Major city · Canada
Forteau
Give Forteau one night if you are driving Route 510 or landing at Blanc-Sablon; two nights only if you want the lighthouse, a hike and a sea tour.
Forteau is the southernmost village in Labrador, a strip of houses on the north shore of the Strait of Belle Isle where the road, the ferry and the airport all meet. It is not a sightseeing town: it is the service stop for the Labrador Straits, with a lighthouse, a shoreline trail and icebergs in early summer. Most travellers pass through on the Trans-Labrador Highway or step off the ferry from Newfoundland. One night covers it; two nights let you slow down.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- avoid Nov–Apr (cold, ice, ferry and tour season closed)
- Airport
- YBX
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Forteau911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Forteau, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD, $).Canada-wide
- SIM or eSIMRogers, Bell and Telus plus cheaper brands (Fido, Koodo, Public Mobile); prepaid SIMs in malls and stores.Canada-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable; treat water from lakes and streams (giardia).Canada-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 15–20% of the pre-tax bill.Canada-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Canada-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are weather, wildlife on the road and distance between services.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysStatutory holidays close shops and offices, varying by province; many park facilities are seasonal (about mid-May to mid-October).Canada-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYBX Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon Airport (Blanc-Sablon, Quebec) (About 27 km (17 mi) west of Forteau; PAL Airlines serves it.YBX Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon Airport (Blanc-Sablon, Quebec) (About 17 mi (27 km) west of Forteau; PAL Airlines serves it.
- Getting aroundYou need a vehicle.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and a bakery itemC$5–10 (≈ US$4–8)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekC$20–40 (≈ US$15–30)
- Budget bedCottage or apartment (up to 4), a night, per roomC$120 (≈ US$90)
- Mid-range bedB&B double room, a night, per roomC$110 (≈ US$80)
- High-end bedB&B double room, a night, per roomC$160 (≈ US$120)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$160 (≈ US$120) · High C$280 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YBX Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon Airport (Blanc-Sablon, Quebec) (About 27 km (17 mi) west of Forteau; PAL Airlines serves it. Check the schedule before you book a bed.)YBX Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon Airport (Blanc-Sablon, Quebec) (About 17 mi (27 km) west of Forteau; PAL Airlines serves it. Check the schedule before you book a bed.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
Feb
Avoid
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
Mar
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Apr
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
May
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Jun
Best
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Jul
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Aug
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Sep
Best
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Oct
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Nov
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Dec
Avoid
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Apr. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)), coolest Feb (−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C) low), wettest Oct (13 rain days), driest Feb (10). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Forteau: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
12 rd
Feb
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C)
10 rd
Mar
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
11 rd
Apr
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
11 rd
May
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
12 rd
Jun
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
Jul
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Aug
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Sep
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
12 rd
Oct
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
13 rd
Nov
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
13 rd
Dec
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a vehicle. Route 510 (Trans-Labrador Highway) is the only road through the village, and sights, food and beds are spread over about 15 km of coast. Fuel up in Forteau or Blanc-Sablon before heading north: the next reliable services are far apart.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Point Amour Lighthouse
goDoor to door: About 20–25 min
Drive Route 510 east to L'Anse-Amour Road
1857 stone tower, the tallest in the province; automated since 1996. Check opening times before you drive out.
Labrador Straits Museum, L'Anse-au-Loup
goDoor to door: About 15 min
Drive Route 510 east
Local life over the last 150 years, run by the Southern Labrador Women's Institute since 1978; small craft shop.
Blanc-Sablon, Quebec
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive Route 510 west, then Route 138
Airport, hospital, bigger shops and the ferry wharf; the practical backup for anything Forteau lacks.
Red Bay
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Drive Route 510 east
Worth a half day if you are heading up the coast; check seasonal opening.
St. Anthony, Newfoundland
overnightDoor to door: Half a day or more
Ferry from Blanc-Sablon to St. Barbe, then drive
Crossing is about 1 h 45 min but the whole run needs a night on the island side.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Forteau village (Main Street)
Walkable strip with the grocery, restaurant, cottages and the B&B; best if you have no car.
L'Anse au Clair / L'Anse au Loup
5–10 min east on Route 510; the year-round hotel and the museum sit here.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- C$90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$150–230 (≈ US$110–170) excl. bed
- High
- C$250 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B double room1 × 1 night × C$110 | C$110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$160 | C$320 |
| Car rental, one day1 × C$90 | C$90 |
| Fuel, 100 km1 × C$15 | C$15 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × C$25 | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$59 |
| Trip total≈ C$322 per person per day, bed included | C$644≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; vehicle and ferry costs excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and a bakery item | C$5–10 (≈ US$4–8) |
| Hot meal in a local restaurant | C$18–32 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Grocery run for a picnic lunch | C$15–25 (≈ US$11–19) |
| Litre of fuel | C$1.60–1.90 (≈ US$2) (check) |
| Guided sea or hiking tour | C$80–150 (≈ US$60–110) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | C$20–40 (≈ US$15–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Cell coverage is patchy to absent in and around Forteau; download maps and confirm bookings before you arrive.
- The time zone changes at the Quebec border: Blanc-Sablon keeps Atlantic time year-round, Forteau and the Labrador coast run on Newfoundland time.
- Ferry crossings on the Strait of Belle Isle are weather-dependent; leave a buffer day if you have a flight to catch.
- Most lodgings and tours are seasonal (roughly May–October); outside that window expect very little open.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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ForteauForteau
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies in Forteau; the US consulate-general is in Halifax and most embassies are in Ottawa. Check before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Ferry Blanc-Sablon → St. Barbe, car + driver: from about C$35 (≈ US$30), 1 h 45 min
- Ferry Blanc-Sablon → St. Barbe, passenger: from about C$12 (≈ US$9)
- Blanc-Sablon airport → Forteau: about 27 km (17 mi) by roadabout 17 mi (27 km) by road
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where's the gas station? — Where is the gas station?
- Is the ferry running today? — Is the ferry running today?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
French is useful in neighbouring Blanc-Sablon, Quebec; English is the everyday language in Forteau.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Forteau. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep · avoid Nov–Apr (cold, ice, ferry and tour season closed) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for YBX: PAL Airlines arrivals, taxi or rental fallback, late-arrival bed rung in Forteau and Blanc-Sablon.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Forteau Main Street, the Overfall Brook trailhead, Point Amour, L'Anse-au-Loup.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Point Amour Lighthouse, Labrador Straits Museum) and eat pages with last orders.
- Ferry and weather fixtures so the Strait of Belle Isle crossing can go green or red.
Sources
- officialExplore Newfoundland and Labrador — Forteau
- officialLabrador Straits Museum
- officialPoint Amour Lighthouse
- officialLabrador Marine ferry schedules
- officialPAL Airlines
- officialRelais Nordik
- officialTour Labrador
- secondaryWikivoyage: Forteau, revision 5279067 (CC BY-SA 4.0)