Geography of Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador is Canada’s easternmost province. It has two main parts: the island of Newfoundland and the mainland region of Labrador, separated by the Strait of Belle Isle. The province also includes thousands of small islands.
Geography and geology
- Labrador is part of the ancient Canadian Shield, with old rocks and rolling, forested land.
- Newfoundland’s landscape is shaped by plate tectonics. Gros Morne National Park shows famous examples of this process and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Long Range Mountains on the island are the northeastern edge of the Appalachian Mountains.
- The island’s interior has a central plateau, rugged rock knobs, and many lakes left by glaciers. Glaciers also left rocks, known as glacial erratics, scattered across the land.
- The coastlines, bays, and peninsulas—especially on the west and the Avalon and Burin Peninsulas—give Newfoundland a dramatic, varied look.
- Labrador’s coast borders the Labrador Sea, while Newfoundland’s west coast borders the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The Grand Banks offshore area is famous for fishing and oil fields.
Climate
- The climate varies a lot by region. Northern Labrador has a polar tundra climate, with very cold winters and short summers. Southern Labrador has a subarctic climate. Most of Newfoundland has a cool summer climate influenced by the sea.
- The climate is strongly affected by the ocean, winds, and mountains. Nor’easters and other storms can bring strong winds and heavy seas, especially in late fall to winter.
- The sea keeps coastal winters a bit milder and summers a bit cooler than inland areas. Fog, rain, and snow are common in many places, especially around St. John’s and the coast.
Sea, ice, and water
- The cold Labrador Current and the warm Gulf Stream meet near the Grand Banks, making the area rich for fishing but also very foggy and dangerous for ships.
- Icebergs from Greenland and sea ice in winter were once common sights near Newfoundland. Ice and pack ice move with the seasons and winds.
- Newfoundland and Labrador have many rivers, lakes, and a lively coastline that supports a diverse marine life.
People, towns, and economy
- The capital is St. John’s, located on the eastern edge of Newfoundland. Other main towns include Mount Pearl and Corner Brook.
- About half of the economy comes from natural resources: oil from offshore fields (like Hibernia, White Rose, and Terra Nova), minerals, forestry, and fishing. Fishing remains important, with significant catches of cod, haddock, and shellfish. Mining also plays a big role, especially iron ore and other minerals.
- Agriculture is limited to some southern areas. The island is home to unique wildlife and plants, including a few rare plants called brayas on the western coast.
- The province produces newsprint, wood products, and aquaculture (farm-raised fish). The economy has a mix of resource industries and service sectors.
People and culture
- About 500,000 people live in the province, with most people living along the coast. The island’s population centers grew around fishing ports and roads; Labrador’s interior was settled later as mines and power projects developed.
- Indigenous groups include the Innu, Inuit, and Métis in Labrador, and the Mi’kmaq in Newfoundland. The Beothuk people became extinct in the 19th century.
- Newfoundland and Labrador use Canadian dollars. The province lies in a time zone that is unique within Canada: Newfoundland Time is half an hour ahead of Atlantic Time.
Highlights
- A land of two parts: Labrador (mainland) and Newfoundland (island), with thousands of small islands.
- Dramatic geology and scenery, from the Gros Morne coast to the Long Range Mountains.
- A climate shaped by the sea, with strong winds, fog, and variable weather.
- A strong heritage of fishing, oil, mining, and forestry, with important offshore oil fields and rich fishing grounds.
- Rich wildlife and a history of Indigenous peoples, European exploration, and coastal settlement.
In short, Newfoundland and Labrador blends ancient rock and dramatic coastlines with a sea-influenced climate, a resource-based economy, and a long coastal heritage.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 06:58 (CET).