Located near the border of Quebec, and fueled by the region’s rich iron ore reserves, is Labrador CityNewfoundland and Labrador, the second largest hub in Labrador after Happy Valley-Goose Bay. With a population of a little more than 7,000 people in a remote area, you may be surprised to learn about all this small town has to offer. From world class skiing,golfing and hiking, to quality medical facilities, and education and work opportunities, there’s plenty to experience in this corner of Canada.

What to know about Labrador City 

“It is our chance to stand on our own feet, to do something ourselves,” said the first Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Joey Smallwood, during his 23-year tenure from 1949 to 1972. Smallwood was referring to the opportunity to create a new community that would thrive thanks to ore deposits discovered in the region. 

In 1958, before Labrador City was created, Carol Project was the first mining development in the area. Soon after, the Iron Ore Company of Canada designed a master plan for the community and built the city from the ground up to house employees and their families. Labrador City was incorporated in 1961, followed by the nearby town of Wabush in 1967 (which now has a population of 2,000 people). The two cities are known together as Labrador West, the Iron Ore Capital of Canada. Today, Labrador City and Wabush are the most accessible communities in the Labrador region with road, air, and rail access available year round. 

Image via Alain Wong - Unsplash

What to know about Labrador City

Labrador City was established in 1961, but it wasn’t considered a municipality with elected officials and administrators until the 1980s—the cities of Wabush and Labrador City were privately owned previously. Today, its unique mix of untouched wilderness alongside a thriving industrial market makes Labrador City a one-of-a-kind place to live.  

Here are a few more interesting facts about the region: 

  • Cain’s Quest, an epic 3,100-kilometre snowmobile race billed as the world’s “toughest and longest snowmobile endurance race” sets off from Labrador City before sending riders zooming across Labrador.
  • The area is home to many families who enjoy a close-knit community feel and the city’s median age is 37.  
  • Labrador City is a wonderland for outdoor adventure, but you’ll need the right gear to enjoy it. Summers are usually mild,  but winters can be long and cold, with one major storm in 1982 bringing a windchill of -100 C! (Temperatures can range from about -40 C to 25 C with a mean winter temperature of -20 C and a mean summer temperature of 17 C, according to the town’s website.
  • Known for her performance as Lois Lane in the Superman series alongside Christopher Reeve, the late Margot Kidder lived in Labrador City for part of her childhood.
  • Labrador, often called “the big land,” is a massive 300,000 square kilometres, but home to just 27,000 people, making Labrador City’s population about a third of the entire region—if you’re looking for nearly endless nature, you’ll find it here. 
Image via Courtney Cook - Unsplash

What to do in Labrador City

Surrounded by lush forest, majestic mountains, and pristine lakes, Labrador City offers an enviable combo of affordable housing close to just about any outdoor recreation activity you can think of. Or, if you’re into arts, culture, and entertainment experiences, Labrador City delivers. 

Discover all Labrador City has to offer, such as: 

  • Tamarack Golf Club—the only 18-hole course in Labrador, Tamarack Golf Club is the golf course furthest north in Eastern Canada.
  • Menihek Nordic Ski Club—enjoy picturesque world-class cross country ski trails from late October until the end of April or visit during the summer months for beautiful walking trails.
  • Smokey Mountain Ski Club—warm up with a hot chocolate after spending the day discovering 24 runs blanketed with up to three metres of 100% natural snow on the Wapusakatto Mountains, an undiscovered secret of Atlantic Canada.
  • Labrador West Arts and Culture Centre—catch a live show or new release movie at Labrador City’s theatre, delivering entertainment for all ages since 1986.
  • Experience the northern lights—be dazzled by the northern lights, which can be seen year-round in one of the top places in Newfoundland and Labrador to see the aurora borealis.
Photo by Alexandra Luniel on Unsplash

Housing stats and where to live

Current REALTOR.ca listings for Labrador City range from about $150,000 to just under $400,000. Compared to Newfoundland and Labrador’s average home price of about $274,000, Labrador City is right on par with the province’s housing costs and a bargain compared to most other areas of Canada.

Although remote, Labrador City offers the best retail shopping in Labrador with plenty of major retail brands and the largest mall in the area. 

Whether you’re relocating to cash in on the iron ore industry or in search of a small town life with big city perks, reach out to a local REALTOR® to help make your move a smooth one. 

*During the ongoing development of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s recommended by health officials across Canada to limit recreational travel. This article is meant to provide inspiration for future trips when it is safe to do so.

COURTESY: realtor.ca

Posted by Teri-Lynn Jones on

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