Major city · Canada
Port Hope Simpson
Stay one night as a fuel-and-sleep stop on Route 510 between Labrador City/Goose Bay and the Blanc-Sablon ferries. No reason to come here on its own.
Port Hope Simpson is a hamlet of about 529 people on the Trans-Labrador Highway, in southeastern Labrador. It exists as a service point: fuel, a hotel, a restaurant and an airstrip on a road where the next 410 km north to Happy Valley-Goose Bay has no services at all. The surrounding country — the Alexis River, Shinneys Water Complex, snowmobile trails — is the point, not the village.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CAD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep (road and fishing season); Feb–Mar for snowmobile events
- avoid Nov–Apr unless you are on a snowmobile; ice and snow close the road to casual driving
- Airport
- YHA
- Nights
- 1
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 Port Hope Simpson911 ▾
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 Port Hope Simpson, 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 is quiet and safe.
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
- 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.
- AirportcheckYHA Port Hope Simpson Airport (Small airstrip about 2 km (1.2 mi) south of town; scheduled service is limited — check current operators before booking.).YHA Port Hope Simpson Airport (Small airstrip about 1.2 mi (2 km) south of town; scheduled service is limited — check current operators before booking.).
- 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 or teacheckC$3–5 (≈ US$3–4)
- Street or quick mealSoup, chilli or a sandwichcheckC$10–18 (≈ US$8–14)
- Budget bedRussell's RV Park site, a night, per roomC$35 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedAlexis Hotel room, a night, per roomC$180 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedAlexis Hotel room, a night, per roomC$240 (≈ US$180)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget C$120 (≈ US$90) · Mid C$200 (≈ US$150) · High C$320 (≈ 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
- YHA Port Hope Simpson Airport (Small airstrip about 2 km (1.2 mi) south of town; scheduled service is limited — check current operators before booking.)YHA Port Hope Simpson Airport (Small airstrip about 1.2 mi (2 km) south of town; scheduled service is limited — check current operators before booking.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
Feb
Care
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
Mar
Care
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
Apr
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
May
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Jun
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Jul
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Aug
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Sep
Best
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Oct
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Nov
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Dec
Avoid
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Mixed: Feb–Mar. Avoid: Apr, Nov–Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)), coolest Jan (−20°C (−4°F)−4°F (−20°C) low), wettest Jun (13 rain days), driest Feb (10). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Port Hope Simpson: 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
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
−20°C (−4°F)−4°F (−20°C)
12 rd
Feb
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
−20°C (−4°F)−4°F (−20°C)
10 rd
Mar
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
11 rd
Apr
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
11 rd
May
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
12 rd
Jun
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13 rd
Jul
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Aug
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Sep
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13 rd
Oct
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
13 rd
Nov
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
13 rd
Dec
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°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. The village is small enough to walk, but everything outside it — the Alexis River, the trails, the next fuel stop — is a drive. Fuel and basic repairs are at P & K Sports and Automotive and Penney's Pitstop. Snowmobile trails connect the hamlet to Cartwright, Mary's Harbour, Red Bay and other coast communities in winter.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1 h
Route 510 south, about 62 km (39 mi)Route 510 south, about 39 mi (62 km)
Fuel, food and a small airstrip; the last services before Forteau.
Cartwright
cautionDoor to door: About 2.5–3 h
Route 510 north, about 187 km (116 mi)Route 510 north, about 116 mi (187 km)
No services at Cartwright Junction. Cartwright has food and fuel but no hotel, bank or repair garage.
Happy Valley-Goose Bay
cautionDoor to door: About 5–6 h
Route 510 north, 410 km (255 mi) of wildernessRoute 510 north, 255 mi (410 km) of wilderness
No fuel or services the whole way. Full tank, spare, and daylight only.
Door to door: About 3–4 h
Route 510 south through Red Bay and Lodge Bay
The route to the Newfoundland ferry and the Quebec North Shore coastal ferry.
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.
Alexis Drive / village centre
The Alexis Hotel is the only hotel: rooms, restaurant, fuel and a small store in one place. Book ahead in summer.
Russell's RV Park
Next to Port Hope Hardware and Building Supplies; the option if you are self-contained in an RV or camper.
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$120–180 (≈ US$90–140) excl. bed
- Mid
- C$180–280 (≈ US$140–250) excl. bed
- High
- C$280 (≈ US$250)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Alexis Hotel room1 × 1 night × C$180 | C$180 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × C$200 | C$400 |
| Fuel, one full tank1 × C$90 · check | C$90 |
| Meal at Campbell's Place or Midway2 × C$25 · check | C$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | C$72 |
| Trip total≈ C$396 per person per day, bed included | C$792≈ US$600 |
check
2026 estimate in Canadian dollars; fuel and vehicle costs excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or teacheck | C$3–5 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Soup, chilli or a sandwichcheck | C$10–18 (≈ US$8–14) |
| Pizza by the slicecheck | C$5–8 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Fuel, per litrecheck; higher in remote Labrador | C$1.70–2.10 (≈ US$2) |
| Hotel room, one nightcheck | C$140–240 (≈ US$110–180) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The 410 km (255 mi) north to Happy Valley-Goose Bay has no fuel, no food and no services. Fill the tank here, every time.The 255 mi (410 km) north to Happy Valley-Goose Bay has no fuel, no food and no services. Fill the tank here, every time.
- There is no mobile phone service in Port Hope Simpson. Tell someone your plan before you leave the last town with signal.
- Fuel up before you leave; the next services south are at Mary's Harbour, about 62 km (39 mi) on.Fuel up before you leave; the next services south are at Mary's Harbour, about 39 mi (62 km) on.
- Set your watch: most of Labrador north of here uses Atlantic time, while Port Hope Simpson and points south to Forteau use Newfoundland time.
- Winter driving on Route 510 is for locals and prepared vehicles; do not attempt it casually.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire and ambulance (Canada-wide)
- 911
- Newfoundland and Labrador highway conditions
- 511
Pocket card
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Port Hope SimpsonPort Hope Simpson
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Can you take me to this address?To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire and ambulance911
- Highway conditions (NL)511
Embassy
No consulates in Labrador. US consulate general in Halifax or Montréal; most other countries: embassies in Ottawa.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Fuel, Port Hope Simpson: fill the tank here; the next services north are 410 km (255 mi) awayfill the tank here; the next services north are 255 mi (410 km) away
- Route 510 to Mary's Harbour: about 62 km (39 mi), about 1 habout 39 mi (62 km), about 1 h
- Route 510 to Cartwright: about 187 km (116 mi), about 2.5–3 habout 116 mi (187 km), about 2.5–3 h
Say or show
- Where's the gas station? — Where is the fuel station?
- How far to the next gas? — How far to the next services?
- Is Route 510 open? — Is the road open?
- Do you have a room for tonight? — I need a room for one night.
- Thanks, bye — Thank you
- There's no cell service here — No mobile signal here
No mobile phone service in the hamlet. Carry cash; card machines may be offline.
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 Port Hope Simpson. 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 (road and fishing season); Feb–Mar for snowmobile events · avoid Nov–Apr unless you are on a snowmobile; ice and snow close the road to casual driving · 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
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Fuel-and-sleep contract for the Route 510 gap: last fuel, last food, last signal, and the 410 km no-service stretch marked on the map.
- Walking cluster for the village with rescue anchors: Alexis Hotel, Campbell's Place, Midway Restaurant, the airstrip.
- Place pages for the Alexis River, Shinneys Water Complex and the snowmobile trail network, with season and access rules.
- Winter and shoulder-season fixtures so the road-status and no-signal warnings can go green.