Whales are frequently sighted along Labrador Coastal Drive during summer and early fall.

The most common large species of whale is the humpback, usually seen in groups and noted for their classic roll and dive leaving their tail flukes in the air. Fin whales are more solitary than humpbacks, and are usually spotted alone or in small groups. Their main identifying feature is the tall, column-like spout of exhaled air when they surface after a dive. Smaller whales include pothead, minke and occasional killer whales. Porpoises and dolphins (known as "jumpers") are also common.

The birds of Labrador and the offshore waters are diverse, with at least 225 species reported on Labrador and Newfoundland. Only about 10 percent of these remain year-round, the rest seek less severe climates in winter. The eider duck is a sea duck that remain in Labrador year-round.

The Gannet Islands Ecological Reserve is home to over 200,000 seabirds during breeding season and contains the largest razorbill colony in North America.

Many of the shorebirds which do not actually nest in Labrador, breed and rest in the area on their way to nesting grounds further north. In fall, numerous shorebirds fly south through the region . Bird watching along Labrador Coastal Drive can be rewarding as the area is under watched and it is possible to spot species which have not previously been recorded here.

Many thousands of seabirds are attracted to the region each spring. These birds- including the murres, puffins, petrels, gannets, and razor-billed auks- come here after having wintered at sea or in far-flung lands, and concentrate in the region where the warm Gulf Stream meets the cold Labrador Current. Suitable cliffs and islands are often engulfed in birds.

Spring also brings the water birds heading north to breed: Canada Geese, Common Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Jaegers and two species of Merganser. At this time of the year the gulls return. Glaucous are the most common species, and Iceland Gulls are occasionally seen. Smaller birds such as the yellow warblers and flycatchers flock through, gathering in stands of trees before heading further north.

Throughout the summer several species of raptor can be seen, mainly in the tundra. The Rough-legged Hawk and the Northern Harrier are common. Northern Goshawk has been sighted and Gyre Falcon are rare visitors to these shores.

The Fall migration brings the greatest numbers of shore birds. Large numbers of Greater Yellowlegs gather in the estuaries and the smaller species such as Sanderling and White-rumped Sandpiper flock on the seashore all along the coast. Snipe with their characteristic call, can be heard in the late evenings making their way to the rich feeding grounds soon to be covered by snow.

Once winter sets in and the sea freezes there are few species which can withstand the rigors of the climate. Snow Buntings are the most frequent passerines at this time. Snowy Owls and Partridges are seen infrequently in winter.

Puffins are among the most curious birds of Canada's eastern seaboard. About sixty thousand of them nest on several islands and cliffs along the Labrador coast at least as far north as Nain. In winter, they are believed to frequent Atlantic waters from Newfoundland south.

The puffin's highly coloured, triangular bill immediately draws one's attention to these chunky, parrot-like birds. Although the bill loses much of its size and colour after the breeding season, it still maintains its characteristic form. Their unique bills plus their seemingly serious facial expressions impart a comical serenity to puffins, an impression accentuated by their dignified gait.

Puffins nest in burrows dug into soft soil, or in crevices in rocks or cliffs in permafrost areas. Only one egg is laid as a rule, and the young remain in the burrow until they can fly. Puffins are unwary around their nests, a habit that made them vulnerable to marauders such as dogs, cats, gulls, and rats- a problem they counter to some extent by nesting on islands.

Berry picking is one of the most common traditional summer pastimes in the Labrador.

The most famous berry in the area is the bakeapple or cloudberry. Bakeapples are red initially, fading to a light orange colour when ripe (in local parlance bakeapples are red when they're "green"!). They are popular in jellies, syrups and pies, which can all be sampled in the local stores and restaurants throughout much of the year. These berries lend their name to the local Bakeapple Folk Festival held annually in August.

Other berries common to the area include black berries which ripen in late July, and partridgeberries, or lingonberries, which are a deep red colour when they ripen in mid-September. Partridgeberries are also popular in locally-made pies and jams.

All these berries are easily found within a few minutes walk of the highway

Labrador is world renowned for its sport fishing. And many of the acclaimed fishing rivers are accessible through Labrador Coastal Drive.

Licenses can be purchased locally and local people are available as guides.

For the serious salmon angler, local lodges provide comfortable accommodations and unforgettable adventures.