How to get to Makkovik

When planning how to get to Makkovik, it is worth preparing for a fascinating journey to the northern coast of Labrador. This small Inuit community in Canada is cut off from bustling metropolises and offers tourists a unique experience of unity with wild nature.

You cannot get here by all the usual means: due to geographical isolation, there are no roads or railways here. The main gateways to this region are light aviation and maritime transport during the navigation season, making the trip to Makkovik a true adventure itself.

The fastest and most reliable way to reach the region is to use the services of airlines flying to remote corners of the province. Since Makkovik does not accept large international liners, the route usually involves a transfer at a major regional hub, for example, in Goose Bay.

Flights are operated by small aircraft that provide a vital link for the village with the rest of Canada. Consider weather conditions: the weather in the north is changeable, and departures may be delayed, so it is worth allowing extra time when planning connections.

Railway connection with this region is completely absent, so it is impossible to get directly to the destination by train. The harsh landscape and remoteness of the territory did not allow for laying rail tracks here.

The nearest train stations are at a vast distance, in the southern parts of the country. Travellers dreaming of visiting Makkovik will have to exchange the rhythmic sound of wheels for the roar of aircraft turbines or the sound of ocean waves.

Due to the lack of a road network connecting the village to the mainland, bus routes are not established here. An attempt to find a direct bus from major cities in Canada will not be successful.

This type of transport is relevant only for the initial stages of the journey, to get to departure airports in the southern regions. Further travel north is possible only by air or water.

It is impossible to drive by car or taxi to Makkovik, as year-round roads simply do not lead to this settlement. This is a completely isolated territory, inaccessible to ordinary motor transport.

In winter, locals use snowmobiles to move across the tundra and ice, but for tourists, this is more of an exotic entertainment than a transfer method. Leave your car on the mainland and trust the local airlines.

A trip to this remote corner requires careful preparation and respect for local conditions. Here are a few recommendations that will make your stay comfortable and safe:

1. Clothing and Equipment. Even in summer, it can be cool and windy here. Be sure to bring multi-layered clothing, a windproof jacket, thermal underwear, and sturdy waterproof footwear for walking on rough terrain.
2. Transport within the village. The settlement is small, and it is easy to move around on foot. In winter, snowmobiles become the main means of transport, which can be arranged with local residents.
3. Finances and Cash. Banking infrastructure is limited. It is recommended to carry a sufficient supply of cash (Canadian dollars), as payment terminals may not work everywhere or connection may be absent.
4. Communication and Internet. Be prepared for mobile connection and internet to be slow or unstable. Download necessary maps and documents in offline mode in advance.
5. Buying Groceries. The assortment in local stores may be limited, and prices higher than on the mainland due to complex logistics. If you need specific medicines or dietary products, bring them with you.
6. Safety in Nature. You are in a region of wild nature where encounters with wild animals, including bears, are possible. Never wander far from the village alone without a guide and means of protection.
7. Respect for Culture. The local population carefully preserves Inuit traditions. Be polite, ask for permission before photographing people, and treat historical sites with respect.

Observing these simple rules will help you enjoy the rugged beauty of the North without unnecessary hassles.