Labrador Wild Horse Sanctuary

Labrador is a vast and thinly peopled land, and any attraction there is a matter of planning rather than casual drop-in. The region makes up the mainland part of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, covering a territory larger than the island of Newfoundland itself, with boreal forest, tundra, rivers, lakes and a long, rugged coast on the Atlantic. Its population is small, its communities are scattered and many are reached only by air or by the coastal ferry, so any trip needs careful preparation. The Labrador Wild Horse Sanctuary belongs to this setting, and it is described as a place where horses roam free in a remote and rugged landscape.

Details about the sanctuary are not widely published, so it is wise to confirm what is offered and how to reach it before making any journey. Remote sanctuaries of this kind are generally small operations, and access can depend on weather, season and the arrangements of whoever looks after the animals. Anyone interested should contact local tourism offices in Labrador or the provincial tourism body for current guidance on how to visit, what to bring and whether guided visits are available.

Horses have a long association with the north Atlantic provinces. The Newfoundland pony, a small, sturdy breed descended from animals brought by early settlers from the British Isles, was once used across Newfoundland and Labrador for hauling wood, working in fishing communities and farming, and it has become rare as machines replaced it. Conservation groups now work to protect the breed. Hardy animals of this sort grow thick winter coats and are well suited to cold, windswept country, and watching them in an open landscape is a quiet pleasure.

Visitors travelling in Labrador should be prepared for variable weather, long distances and limited services. The Trans-Labrador Highway links the major communities, though much of it is gravel and fuel stops can be far apart, so carry spare supplies and check road conditions. Black flies and mosquitoes can be intense in early summer, and insect repellent is essential. Wildlife such as black bear, moose and caribou lives in the region, and visitors should keep a safe distance.

For most travellers the best season is summer, from late June to early September, when roads are open and daylight is long. Autumn brings colour and fewer insects. Expect an experience that is unhurried, quiet and shaped by the landscape.