Labrador Straits Historical Development Corporation

The Gateway to Labrador Visitor Centre is a restored early 20 th century Gothic Revival style church. The Gateway is a handsome building with white clapboard exterior, pointed arch windows, the hexagonal roofed bell tower, and a signature cinquefoil window.

The interior of the Gateway is equally striking with a pleasing combination of interpretative panels, art pieces, and artefacts that highlight attractions and sites along the Labrador Coastal Drive. Panels with beautiful photography relate the story of Labrador from the First Inhabitants, who arrived in Labrador some 9000 years ago, to present day settlers.

Of particular interest at the Gateway is a series of reproduction artefacts — a Thule harpoon and artefacts recovered at L’Anse Amour National Historic Site. The Gateway also houses a display of artifacts from the Jersey Room at nearby L’Anse Au Cotard.

The pine walls and unique architecture of the interior of the Gateway are backdrops for several commissioned pieces of art. The vibrant silk paintings, by renowned artist Diana Dabinett, bring the flowers, birds, whales, and icebergs of Labrador to life in dramatic style. The beauty of the Northern Lights is captured in a winter painting by local artist, Janet Howell-Pye.

The Gateway to Labrador also functions as the heart of Labrador Coastal Drive’s information system, providing visitors with information to ensure that their stay in Labrador is a memorable one.

Categories: All, Architecture, Church History / Religion, Community / Regional History, Flora and Fauna, Heritage Building, Labrador, Regional Listings, Thematic Listings