Labrador StraitsNatural Attractions
Here is a sample of the natural attractions of the Labrador Straits region. Check out our Summer Activities and Winter Activities pages for more ideas of things to do in the Labrador outdoors!
A steady in the Pinware River (photo by D. Robbins, July 2001)
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Pinware River
FLOWING FROM THE interior of Labrador, the Pinware River creates a sheltered, fertile valley that is home to a dense growth of spruce, fir and birch trees. The valley's mixed forest environment contrasts sharply with the surrounding barrens.
The lower river is wide and swift-flowing, emptying into a shallow estuary at the mouth. A bridge crosses the river 9 km from the mouth, affording spectacular views of the river cascading over swift rapids 70 feet below. The river is world famous for its salmon angling. The best angling occurs in the lower gorge area near the bridge where several sports angling camps are located.
The lower river is wide and swift-flowing, emptying into a shallow estuary at the mouth. A bridge crosses the river 9 km from the mouth, affording spectacular views of the river cascading over swift rapids 70 feet below. The river is world famous for its salmon angling. The best angling occurs in the lower gorge area near the bridge where several sports angling camps are located.
Entrance to Pinware River Park (photo by D. Robbins, August 2002)
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Pinware River Provincial Park
ANY CAMPER LOOKING FOR peace and tranquillity will thoroughly enjoy staying at Pinware Provincial Park, located at the mouth of the Pinware River. The park has 15 campsites, 25 picnic tables, fireplaces, bathroom facilities and drinking water. It also has a beautiful sandy beach, which is great for a stroll at any time of the day. There are changing rooms available for swimmers. Pinware Provincial Park is usually open from June to September.
A twin-peaked iceberg is driven onshore at English Pt by a SW wind (photo by D. Robbins, July 2001)
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Icebergs
ICEBERGS ARE COMMON in the Strait of Belle Isle during late spring and early summer. Originating in the high Arctic and Greenland, these mountains of floating ice are spectacular as they drift south on the cold Labrador Current to melt in the warmer waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Icebergs are often of immense size and may reach a height of 90 to 150 m (about 300 to 500 ft) above the surface of the sea. Yet about 90 percent of the mass of an iceberg remains beneath the surface.
Most coastal vantage points are good locations for iceberg watching. The tides and currents near Point Amour lighthouse make it a prime location.
Icebergs are often of immense size and may reach a height of 90 to 150 m (about 300 to 500 ft) above the surface of the sea. Yet about 90 percent of the mass of an iceberg remains beneath the surface.
Most coastal vantage points are good locations for iceberg watching. The tides and currents near Point Amour lighthouse make it a prime location.
Northern Lights
THE NORTHERN LIGHTS, or Aurora Borealis, are frequently seen in the Labrador Straits during fall and winter as a broad display of rather faint light in the night skies. There are many colours, with white, green, yellow, and red predominating. The aurora appears in a wide variety of forms:
Scientists tell us that auroral displays occur when charged particles from the sun interact with gases in the earth's atmosphere. Canada's aboriginal peoples possess a rich store of cultural beliefs regarding the Northern Lights. Whatever the explanation, the shapes, movement and colours of the Northern Lights are extremely beautiful.
- Sometimes as a quiet glow, almost fog-like in character
- As vertical streamers with considerable motion
- As a series of luminous expanding arcs
- As curtains, fans, flames, or streamers of various shapes.
Scientists tell us that auroral displays occur when charged particles from the sun interact with gases in the earth's atmosphere. Canada's aboriginal peoples possess a rich store of cultural beliefs regarding the Northern Lights. Whatever the explanation, the shapes, movement and colours of the Northern Lights are extremely beautiful.