LABRADOR
LABRADOR is a very interesting place in which to travel.
Here are the main points to know:
#1. There is a ferry which can be taken from the northern part of Newfoundland. Less than 2 hours.
#2. The southern Labrador road is only about 200 miles long which runs from the northeast to the southwest along the St. Lawrence. At the far end of the northern portion there is a dirt road under construction which will run north from Red Bay to Carwright, following the snowmobile route. Not yet completed in 1999.
#3. The most interesting way to leave Labrador is not to return on the ferry but to take the freighter down the coast of the St. Lawrence until the road begins again near Natashquan. Less than a two day trip and about $300.00 Canadian for a motorcycle with two persons. This includes a berth and full meals.
#4. Another possible route is to take a ferry from Newfoundland to Goose Bay, a trip of several days. Then ride HY 500 east to Quebec where it connects to HY 389. One rider who had gone to Alaska reported that he took this route also and it was the most difficult road he had been on, in part because they had simply used beach sand to cover a rough road. But later reports, basically hearsay, say that the road is being improved every year. Also, check the weather. With rain the road may be mud. If dry, very dusty. Please take this trip and report to us if you live. An updated account of this ride can be found at the GOOSE BAY RIDE which was just recently done.
There are five bed and breakfast (Zimmers) in southern Labrador as of 1999. Take the first one L'Anse Au Clair which you will find as you travel northeast from the ferry. It is called Beachside Hospitality Home. Ask for Gloria or Norm at 1-800-563-8999 or 1-709-931-2662/2053. Only a few kilometers northeast from the ferry. It is not motorcycle oriented but two of our travellers happen to stay there a month apart and only learned by accident that both hadf stayed there.. Why break a trend. They do have the facilities to lock up a small bike. But with few people, fewer thieves, and only 200 miles of road and no way out except to leave the island by ferry, why does one need to lock the bike up?
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FEB 2000