Description
From Baie-Comeau, QC to Goose Bay, Labrador, the route is 1000km (600 miles), three-quarters of which will be snow and/or grooved ice, just like JBR. The last half is known as the Trans-Labrador Highway. Entirely reconstructed in 1998-2000, this former bad-boy is now very high quality for a northerly highway. Some sections remain just west of the Labrador border which are quite twisting and slow.
The Trans-Labrador Highway is truly the greatest North American road project of the era - to open up the most remote part of the continent, just as far north as JBR. The last gap in Central Labrador will be completed in 2008, meanwhile it is still bridged by a single ferry that reminds us of what used to be the only way to get around coastal Labrador until just a couple years ago. However, the ferry doesn't operate in winter, so in February the route ends at Goose Bay.
Starting from Baie-Comeau, QC-138 will be bare asphalt for 200 kms to the Manic V dam, where it then becomes a snow and/or grooved ice road similar to JBR for the 300kms to Labrador City, just inside the Labrador border. After Labrador City, the 500km TLH will be grooved ice. Terrain is mostly boreal spruce forest, similar to JBR, but also some low mountains in western Labrador. Rivers and rapids are crossed often, although in February they will be frozen over. Like the Trans-Taiga, this route is as remote as any in Alaska, maybe more so.
Getting There
The western end of the Trans-Labrador route is at Baie-Comeau, QC. Baie-Comeau can be reached via Quebec City and the first third of the North Shore Route, or via the ferry from Matane on the South Shore.
Alternatives / Spurs
The Esker spur in Central Labrador, a low-grade gravel road, can be used to drive almost as far north as the end of the Trans-Taiga.
Sights / Attractions
Saguenay River crossing (world's largest fjord), Manic V dam on QC-389, iron ore mines and ski hills in Labrador City, dam at Churchill Falls.
Charter planes are likely available in Fremont and Lab City. Goose Bay is unclear (big airport, but on a NATO base).
Claims to Fame
One of the most remote roads in North America, it is also one of the newest, with the more easterly Phase II opening in late 2003 / early 2004 (not part of this proposed trip). Similar to JBR, it nearly reaches the 54th parallel, further with the Esker spur. The road to the town of NorthWest River, just past Goose Bay, is the easternmost road point on the North American mainland reachable without a ferry.
Estimates
Typically 3 days driving one way from NYC (29 hours driving one way). Likely overnights are Montreal or Sherbrooke (optional, border area), Baie-Comeau, Labrador City, Goose Bay. Allow an extra day for extra sight-seeing.
Links
Honeymoon Travelogue (South Coast only)
Wikipedia entry for Trans-Labrador Highway
Detailed Road Description
to Churchill Falls