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Nunatsiavut
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Nunatsiavut offers Inuit culture, remote coastal communities, Arctic wildlife and the formidable fjords of Labrador’s Torngat Mountains.

Nunatsiavut is the self-governing Inuit region of northern Labrador, a vast sub-Arctic landscape of fjords, tundra, islands and mountains facing the Labrador Sea. Its name means “Our Beautiful Land” in Inuttitut, and the region is home to five Inuit communities: Nain, Hopedale, Makkovik, Postville and Rigolet. There are no connecting roads between them, so travel here follows the coast, the air routes and the rhythms of weather and sea ice rather than a conventional highway itinerary.
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Nain, the administrative capital and northernmost community, is an important base for exploring the coast and for organised journeys towards the Torngat Mountains. Southwards, Hopedale has a long Moravian mission history, Makkovik retains strong links with Labrador’s coastal trading and fishing heritage, Postville lies inland on the Kaipokok River, and Rigolet occupies a dramatic position near the entrance to Lake Melville. Each community has its own setting, history and local character, while Inuit culture, Inuttitut language, family connections and close knowledge of the land provide a shared regional foundation.
The region’s landscapes are defined by exposed rock, low Arctic vegetation, freshwater lakes, coastal barrens and deep inlets. In the north, the Torngat Mountains rise in serrated layers from the sea, with valleys and fjords shaped by glaciation. Torngat Mountains National Park is a place for carefully planned wilderness travel, cultural learning and wildlife observation rather than casual sightseeing. Polar bears, black bears, caribou, whales and seabirds may be encountered, but the environment demands experienced guides, appropriate equipment and respect for rapidly changing conditions.
Nunatsiavut’s history is visible in more than ruins and historic buildings. Archaeological sites record earlier Inuit and Indigenous settlement, while mission stations and cemeteries reflect the profound changes brought by European contact and Moravian activity from the eighteenth century onwards. Community museums, cultural programmes, local interpretation and conversations with residents can offer more meaningful insight than viewing the region solely as a wilderness destination.
Food and hospitality are closely connected to the land and sea. Arctic char, trout, seal, wild berries, game, bannock and other country foods may appear in local contexts, although availability varies by season and community. Visitors should plan carefully, allow extra time for weather disruption and arrange accommodation, guiding and transport well in advance. Nunatsiavut rewards patient travel: its significance lies in the relationship between people, coast and country as much as in its dramatic scenery.

When is the best time to visit Nunatsiavut?

Best: June–August · 14–17°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-1465
February-1260
March-655
April345
May845
June (best)1455
July (best)1765
August (best)1675
September1375
October665
November060
December-965

Getting to and around Nunatsiavut

How to get there

Most visitors reach Nunatsiavut by air from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, the main regional gateway in Labrador, with onward flights to communities such as Nain, Hopedale, Makkovik, Postville and Rigolet subject to changing schedules and weather. Happy Valley-Goose Bay is outside Nunatsiavut and is commonly reached through larger Canadian airports. Seasonal marine travel may be possible along the coast, but passenger and cargo arrangements vary, so visitors should confirm current services directly before planning an itinerary. There are no public roads connecting the five communities.

Transportation

Travel within Nunatsiavut is organised around aircraft, boats, snowmobiles and locally arranged vehicles rather than a conventional public-transport network. Walking is practical within many communities, but distances, terrain and weather can make local guidance valuable. Boat travel is important in summer, while sea ice and winter conditions influence movement at other times of year. Independent travel into remote country is unsuitable without proper communications, navigation, equipment and wildlife planning; use experienced local guides or an organised expedition for the Torngat Mountains and other isolated areas.

Best attractions in Nunatsiavut

Nunatsiavut’s attractions are primarily cultural and wilderness-based rather than built for mass tourism. The Torngat Mountains National Park, on the region’s far northern coast, is the defining destination: its fjords, steep valleys, glaciated summits and wildlife are generally experienced through guided boat journeys, expedition camps or carefully organised flights. The coast around Nain and the northern Labrador fjords offers opportunities for sea-kayaking, boating, hiking and wildlife observation when conditions permit. In the communities, local interpretation, museums, cultural programmes and conversations with residents provide insight into Inuit history, land use and contemporary life. Hopedale is particularly significant for its Moravian mission heritage, while Makkovik and Rigolet reveal different aspects of Labrador’s coastal settlement history. Archaeological sites, historic cemeteries and former seasonal places are important, but many are protected, fragile or difficult to access and should not be treated as informal sightseeing stops. Activities depend heavily on weather, season, local permissions and experienced guidance.

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Best landmarks in Nunatsiavut

The Torngat Mountains are Nunatsiavut’s most recognisable natural landmark, rising in stark ridges and deep valleys along the Labrador Sea. Their significance is geological, ecological and cultural, and the landscape is inseparable from Inuit knowledge and travel traditions. Hopedale Mission National Historic Site is the region’s principal architectural landmark, preserving buildings and traces associated with the Moravian mission established on the coast in the eighteenth century. Historic churches, cemeteries and settlement buildings in communities such as Nain, Makkovik and Rigolet reflect successive periods of Inuit, mission, trading and governmental history, although individual structures may have restricted access or changing preservation conditions. The fjords, islands and harbour approaches around the five communities are landmarks in their own right: they explain why settlements developed where they did and how travel has long depended on the sea. Visitors should view archaeological and historic places through authorised interpretation and avoid disturbing fragile remains.

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Best restaurants in Nunatsiavut

Nunatsiavut does not have a conventional restaurant scene or a dense choice of cafés; dining is shaped by small community services, accommodation providers, local hosts and the availability of supplies arriving by air or sea. Arctic char, trout, seal, caribou and other country foods may be encountered in homes, community events or arranged cultural experiences, alongside imported groceries and familiar Canadian dishes. Bannock and berry preserves are associated with northern and Labrador foodways, while bakeapples and partridge berries are valued seasonal ingredients rather than guaranteed menu items. Inuttitut and Labrador Inuit food traditions are best understood through respectful local interpretation, especially where harvesting, sharing and seasonal knowledge are involved. Visitors should arrange meals in advance when travelling outside the main gateway, disclose dietary requirements early and carry suitable provisions for delays. Food availability varies considerably between communities and seasons.

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Best bars in Nunatsiavut

Nunatsiavut has no large nightclub circuit, and evening life is centred on homes, community gatherings, local events and the limited hospitality facilities available in each settlement. Visitors are more likely to encounter conversation, music, cultural programming or a community activity than a late-night entertainment district. Restaurants and licensed venues, where present, operate on a small scale and may have changing schedules, so expectations should remain flexible. Evenings in summer bring long daylight, while winter darkness and weather influence movement and social routines. Alcohol regulations and availability may differ from larger Canadian towns, and visitors should follow local rules rather than assuming that southern nightlife conventions apply. The most meaningful evening experiences usually come through arrangements made with local hosts, cultural organisations or accommodation providers.

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Best nightclubs in Nunatsiavut

Nunatsiavut has no large nightclub circuit, and evening life is centred on homes, community gatherings, local events and the limited hospitality facilities available in each settlement. Visitors are more likely to encounter conversation, music, cultural programming or a community activity than a late-night entertainment district. Restaurants and licensed venues, where present, operate on a small scale and may have changing schedules, so expectations should remain flexible. Evenings in summer bring long daylight, while winter darkness and weather influence movement and social routines. Alcohol regulations and availability may differ from larger Canadian towns, and visitors should follow local rules rather than assuming that southern nightlife conventions apply. The most meaningful evening experiences usually come through arrangements made with local hosts, cultural organisations or accommodation providers.

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Best shops in Nunatsiavut

Shopping in Nunatsiavut is practical and community-based rather than centred on large retail areas. Small local stores provide essential groceries, clothing and household goods, but stock, delivery times and payment facilities can vary, so visitors should bring specialist outdoor equipment and important personal supplies from the gateway. Authentic souvenirs may include Inuit art, carvings, prints, textiles, beadwork and locally made crafts, purchased through recognised artists, community organisations or established local outlets. Ask about provenance and permissions, particularly for materials derived from animals or archaeological sources, and never buy artefacts removed from historic sites. Regional food products such as berry preserves or packaged country-food items may be available seasonally, subject to transport and regulatory requirements. Art and craft purchases can provide direct support to local makers, while respectful conversation about the work is usually more appropriate than bargaining aggressively in small communities.

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Nunatsiavut essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD), as throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and the rest of Canada. Cards and contactless payments may be accepted in established businesses, but connectivity, terminals and supplies can be less dependable in remote communities than in southern cities. Carry some Canadian cash and do not assume that every local service, small purchase or boat arrangement can be paid by card. Exchange money and obtain essential supplies before leaving the main gateway, where possible.
Safety
Nunatsiavut requires more preparation than an ordinary urban or road-based destination. Cold, fog, strong winds, rough seas, limited communications and rapidly changing weather can affect flights and boat journeys. Remote travel also involves risks from uneven ground, cold-water exposure, wildlife and difficult access to medical care. Follow local advice, use suitable clothing and equipment, stay with an experienced guide in wilderness areas, and never approach polar bears or other wildlife. Do not travel on sea ice or open water without reliable local knowledge and appropriate safety arrangements.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 in an emergency where the service is available, for police, fire or ambulance assistance. In remote areas, mobile coverage may be absent and response times can be extended, so organised expeditions should carry satellite communications and a clear evacuation plan. Tell local hosts or guides about your movements, especially when travelling by boat or away from a community. For urgent medical problems, local services may stabilise a patient before evacuation to a larger Labrador facility; travel insurance covering remote evacuation is strongly advisable.
Do's and Don'ts
Do ask permission before photographing people, homes, boats, ceremonies or community events, and listen carefully to local guidance about culturally sensitive places. Do respect archaeological sites, graves, wildlife and privately used land, and take all rubbish away. Do not remove artefacts, bones, stones or other materials from historic or archaeological locations. Dress practically for the weather and follow community rules. Tipping and service etiquette broadly follow Canadian practice, but ask locally when unsure, particularly for guiding, boat travel or cultural programming.
Local Tips
Allow buffer days around flights and boat journeys rather than building a tightly timed itinerary. Ask local hosts about community walks, cultural interpretation and appropriate opportunities to learn about country foods or hunting traditions; availability is seasonal and sometimes private. Nain is a useful base for northern coastal and Torngat-related arrangements, Hopedale is important for mission history, and Rigolet offers access to a distinctive southern Nunatsiavut setting near Lake Melville. Learn a few respectful Inuttitut greetings if taught by local residents, and avoid treating Inuit culture as a performance staged for visitors.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloUva[oo-vah]
GoodbyeUvaq[oo-vahk]
YesAagju[ahg-joo]
NoAagjuq[ahg-jook]
Please/You're welcomeMaqtuk[mahk-took]
Thank youQujannamiik[koo-yah-nah-meek]
Excuse me/SorryUvvaqtuq[oo-vahk-took]
How are you?Qanuippit?[kah-nuip-pit]
Fine. And you?Niqin. Qanuippit?[nee-keen. kah-nuip-pit]
Do you speak English?Inglisimiq?[in-gli-si-mik]
I don't understandNukik anirniq[noo-kik ah-neer-nik]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMaqtuk, uvaqtuq menu.[mahk-took, oo-vahk-took men-oo]
I don't eat meatNukik niqituq aaniq.[noo-kik nee-kee-took ah-nee-k]
Cheers!Uvaq![oo-vahk]
I would like to pay, pleaseMaqtuk, uvaqtuq atuaq.[mahk-took, oo-vahk-took ah-too-ak]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Uvaq![oo-vahk]
Go away!Qallun![kah-lun]
Call the Police!Qallun Police![kah-lun po-lees]
Call a doctor!Qallun doctor![kah-lun doc-tor]
I'm lostNukik nilluq.[noo-kik nil-luq]
I'm illNukik aaniqtuq.[noo-kik ah-nee-k-took]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Maqtuk, uvaqtuq ...[mahk-took, oo-vahk-took ...]
I'm just lookingNukik soqqaq.[noo-kik soq-qak]
How much is it?Qanuk angiq?[kah-nook ahn-gik]
That's too expensiveAqajuk angiq.[ah-kah-jook ahn-gik]
Can you lower the price?Nukik angiq ikaqtuk?[noo-kik ahn-gik ee-kahk-took]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Qanuk tuniq?[kah-nook too-neek]
It's one o'clockNiqin tuniaq.[nee-keen too-nee-ak]
Half past (10)Maqtuk tuqik (10).[mahk-took too-kik (ten)]
MorningUvaqtuq[oo-vahk-took]
AfternoonUvaqtuq[oo-vahk-took]
EveningUvaqtuq[oo-vahk-took]
YesterdayUvvaq.[oo-vahk]
TodayUvvaq.[oo-vahk]
TomorrowUvvaq.[oo-vahk]
11[one]
22[two]
33[three]
44[four]
55[five]
66[six]
77[seven]
88[eight]
99[nine]
1010[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Qanuk ...?[kah-nook ...?]
What's the address?Qanuk ataani?[kah-nook ah-tah-nee]
Can you show me (on the map)?Nukik uvaqtuq (map).[noo-kik oo-vahk-took (map)]
When's the next (bus)?Qanuk nilliq (bus)?[kah-nook nil-lik (bus)?]
A ticket (to ....)Atuq (to ...).[ah-too-k (to ...)]

History of Nunatsiavut

Ancient Inuit and Indigenous Settlement

Northern Labrador has been occupied by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence records changing lifeways, including earlier Palaeo-Inuit traditions and the later Inuit societies whose descendants form the Labrador Inuit community. Seasonal movement between coastal camps, inland hunting areas and fishing grounds was shaped by sea ice, animal migrations and local knowledge. Archaeological sites across the region are fragile records of these histories, and their precise locations and contents should be treated with respect rather than approached as casual collecting opportunities.

Inuit Society and Labrador’s Coastal Economy

Before and alongside European settlement, Labrador Inuit communities developed extensive knowledge of marine and terrestrial environments. Seals, fish, birds, caribou and other resources supported seasonal economies connected by coastal travel. Trade and contact with neighbouring Indigenous peoples, European ships and later commercial enterprises introduced new materials and economic pressures, but did not erase Inuit systems of knowledge, kinship and mobility. Those relationships with land and sea remain central to Nunatsiavut’s identity and contemporary governance.

Moravian Missions from the Eighteenth Century

Moravian missionaries established a mission at Nain in 1771 and later founded other stations along the Labrador coast, including Hopedale. The missions introduced Christianity, schools, new forms of trade and European architectural traditions, while also profoundly affecting Inuit language, family life and social organisation. Hopedale Mission, one of the best-preserved historic mission complexes in Labrador, represents this period particularly clearly. Mission history is therefore both a visible architectural legacy and part of a more complex story of cultural change and colonial influence.

Nineteenth- and Early Twentieth-Century Coastal Change

During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Labrador’s coastal communities were influenced by fishing, sealing, trading posts, mission institutions and growing links with southern markets. Inuit families continued to combine hunting, fishing and seasonal travel with participation in the cash economy. Imported goods and changing commercial systems altered local life, while new administrative arrangements often placed decision-making outside the communities themselves. Historic houses, churches, cemeteries, harbour spaces and oral histories provide evidence of this period in places such as Nain, Hopedale, Makkovik and Rigolet.

Relocation, Settlement and Cultural Resilience

The twentieth century brought major social and administrative changes, including the consolidation of populations into more permanent settlements, new schooling arrangements and increased government involvement. Relocation policies and other colonial practices disrupted established seasonal patterns and family networks, with lasting consequences for Labrador Inuit communities. At the same time, Inuit residents maintained language, country-food practices, artistic traditions and knowledge of the land. Contemporary cultural renewal and local interpretation frequently address this history directly rather than presenting the region as an untouched wilderness.

The Labrador Inuit Land Claim and Nunatsiavut Government

After decades of negotiation, the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement came into effect in 2005. It established Labrador Inuit Lands, clarified rights and responsibilities, and created the Nunatsiavut Government, the first Inuit regional government in Atlantic Canada. Nunatsiavut is part of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada, while exercising constitutionally recognised self-government powers in areas set out by the agreement. The settlement transformed the political framework for protecting Inuit interests, managing land and resources, and supporting language, culture and community development.

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