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 mainly because of the role it played in the Labrador fishery. In 1909, U.S. Naval Commander Robert E. 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. The community 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.

Church of St. James the Apostle

Passengers visiting Battle Harbour will discover the Church of St. James the Apostle, commissioned in 1852 and consecrated five years later. St. James is the oldest surviving Anglican Church in Labrador and the last surviving example of the work of British ecclesiastical architect, Reverend William Grey.

Grenfell Hospital

The first hospital outside of St. John's was established in Battle Harbour in 1893 by Dr. Wilfred Grenfell - the renowned British medical missionary whose work amongst the people of northern Newfoundland and Labrador is legendary. The Grenfell Doctor's Cottage, pre-fabricated in England and erected at Battle Harbour to house resident medical personnel, still stands and is now beautifully restored.

Rich Fishing Heritage

Despite a devastating fire in 1930, many of the historic structures, walkways and fisheries-related work stations at Battle Harbour endured and were painstakingly restored. Through them, passengers can re-live captivating moments of Labrador's lively history. More than five hundred site-specific and local artifacts also shed light on the island's rich fishing heritage.

Breathtaking scenery

Breathtaking ocean scenery and shoreline vistas are definitely worth the trip! Icebergs abound along this part of the Labrador coast in early summer and the photo opportunities at Battle Harbour are endless.

Latitude: 52:16'N
Longitude: 55:35'W Channel Depth at Low Tide:
# of Cruise Berths: 1
Berth Depths: 4.3
Berth Lengths: 23.77
Tender Passengers, Water, Optional Pilotage (For information, contact Atlantic Pilotage Authority: 902-426-2550).

Community: 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: Gudrid Hutchings
E-Mail: gudrid.hutchings@gmail.com
Site Manager: Katherine Hann
E-Mail: bhht73@gmail.com