A journey through Labrador, one of the last great wilderness areas on the planet, is the perfect antidote to all those previous prepackaged vacation transgressions.

A big land in every sense, stretching from the Strait of Belle Isle in the south to Cape Chidley in the far north, it boasts towering mountains, massive rock faces, and an infinite supply of lakes and rivers. Here, you’ll find plenty of fresh air, crystal clear water, and the most authentic people all under the same big sky.

North of Saglek Bay, eons of glacial action, erosion, and internal upheaval have collectively carved a landscape that stands as a monument to the earth of a million years ago in a mysterious beauty of a place called the Torngats. This is where outdoor aficionados can indulge their passion in every way, with thousands of square kilometres to hike, photograph, and explore. And where rivers challenge even the most adventurous whitewater canoeists.

Teeming with game and fish, Labrador is also a pristine paradise for sports fishermen and hunters. And there are plenty of experienced and resourceful outfitters to guide you along the way.

The people of Labrador are proud and self-reliant. The Innu and Inuit have lived here for thousands of years, and their cultures are rooted in a deep, spiritual relationship with the environment.

The long and intriguing history of Labrador’s indigenous people can be traced back almost 9,000 years, with the oldest funeral monument in North America, dating back 7,500 years, found at L’Anse-Amour.

In recent centuries, Metis and settlers from many European backgrounds have also learned to live in a land that is at the same time hostile and gentle. Hear the story of the early European presence at the National Historic Site at Red Bay, where Basque whalers established the first major industrial complex in the New World. You’ll find museums in the larger towns, and even the oldest building east of Montreal out on the coast.

Labrador’s unique heritage is celebrated time and again at area folk festivals, carnivals, and community events throughout the year. The Bakeapple Folk Festival in Forteau, held every August, offers a delicious sampling of local food, music, and dancing.

Under a blanket of magical Northern Lights, the winter months bring with them the hum of a thousand snowmobiles carving a path through the untouched wilderness in the name of real outdoor adventure. It’s also the best time of year to happen upon the world’s largest caribou herd, or test your skills on a dogsled. And the quieter winter pursuits, like cross-country and downhill skiing, ice fishing, and winter camping, set against an abundance of breathing room, are always good for body and soul.

No matter when you take the journey, chances are, you won’t soon forget the Labrador experience.