for a tour of archaeological sites. Red Bay is now a National Historic Site and in the future may be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

See the Basque Whaling page for more information.