Battle Harbour is on an island off the south coast of Labrador. Mercantile saltfish premises, first established in the 1770's, developed Battle Harbour into a thriving community that was for a time known as the 'Capital of Labrador'. With the downturn in the fishery and the cod moratorium in 1992, Battle Harbour is no longer a permanent nor a fishing community. However, years of research and architectural restoration by the Battle Harbour Historic Trust has breathed new life into this unique place for the benefit of history and those who venture to visit. The community is now commemorated as National Historic District of Canada because of the vital role it played in the Labrador fishery.

Over the years, Battle Harbour has also played host to medical pioneer Sir Wilfred Grenfell and arctic explorer U.S. Naval Commander Robert E. Peary. In 1909, Peary wired exclusive detailed accounts of his North Pole expedition to the editor of the New York Times via the wireless transmitter at Battle Harbour. Battle Harbour was also the site of two press conferences held by Peary and attended by news correspondents from Boston, Philadelphia, Montreal and Chicago. These sessions fueled the controversy as to whether Peary or his long-standing rival, Dr. Frederick Cook, was the first to 'conquer' the Pole. Coverage from Battle Harbour dominated the world's newspapers for ten days and the debate concerning the Peary-Cook rivalry continues today.

The mercantile premises and artifacts have many, many stories to tell.

Location: Battle Harbour, Battle Island
Season: Mid June - Mid September
Route Number: 510 connecting with a daily passenger ferry from Mary's Harbour
Information and Reservations: Annette Holley
Phone:709 921 6325
E-Mail: battleharbourreservations@gmail.com
Managing Director: Peter Woodward
E-Mail: info@battleharbour.com
Site Manager: Peter Bull