Major city · Canada
CartwrightCartwright, Labrador
Go only if you are driving the Labrador coast or want a boat-based Mealy Mountains trip: 1 night, 2 at most, and book the bed before you leave home.
Cartwright is a village of about 440 people at the end of Highway 516, on Sandwich Bay in southeastern Labrador. There is one small motel, one general store, no bank, no garage and no mobile phone service. The reason to come is the coast itself: the road in, the bay, the archaeology and Inuit history, and boat access to the Mealy Mountains. Two nights covers the village and one boat day; one night is enough if you are only passing through.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jul–Aug (boat and road season)
- avoid Nov–Apr (sub-Arctic winter, ice, road conditions)
- Airport
- YRF
- 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 Cartwright911 ▾
- Police, fire and ambulance (Canada-wide)911
- Newfoundland and Labrador highway conditions511
- Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve office+1 709 458-2417
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 Cartwright, 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
- SafetyThe village itself is quiet and low-risk.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in malls, Tim Hortons, stations and park visitor centres.Canada-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire and ambulance (canada-wide) · 511 Newfoundland and Labrador highway conditions · +1 709 458-2417 Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve office
- 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.
- AirportYRF Cartwright Airport (Small airstrip about 2 km (1.2 mi) from the village centre; coastal flights link Goose Bay and communities south toward St.YRF Cartwright Airport (Small airstrip about 1.2 mi (2 km) from the village centre; coastal flights link Goose Bay and communities south toward St.
- Getting aroundOn foot or by car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or a take-out mealCAD 6–18 (≈ US$5–14)
- Budget bedTent or trailer site, a night, per personC$20 (≈ US$15)
- Mid-range bedSmall motel room, a night, per roomC$110 (≈ US$80)
- High-end bedSmall motel room, a night, per roomC$140 (≈ US$110)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$90 (≈ US$70) · Mid C$150 (≈ US$110) · High C$240 (≈ US$180)
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
- YRF Cartwright Airport (Small airstrip about 2 km (1.2 mi) from the village centre; coastal flights link Goose Bay and communities south toward St. Anthony — check the current schedule and operator.)YRF Cartwright Airport (Small airstrip about 1.2 mi (2 km) from the village centre; coastal flights link Goose Bay and communities south toward St. Anthony — check the current schedule and operator.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
Feb
Avoid
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
Mar
Avoid
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
Apr
Avoid
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
May
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Jun
not flagged
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
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Oct
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Nov
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Dec
Avoid
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
Best: Jul–Aug. Avoid: Nov–Apr. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)), coolest Jan (−22°C (−8°F)−8°F (−22°C) low), wettest Jun (13 rain days), driest Feb (10). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Cartwright: 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
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
−22°C (−8°F)−8°F (−22°C)
12 rd
Feb
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
−22°C (−8°F)−8°F (−22°C)
10 rd
Mar
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C)
11 rd
Apr
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
11 rd
May
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
12 rd
Jun
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13 rd
Jul
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Aug
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Sep
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13 rd
Oct
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
13 rd
Nov
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
13 rd
Dec
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°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
On foot or by car. The village is compact and flat; the airstrip is about 2 km from the centre. There are no taxis, no buses and no public transit. Fuel up here before any run to Goose Bay or Port Hope Simpson.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve
goDoor to door: A full day
By boat from Cartwright, usually with a local outfitter
No road access. Established 2015; boreal forest, caribou, salmon and a long sandy beach edge. Arrange the boat before you arrive.
Port Hope Simpson
cautionDoor to door: About 2.5–3 h
Drive south on Highway 516 to the Trans-Labrador Highway, then Highway 510
187 km (116 mi) with no services. Note the half-hour time change: Cartwright is on Atlantic time, Port Hope Simpson on Newfoundland time.116 mi (187 km) with no services. Note the half-hour time change: Cartwright is on Atlantic time, Port Hope Simpson on Newfoundland time.
Happy Valley-Goose Bay
overnightDoor to door: About 5–6 h
Drive northwest via Cartwright Junction
393 km (244 mi) of empty road with no fuel. Not a day return.244 mi (393 km) of empty road with no fuel. Not a day return.
Gannet Islands Ecological Reserve
skipDoor to door: —
Boat, 40 km (25 mi) northeastBoat, 25 mi (40 km) northeast
Closed to all visitors except accredited scientific researchers.
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.
Village centre (Main Road area)
Walkable to the Northern Store, fuel, post office and the ferry dock. The only practical base.
Northside Motel area (Low Road)
The village's small motel; ask about food service when you book, since the old hotel burned down in 2013 and was not rebuilt.
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
- CAD 90–140 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- CAD 140–220 (≈ US$110–160) excl. bed
- High
- CAD 220 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Small motel room1 × 2 nights × C$110 | C$220 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × C$150 | C$600 |
| Fuel, per fill (village station)1 × C$90 | C$90 |
| Boat day to the Mealy Mountains, per person2 × C$250 · Outfitter rates vary; arrange before arrival. | C$500 |
| Groceries from the Northern Store, per person per day4 × C$35 · Northern prices run high. | C$140 |
| Buffer 15%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$233 |
| Trip total≈ C$446 per person per day, bed included | C$1,783≈ US$1,300 |
One small motel, six rooms; the old hotel burned down in 2013 and was not rebuilt.
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; vehicle, fuel and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Motel room, per night | CAD 95–140 (≈ US$70–110) |
| Coffee or a take-out meal | CAD 6–18 (≈ US$5–14) |
| Groceries, per person per day | CAD 25–45 (≈ US$19–35) |
| Fuel, per litreNorthern Labrador prices run well above southern Canada. | check |
| Boat charter to the Mealy Mountains, per dayArrange through a local outfitter. | check |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No mobile phone service in or around the village — tell someone your plan before you drive in.
- No bank and no repair garage: bring cash and a spare tyre.
- The 393 km (244 mi) northwest to Happy Valley-Goose Bay and the 187 km (116 mi) south to Port Hope Simpson have no fuel and no services. Carry a full tank, ideally a spare can.The 244 mi (393 km) northwest to Happy Valley-Goose Bay and the 116 mi (187 km) south to Port Hope Simpson have no fuel and no services. Carry a full tank, ideally a spare can.
- Lodging is very limited and the next village is nearly 200 km (124 mi) away: reserve before you go.Lodging is very limited and the next village is nearly 124 mi (200 km) away: reserve before you go.
- The Gannet Islands Ecological Reserve, 40 km (25 mi) northeast, is closed to everyone except accredited researchers.The Gannet Islands Ecological Reserve, 25 mi (40 km) northeast, is closed to everyone except accredited researchers.
- Winters are sub-Arctic and brutal; the road season is short.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire and ambulance (Canada-wide)
- 911
- Newfoundland and Labrador highway conditions
- 511
- Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve office
- +1 709 458-2417
Pocket card
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CartwrightCartwright, Labrador
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire and ambulance911
- Highway conditions511
- Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve+1 709 458-2417
Embassy
No consulates in Cartwright. The nearest are in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador; embassies are in Ottawa.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Fuel, Cartwright village station: the last fuel before 393 km (244 mi) of empty road northwestthe last fuel before 244 mi (393 km) of empty road northwest
- Boat day to the Mealy Mountains: book with a local outfitter before arrival
Say or show
- Where is the fuel station? — Where is the fuel station?
- Is there anywhere to stay tonight? — Is there anywhere to stay tonight?
- How far to the next services? — How far to the next services?
No mobile phone service in or around the village. Carry cash: there is no bank.
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 Cartwright. 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: Jul–Aug (boat and road season) · avoid Nov–Apr (sub-Arctic winter, ice, road conditions) · 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
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares