Labrador City is located on the western border of Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Labrador City, with a population of just over 9,000 in 2021, is located right next to Wabush, a small town with a population of 2,000 (based on 2016 data). The region’s population is made up of many fourth and fifth generation mining families, as well as more recent migrants from other parts of Canada. Given the city’s proximity to the Quebec border and the town of Fermont, Labrador City has a strong Francophone presence. Labrador City is also home to large Filipino and Indigenous communities.
Located above the 53rd parallel, the climate in Labrador City is characterized by long, cold winters with short, mild summers. The winters provide a great climate for those who love winter sports, such as alpine or cross-country skiing, snow shoeing and snowmobiling. Summers offer the chance to get outside and explore the area by enjoying the many walking and hiking trails or ATV trails. Other popular activities include fishing, camping, hunting and mountain biking.
The province of Newfoundland and Labrador is home to many Innu and Inuit people, who are part of Canada’s First Nations. While no official statistics are available for Labrador City, Indigenous people make up 7% of the population in the province.
The Labrador West local government website is a great source of information on the area, including a directory of municipal services. The Newfoundland Labrador provincial website provides an overview of the region.
Labrador City and Wabush are within the Newfoundland Labrador English School District. The A.P Low Primary School and Menihek High School are located in Labrador City and J.R. Smallwood Middle School is located in Wabush. Schooling in Labrador City is mainly English language. However, French immersion programs are available to interested families and students. For parents who would like their children to receive an education in French, le Centre Éducatif l’ENVOL offers French language schooling for native French speakers and second language French speakers from pre-school to the 12th grade.
Childcare and Preschool
There are two licensed childcare providers in Labrador City; Building Blocks and the Labrador City Child Care Center.
French Language and Culture
The Association Francophone du Labrador which is based in Labrador City promotes French language and culture, as well as bilingualism in the region. Further information about French culture and activities in the region can also be found on the Town of Fermont website.
Post-Secondary Education
For those seeking post-secondary education, the College of the North Atlantic has a Labrador West Campus that specializes in skills and trades specific to the mining industry.
There are a variety of housing options available in the towns of Labrador City and Wabush. Individuals and families can choose to rent or purchase houses, apartments or duplexes in Labrador City and Wabush. Five real estate agencies are located in Labrador City. Facebook groups are also a popular option for listing and/or searching housing options.
Real Estate Agencies:
Facebook Groups
Labrador City is a service base for the broader region of Labrador West and many essential medical services are located in the city. Specialist medical services that may not be based locally service the town via regular locums throughout the year.
The Labrador West Health Centre opened its new hospital in 2015. The hospital is served by fee-for-service family physicians, a general surgeon, an obstetrician/gynecologist and an anesthesiologist. Maternity care is provided by family physicians and nurses.
In addition to the Labrador West Health Service a number of specialists, including dentists, orthodontists, optometrists, physiotherapists and chiropractors are based in Labrador City.
Canada’s universal health care system is administered by the provinces. Visit the website of the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Care Plan for more information.
Labrador City is serviced by the Wabush Airport. Flights are available daily to regional towns such as Happy Valley/Goose Bay and Churchill Falls as well as the city of Sept-Iles where the IOC port and rail facilities are located. From these locations, connections can be made to provincial capitals including Quebec, Montreal, St. Johns, Halifax and Toronto.
All year round, Labrador West offers a wide variety of options for those interested in sports, recreation, as well as arts and/or culture. Below is a list of popular activities and groups.
- The Labrador City Arena / rink | - Several softball fields | - The Carol Curling club |
- The Wabush Arena / rink | - A skate park | - Cross-country ski facilities |
- A soccer field | - An 18 hole golf course | - Downhill and cross-country ski facilities |
- Snowmobile trails and clubs | - Indoor swimming pool | - Snowbirds Gymnastics Club |
- Dance Studio | - Running Club | - Karate/Tae Kwon Doe |
- Gymnasium | - Yoga Studio | - Public library |
- Gateway Labrador Tourism Centre and Museum | - Labrador West Arts and Culture Centre | - Carol Players Theatre Club |
- Northern Lights Theatre Club | - Encore Entertainment Theatre/Music Group | - A dog park |
More information about these recreation services is available from the city of Labrador West. The private gym, Work Out World, also offers cardio, weight training, group classes, and indoor track and personal training.
Throughout the year the city of Labrador West provides a range of programs and events for early childhood, children, adolescents, adults/families and seniors. The Labrador West Arts and Culture offers a wide variety of programming from across Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada.
IOC and the businesses that supply it make up a large portion of the job market in Labrador. However, other mining companies are also based in the area, as well as a variety of job opportunities outside of the mining sector.
For those coming to Labrador City from international locations, a work permit is generally required.
For more information on job opportunities outside of IOC you can visit:
Specific assistance for job seekers with a disability is provided by the Labrador West Employment Corporation.