A Journey Worth Telling
Where is Labrador, anyway? Sure, it’s more than just a breed of dog. And yes, that dog is named after this place—just like the Newfoundland breed is named after Newfoundland. But this isn’t about furry companions, this is about an untamed land full of wonders and stories. Labrador is one part of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, but we’re focusing on Labrador today—the wild frontier of the east.
Labrador is a place like no other—a land where untamed beauty, ancient traditions, and breathtaking landscapes collide. It is a place that gets under your skin, where the raw power of nature shapes not just the land, but the way people live, connect, and share their stories. From the first step I took into this vast, wild frontier, I knew this would be a journey worth telling—a story I wanted to live and capture through my lens. As the Chief Solutions Officer of Films.Solutions and Director of Photography, with many filming projects spanning from the southern tip to the far northern reaches of the region, I had the privilege of exploring Labrador—a journey that took me to the heart of one of Canada’s most spectacular and awe-inspiring lands. Through this journey, I spoke with the people who know this land best: Inuit elders, Innu community members, local guides, production specialists, and nature experts. Together, we crafted a vision of Labrador that is as deep and complex as the land itself.
Where is Labrador?
Labrador lies on the eastern edge of Canada, a vast and remote region that stretches from its southernmost tip along the Gulf of St. Lawrence to its northernmost reaches near the Arctic Circle. It is a land where the boreal forest gives way to the tundra, and fjords carved by glaciers stand as majestic reminders of the region’s geological history. To travel through Labrador is to journey through a series of ecosystems, each more breathtaking than the last. Goose Bay, located in central Labrador, is often the last stop for most major airlines. From there, the journey to the north requires a helicopter or the expertise of a bush pilot—an adventure in itself, navigating over remote lakes, threading through dense forests, and landing in secluded villages where access is limited and the challenges of remoteness are ever-present. Reaching these locations takes careful planning, local knowledge, and the courage to embrace the wilderness in its rawest form.
Exploring Labrador
Labrador is one of Canada’s ultimate frontiers—a land that demands both respect and awe. As an adventurer and storyteller and filmmaker, I found myself immersed in this untamed wilderness, seeking out the voices and stories that make this place what it is. Labrador is not just a region to traverse; it is a place that demands a deep connection, an understanding of the people who have lived here for generations, and a reverence for the land itself. From the fjords of the Torngat Mountains to the vast boreal forests of the south, every aspect of this region speaks a story that deserves to be shared with the world.
The Inuit I met spoke of Labrador as a living story—a landscape that holds the wisdom of their ancestors, where every rock, every fjord, and every expanse of ice is a chapter of history. The Torngat Mountains National Park, with its towering cliffs rising from the icy waters, felt like a natural cathedral. Filming here wasn’t just about capturing beauty; it was about honoring the spirit of those who came before, the resilience of the seals surfacing for air, the subtle dance of light on the ice. Labrador, through Inuit eyes, is a place where the past speaks to the present, and the land itself becomes the storyteller.
For the Innu, Labrador is Nitassinan—“our land.” It is not just a backdrop for filmmaking; it is a living entity, an extension of their identity. The boreal forests of the southern region, where the Innu have thrived for generations, are home to abundant wildlife, including caribou herds and black bears that roam the vast forests, each playing a crucial role in the ecosystem. The presence of black bears, in particular, speaks to the health of the boreal forest, as they are both a symbol of strength and a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life here that hold deep spiritual significance for the Innu people. I was struck by the Innu’s profound respect for the natural world and their sense of responsibility towards it. To film in Labrador is to tell a story beyond the scenery—it is to capture the intricate relationship between the Innu and the land, to portray the sacredness that defines every element of nature. This is a narrative that must be approached with humility and deep respect.
Traveling with local guides, I discovered Labrador’s hidden wonders—a paradise for those with a true sense of adventure. The untouched Torngat Mountains, the remote lakes that glisten like jewels amidst the wild, and the isolated villages that are scattered throughout the region, the serene beaches of Battle Harbour, the sprawling wilderness that stretches endlessly—all are treasures waiting to be discovered. My guide spoke of the fjords of northern Labrador, dramatic natural wonders that leave you speechless. These sheer cliffs, plunging into crystal-clear waters, beg to be captured on film. But to truly experience Labrador, you must go beyond the obvious—venture off the well-trodden paths, trust the knowledge of those who know the land intimately, and allow yourself to be moved by its raw, untamed beauty. The magic of Labrador is hidden from all but the most intrepid.
Filming in Labrador is not without its challenges. The remoteness, the unpredictable weather, the limited infrastructure—all of these factors require meticulous planning and the right partnerships. Beyond the wilderness, Labrador is also home to the immense power of human ingenuity. The vast iron ore mines and the gigantic hydroelectric dams that provide power to eastern Canada are feats of engineering that stand in stark contrast to the natural beauty of the region. These mines and dams are a testament to human determination to harness the power of Labrador’s resources. I had the chance to film in one of these giant mining operations in Labrador City, where I experienced firsthand the unique spirit of the people who call this place home. It may be remote, but the people of Labrador City love their town and the way of life it offers—you have to be a special kind of person to thrive here. I was also fortunate to get up close to the colossal machinery: the massive trucks and giant shovels that shape the landscape, an awe-inspiring sight that brought home the scale of what humans are capable of achieving in this rugged terrain. The rugged terrain tests a crew’s resilience, but those who are willing to take on the challenge will be rewarded with visuals of unparalleled grandeur and a deeper connection to the land.
Light is the essence of visual storytelling, and Labrador’s light is unlike any other. The thrill of working with Labrador’s natural light—the way it reflects off the ice, the vibrant hues during sunrise and sunset, the shifting shadows across the landscape—is unmatched. The fjords are a playground for light, where cliffs catch the golden rays of dawn and transform them into a dynamic dance of color and shadow. Filming in Labrador is about patience—waiting for that perfect moment when the landscape speaks through the lens. My goal was to capture that essence, to let the light of Labrador shine in every frame.
Labrador is also a place of incredible ecological diversity, from boreal forests to arctic tundra. Each ecosystem plays a crucial role in the health of this region. The remote lakes of Labrador, nestled deep within the vast wilderness, and the secluded villages that dot the landscape, are where arctic and subarctic environments coexist, creating a symphony of wildlife and pristine terrain. Filming here requires understanding and respecting this delicate balance. It is not just about capturing images; it is about protecting what makes Labrador unique and inspiring others to cherish these irreplaceable landscapes.
Standing on the shores of a remote lake, surrounded by untouched wilderness, I felt the true spirit of Labrador—a spirit that calls to those who seek the raw, the real, and the untamed. My journey here was more than a physical one; it was a journey into the essence of exploration itself. Labrador is a place where every view, every shot, every story must be earned. The challenges—the rough weather, the remote locations, the demanding conditions—only serve to make the experience more profound. In the winter, I worked alongside the Innu of Sheshatshiu, near North River, where we crossed vast expanses of ice to reach remote cabins for a documentary. The snowmobile was not just a means of transportation; it was a lifeline, a tool that allowed us to navigate this frozen world with the expertise of those who have lived here for generations. To film here is to document a world that is still raw, still untouched by the overwhelming influence of modernity. Labrador forces you to adapt, to respect its immense power, and to embrace the journey as much as the destination. For those willing to heed its call, Labrador offers an experience that transcends words—it offers a glimpse into the very soul of the Earth.
A Story That Lives On
Filming in Labrador is so much more than just an adventure—it’s an immersion into one of the last true frontiers of our world. It is a journey woven from the stories of those who have lived here for generations and the visions of those who come to be inspired by its raw beauty. From the remote lakes that glisten amidst the wilderness to the secluded villages and the untouched expanses that stretch across the land, Labrador is a place where nature and culture come together in perfect harmony. The journey to Labrador can begin with a flight, but there is also the thrill of crossing from the province of Québec near Labrador City, traveling south to Blanc-Sablon, and taking the ferry to Newfoundland—a fantastic experience that reveals the diverse beauty of the region. By listening to the voices of the Inuit, the Innu, the guides, the bush pilots, and the explorers, we begin to understand the depth of Labrador’s beauty, its spirit, and the responsibility that comes with capturing its essence on film. Labrador is more than a location—it is a story waiting to be told, a spirit waiting to be captured, a land that invites us all to see the world differently.
