Thursday, May 9, 2024 (Day 3)

Labrador City, Labrador / 6:00 a.m. / -4 degrees to Happy Valley Goose Bay, Labrador / 1:20 p.m. / 5 degrees for a total of 548.1 km driving.  Day started out sunny with clear blue skies once the windows on the truck defrosted.  Yep, frost on the pumpkin, I mean vehicle.  Later in the morning we had snow flurries.  

The highway is beautiful and straight.  It has an 80 km limit, no cell phone service and a 3 foot gravel shoulder and that drops off a few feet.  There are some hydro roads but too soft at this time of year.  We drove past ditches of snow and frozen lakes that locals are still skidooing on.  Not one transport truck until we were just about to Happy Valley Goose Bay.

Churchill Falls is the ONLY town between Labrador City and Happy Valley Goose Bay, Labrador.  Therefore, for us women, the only pee break location.  It is also gas (if you need it), food, etc.   Note:  The town is off the highway and says 2 exits (Hospital and Police) but only saw 1 exit and had to back track to get the 2nd exit.  The few folks we encountered were not friendly. 

A few highlights:

-Forgot to mention yesterday that Labrador City and Happy Valley Goose Bay are 1 hour ahead of Ottawa (EST),

We enjoy driving but this drive may not be for everyone. 

-Churchill Falls is home to the largest underground hydro electric plant.  Free tours are available (3 hours in length) and appear to be year round.  We would have taken this tour, but only found out about it after the fact.  Coming in to Happy Valley Goose Bay we were surprised when the sign said turn right for Happy Valley or go left for Goose Bay.  It is still one big town but created a moment of confusion.

-Noticed the milk products in Labrador City and Happy Valley Goose Bay, Labrador come from La Baie, Quebec.

-It was recommended to try the new restaurant Mamattuk in Happy Valley Goose Bay.  It was very good, especially the cauliflower bites appetizer (large portion).  The decor was beautiful, as the server noted, it is like being in a Montreal restaurant.  The restaurant was conveniently located next to our hotel Royal Inn & Suites.  Smaller room but comfy bed, pillows and blankets.

-Let’s not forget about the wildlife we saw.  Today included 4 bears and we were able to catch a a shot of one of the them.