"The Capital of Labrador!" Battle Harbour by jamiesno

Battle Harbour Travel Guide: 64 reviews and 108 photos

Quick Synopsis

Battle Harbour Water Front

As a young child I remember visiting Battle Harbour with my parents. My grand parents where born in Battle Harbour. You will see in my tips an "Acreman House" this was where they were born.

Most recently I visited Battle Harbour for work to attend a reseach workshop focused on the natural environment in the area.

On an small island in the Labrador Sea, Battle Harbour was was once the economic and social centre of the southeastern Labrador coast.

Mercantile saltfish buildings established in the 1770s developed into a thriving community that was known as the "Capital of Labrador".

Six years of research and architectural restoration has breathed new life to this historic Capital!

Battle Harbour is now a living commemoration of the life and society created there by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

Numerous historic structures, walkways and work areas have been restored or reinstated, and a collection of more than 300 artifacts related to the fishery and everyday life are on display.

Today, the historic premises at Battle Harbour are open to the public.

It really is like a walk back in time in such a sureal location. Battle Harbour is now designated as a Canadian National Historic District.

This differs from a National Historic Site in that the entire island and all structures are of national importance in Canada.

Thoughts on Battle Harbour

Battle Harbour Scetch and Legend

While I remember Battle Harbour as a place I visited as a young person, I most recently will remember it for the vast number of whales, seals and icebergs that I witnessed on a recent visit!

It was amazing and couldn't beleive how lucky I was to be there at the right time. I now appreciate as well how special this place is. It was fun enjoying the sun and salt water by day and then in the night the fog would roll in as suggest go inside now enjoy the lanterns, entertainment and have a kitchen party!!

Each mercantile building at Battle Harbour was assigned a number, painted on the outside door. Often, the bottom floor of a building was numbered differently than the top floor. You will note also, that some numbers are missing. In several cases, these numbers were assigned to structures that no longer exist. Other historic buildings and site facilities do not have a number.

I have provided them right up front on this page and throughout my tips you will see these buildings come to life. This same stetch and legend is available when you get to Battle Harbour.

1) Pipe Shed (not shown-an addition to #11, the Flour Store).

3) Top Floor of the Seal Store.

4) Bottom Floor of the Seal Store.

5) Top Floor of the Salt Store-Salt
Store Exhibit. (You will find an exhibit on polar exploration in the Loft)

6) Bottom Floor of the Salt Store

7) Ice House (not shown-located next to #17, the Salmon Store).

9) Top Floor of the Salmon Store-Site Workshop.

10) Top Floor of the Flour Store.

11) Bottom Floor of the Flour Store-Artifact Exhibit.

12) Top Floor of the Pork Store (Twine Loft).

13) Bottom Floor of the Pork Store.

15) Top Floor of the Herring Store.

16) Bottom Floor of the Salmon
Store-Site Interpretation Centre and exhibits on Battle Harbour’s history.

17) Bottom Floor of the Herring Store-Site Orientation Centre.

A. Washrooms are located at the rear of #17, the Salmon Store.

B. A first aid kit is located in the Site Orientation Centre, #18, the Herring Store

C. Mission Store.

D. Cow Shed (Generator Shed)

E. Church of St. James the Apostle.

F. Newfoundland Ranger Detachment.

G. Isaac Smith House-Visitor Accommodations.

H. Doctor’s Cottage-Exhibit on the Grenfell Mission and the Battle Harbour Hospital.

I. Cookhouse/Bunkhouse-Visitor Accommodations.

J. Former RCMP Station

K. Community Store (The Shop).

L. Battle Harbour Inn (former Staff House)-Visitor Accommodations.

Pros and Cons

Pros:The Heritage, Culture, People and Serenity.

Last visit to Battle Harbour: Jul 2004
Intro Updated Dec 18, 2004
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Reviews (65)

Mural depicting characters of the past! - Battle Harbour

Battle Harbour Historic Trust Favorites (15)

Battle Harbour really is a great restoration project and example of exceptional economic development. It all started... more travel advice

Step Cliff View of Battle Harbour - Battle Harbour

General Advice Warnings and Dangers (5)

There is a local brochure you will see on the island and they give some very good advice to make sure your stay is safe... more travel advice

Map Location, Source: www.battleharbour.com - Battle Harbour

Battle Harbour Location Transportation (3)

Battle Harbour is located on the south east coast of Labrador. With this tip I just wanted to provide a map of its... more travel advice

Me with an iceberg in the background - Battle Harbour

Battle Harbour Ferry Transportation (3)

There is a regular ferry that operates between Mary's Harbour, Labrador on the southeast coast and direct to Battle... more travel advice

Things to Do (9)
See All Ice Bergs!
Tourist Traps (1)
Great Hospitality
Nightlife (3)
See All Host a Kitchen Party!
Restaurants (2)
See All Fresh Caplin
Local Customs (10)
See All School Wood Stove

What to Pack (1)
Be prepared and comfortable!
Off The Beaten Path (3)
See All Cape Charles
Sports & Outdoors (4)
See All Plant Watching :-)
Hotels (8)
See All Acreman House
Shopping (1)
Battle Harbour General Store

Travelogues (5)

1 - 4 of 5

Comments (11)

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tiger9090a May 6, 2005 at 11:53 PM

Great page about BH (Battle Harbour - not Beverly Hills)! Love that sunset pic.
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Pawtuxet Jan 4, 2005 at 6:54 AM

Wonderful that all of this is being restored and preserved. You've had a great experience here.
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dvideira Jan 1, 2005 at 9:08 PM

hummm.... kitchen parties are really great :-)) I'll be back here to check on your tips. Cheers
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whitecliff62 Dec 30, 2004 at 12:24 PM

Hi Jamie, well what a beautiful little harbour, just the place i would love to be right now with just a book as company, and one of those giant cod for dinner LOL.
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Bwana_Brown Dec 27, 2004 at 10:07 AM

A fantastically interesting page Jamie!! This really is an amazing place - a visit looks like it would be so much fun. I remember using kerosene lamps and wood stoves at my Uncle's cottage many years ago!
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easyoar Dec 20, 2004 at 1:40 PM

Very interesting page, I find the plane crash being a signposted attraction a shade bizarre, and those (mural) cod are enormous - I've only ever seen them with chips before!!!
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cadzand Dec 18, 2004 at 12:52 PM

You did a great job here. A great travel guide with so many good tips. I love the sunset pic.
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windsorgirl Dec 10, 2004 at 4:43 PM

Great info on Battle Harbour, I hope to see icebergs one day. Too bad you couldn't get that close to the whale. I love seeing whales too, thanks for the tips!
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chercarousel Nov 18, 2004 at 5:45 PM

Battle Harbour sounds like it would be a good place to relax and and enjoy life. I like being able to put yourslf right in the mural. Oh yes kitchen partys, know them well.
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Dialing Nov 13, 2004 at 10:46 AM

Astonishing presentation of Battle Harbour! Especially enjoyable sunsets and icebergs!!! Cool! :) And kitchen parties is our tradition too :)) Best regards!