Activities

Walking, Hiking and Biking Trails

Whether you're looking for a short stroll, a scenic hike, or a longer adventure, Labrador West offers a range of trails for all activity levels. Most are accessible year-round and welcome leashed dogs and bikes.

Tanya Lake Walking Trail  |  Labrador City

A short loop around Tanya Lake with a crushed stone surface. Very accessible. Dogs on leash. Bikes permitted. Lit at night and cleared in winter.
Location (Trailhead & Parking): Baden Powell Road, Labrador City

Jean Lake Walking Trail  |   Wabush

A longer loop around Jean Lake with crushed stone and some boardwalk. Accessible. Dogs on leash. Bikes permitted. Partially lit and winter-maintained.
Location (Trailhead Access): Grenfell Drive, Wabush

Menihek Interpretive Trails  |   Labrador City

A network of 10 marked trails through forest, lakeside, and waterfall areas. Trails range from easy to advanced. Dogs on leash. Bikes permitted. Varied terrain - proper footwear recommended.

Popular: Dumbell Loop (4.7 km) – easy lakeside trail with benches and lookouts.
Highlight: Angel Falls – waterfall with boardwalk steps and wishing well.
Location (Trailhead & Parking): Menihek Nordic Ski Club, Route 500, Labrador City

Crystal Falls Hiking Trail  |   Labrador City

A short out-and-back hike featuring a scenic waterfall and panoramic views.
Location (Trailhead & Parking): Route 500, Labrador City
Use Plus Code: W2VG+XC Labrador City, NL

Dog Parks

Located next to Little Wabush Lake and near the new Tamarack Trail, The Barking Lot offers a safe, fully fenced space for your dog to run and play off-leash.
Address: 780 Tamarack Drive, Labrador City

Set within the Jean Lake Recreation Area, this fenced dog park features wide open space and scenic views of Jean Lake. A great stop before or after a walk on the surrounding trails.
Address (Turning to Trailhead and Parking Lot): Grenfell Drive, Wabush

Fishing

Visitors can purchase a non-resident fishing license at Motor Registration and local stores. You’ll receive a guidebook with rules and regulations when you get your license - be sure to review it before heading out.

There are plenty of accessible lakes in the area, with several native fish species, including:

  • Lake Trout
  • Northern Pike
  • Speckled Trout
  • Ouananiche
  • Splake (a Speckled and Lake Trout hybrid)
  • Lake Whitefish.

Need to rent a fishing kayak? Contact X-Rentals.

Paddling

The lakes are beautiful here and there’s nothing like enjoying the calm water in a kayak, canoe or paddle board. Gateway staff can direct you the best places to launch from. Need to rent a kayak? Contact X-Rentals.

Photo Credit: Larry Jenkins

Boating / Watersports

Travelling with your boat or jetski? Visit us to ask for the best locations for launching them.

Geocaching

Labrador West has over 100 geocaches hidden across the region. Like a modern-day treasure hunt, geocaching uses a GPS or smartphone to guide you to hidden containers throughout the wilderness - a fun and adventurous way to explore the outdoors.

Golfing

Tamarack Golf Club

Located 4 km along Route 500 towards Fermont, QC, Tamarack Golf Club offers an 18-hole, 6,116-yard course with a par of 72. Set against the stunning wilderness of Labrador West, the course is handicap and junior friendly.

The clubhouse, Golfer’s Landing, features a wrap-around deck with beautiful views - perfect for relaxing after a day on the course. Throughout the season, the club hosts events like Men’s and Ladies’ Nights and various fundraisers.
Photo Credit: Larry Jenkins

Gun Range

Are you a traveling trap and skeet shooter? Spend an afternoon of target practice in a safe, controlled environment at the Labrador Trap & Skeet Club. The facility offers long-range, target, and tactical rifle shooting, along with a sporting clays course, and full-sized skeet and trap fields.

Photo Credit: Lab West Trap & Skeet Club

Great for Kids!

Centennial Playground & Splash Pad

The largest playground in the area, featuring safe, modern equipment within a fenced, handicap-accessible space. Enjoy a variety of activities, picnic benches, and a paved walkway perfect for strollers or casual strolls.

Kids will love the splash pad - a great spot to cool off and have fun in the water

Trick Lane Skate Park

Open to all ages but popular with children and teens, Trick Lane Skate Park features the largest steel ramp of its kind in Atlantic Canada, including a large bowl, halfpipe, quarter pipe, rails, ramps, fun boxes, and stairs. Evening lighting allows for nighttime skating, making it an ideal spot to develop action sports skills. Watch this space for exciting new features coming in July 2025.
Photo Credit: Town of Labrador City

Beaches

Cool off, relax, and enjoy summer days - Labrador-style.

Location: (Trailhead and Parking Lot): Baden Powell Road, Labrador City
Location: (Turning to Trailhead and Parking Lot): Grenfell Drive, Wabush

Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Labrador West is home to Canada’s longest ski season, stretching from late October to the end of April - and at the heart of it all is the Menihek Nordic Ski Club, a destination for cross-country skiing enthusiasts of all levels.

Set in the birch and spruce forests of the Wapusakatto Mountains, this well-loved club features over 30 km of groomed trails, including 5 km of lit trails for nighttime skiing. Whether you're training, racing, or just enjoying a peaceful glide through the woods, the trails here offer some of the finest skiing in Atlantic Canada.

The lodge at Menihek is an A-frame retreat equipped with a cozy fireplace, canteen and bar. There are also waxing facilities, ski lockers, snowshoe rentals, and chariot baby sleds available, with full-time staff on hand to help you make the most of your visit.

Founded in 1975, the club has grown into a cornerstone of the local winter sports scene and is open year-round, with its trail network also used for hiking and biking in the summer months.

*Please note: day passes are required to enjoy the trails.
Photo Credit: Josh Bingle

Down-Hill Skiing & Snowboarding

Located high in the Wapusakatto Mountains, Smokey Mountain offers over 80 acres of skiable terrain. From groomed trails and steep chutes to wide-open faces and a terrain park, there's something for every level of skier and snowboarder.

At 845 meters (2,769 ft) above sea level, Smokey is powered by a chair lift, two Poma Lifts, and a Magic Carpet for beginners.

Amenities & Services:

  • Ski and snowboard rentals, with on-site techs to help with sizing, tuning, and repairs
  • Pro shop with a full selection of gear and accessories
  • Waxing facilities and equipment services
  • Terrain park for freestyle riders
  • Qualified instructors offering group and private lessons for all ages.

The main lodge at the base of the hill offers warm hospitality with a canteen, bar, and indoor BBQ pit. Don’t miss Friday Night Steak Nights or Open Mic Night, a weekly event featuring local musicians in a cozy, family-friendly setting.

With natural snow from January to late April, Smokey Mountain is the perfect spot for a weekend adventure or a full season of alpine fun.

*Please note: day passes are required to enjoy the trails.

Snowmobiling

Founded in 1997, the White Wolf Snowmobile Club has been central to the development of snowmobiling in Labrador. Based in Labrador West, the club maintains over 500 km of groomed trails that consistently receive high praise for their quality, along with access to thousands of kilometres of exceptional off-trail riding.

Throughout the trail network, riders can take shelter in mini chalets and a main lodge, all stocked with firewood and maintained by dedicated volunteers.

The club is active year-round, organizing events, fundraisers, regular steak nights, and playing a major role in Cain’s Quest, Labrador’s world-renowned snowmobile endurance race.

For snowmobile enthusiasts, White Wolf offers some of the best riding conditions and community support in Atlantic Canada.

*Please note: day passes are required to enjoy the trails.

Need to rent a snowmobile for the trails? Contact XRentals.
Photo Credit: Larry Jenkins

Walking Trails

Wrap up warm and enjoy the town’s groomed walking trails - the only public trails maintained for easy walking. If you explore beyond these paths, please exercise caution and bring snowshoes.

Tanya Lake Walking Trail  |  Labrador City

A short loop around Tanya Lake with a crushed stone surface. Very accessible. Dogs on leash. Bikes permitted. Lit at night and cleared in winter.
Location (Trailhead & Parking): Baden Powell Road, Labrador City
Photo Credit: Larry Jenkins

Jean Lake Walking Trail  |   Wabush

A longer loop around Jean Lake with crushed stone and some boardwalk. Accessible. Dogs on leash. Bikes permitted. Partially lit and winter-maintained.
Location (Trailhead Access): Grenfell Drive, Wabush

Curling

The Carol Curling Club is a four-sheet facility with a proud local tradition - it's the hometown club of Olympic gold medalists Mark Nichols and Mike Adam. The club runs recreational and competitive leagues, pop-up bonspiels, weekend events, and social nights throughout the season.

Visiting in winter? We can check if there’s an event you can join!

Photos from Carol Curling Club

Golfing

Mulligans

Even when the course is buried in snow, golfers can still get their fix at Mulligans. Play on over 900 world-famous golf courses using state-of-the-art indoor simulators. Whether it’s a full 18 holes, a quick round, or a game of mini-golf, there’s something for all ages and skill levels - year-round.

Northern Lights Viewing

Labrador offers prime opportunities to witness the magical Northern Lights from late August to early April, with peak viewing from September through March. For the best experience, head out on clear, dark nights away from town lights - usually between midnight and 2am - to catch this spectacular natural light show.

Live Entertainment

Arts & Culture Center

Enjoy live music, theatre, comedy, and film screenings at the Arts & Culture Centre. The venue hosts a mix of touring acts, local performers, and community productions throughout the year - from concerts and plays to amateur showcases and movie nights.

Independent Venues

From live music and karaoke to themed nights and special events, there’s always something happening at local bars in Labrador West.

For the most up-to-date listings during your stay, check the event board in the foyer of Gateway Labrador.

Bird Watching

Bird watchers can enjoy sightings year-round, with different species appearing as the seasons change. Whether you're an experienced birder or just like spotting something new on a walk, there's always something to see.

What to Watch For:

  • Spring: Migrating waterfowl such as Canada Geese, Mallards, Goldeneyes, Mergansers, and Green-winged Teals, as well as raptors such as Bald and Golden Eagles and Ospreys.
  • Summer: Loons, and songbirds such as Sparrows, Robins, Warblers, Larks, and Swallows.
  • Fall: Migrating flocks of Bohemian Waxwings, Snow Buntings, and Redpolls, as well as Spruce Grouse.
  • Winter: Willow Ptarmigan, Ravens, and during late winter into spring, Redpolls, Bohemian Waxwings, and Pine Grosbeaks.

Top Birding Spots:

  • Gord Parsons Duck Pond (behind Gateway Labrador)
  • Tamarack Extension Ducks Unlimited Lookout 
  • Smokey Mountain / Menihek Nordic Trails
  • Any walking trail (Tanya Lake, Jean Lake, Harrie Lake, etc.)
Photo Credit: Keith Fitzpatrick

Shop Local

Pick up unique souvenirs and locally made goods while supporting small businesses in Labrador West.

Local Souvenirs

Find gifts, keepsakes, and regional products at:

  • Gateway Labrador
  • Jubber’s Convenience
  • Well-Bean Café
  • Ann-Marie’s Flowers
  • Gallery Pharmacy
  • Iron Rock Brewing Co.

Heather’s Soap Kitchen

Locally made artisanal soaps, bath products, and gift items - handcrafted with care and perfect for travelers looking to take home something special.
Photo Credit: Heather’s Soap Kitchen

Best Views and Photo Spots

If you're exploring the outdoors in Lab West, you're never far from a stunning photo opportunity. Here are a few more photo-worthy spots to check out.

Haul Truck

Before entering the gates of the mine site, you’ll find a Komatsu 830 Haul Truck - 250 tonnes, 24 feet wide, and 30 feet high - parked to the left of the road. It’s a popular photo spot, often decorated for holidays and special events by the Iron Ore Company of Canada.

Catholic Basilica of Our Lady Perpetual Help

An example of local stone architecture, this Catholic church was built in 1962 and is the only basilica in Labrador. Elevated to basilica status by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007, it’s a historic landmark in Labrador. Call ahead for an informal tour of the inside or join for a weekend service.
Photo Credit: Keith Fitzpatrick

Menihek Nordic Ski Club Chalet

A charming A-frame structure, echoing the classic style of traditional Labrador cabins.
Photo Credit: Menihek Nordic Ski Club

Top of Smokey Mountain

Hike to the top of Smokey Mountain for clear, panoramic views of Labrador City. Best suited for summer to fall (Don’t forget to wear appropriate footwear). In winter, the mountain is accessible by skiing or snowboarding.

Waterfalls

Explore the scenic beauty of Crystal Falls or Angel Falls (Menihek Nordic Interpretive Trails). These picturesque spots are best visited from late spring through fall. Be sure to check the weather and wear sturdy, weather-appropriate footwear.
Photo Credit: Larry Jenkins
Photo Credit: Keith Fitzpatrick

Entrance to Labrador City

A perfect welcome to town - enjoy panoramic views of the community

Lookout at Dumbell Lake

At the base of Smokey Mountain on the Menihek Nordic Trails. Quiet lakeside setting with wildlife signs - ideal for birdwatching and peaceful nature photos from spring to fall.

Tamarack Extension

Located off Tamarack Drive. A great spot for birdwatching and catching float planes as they take off and land.
The Gateway to beautiful, scenic, Labrador West, Atlantic Canada's Winter Wonderland.