Labrador Coastal Drive (Route 510)
Atlantic coast fishing outports and Norse history
Route 510 hugs Labrador’s dramatic Atlantic coast for 79 kilometers, connecting tiny fishing settlements that cling to rocky shores where icebergs drift past in summer. Starting at the Quebec border in Blanc-Sablon, the gravel road winds through L’Anse au Clair and Forteau before ending at Red Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site where 16th-century Basque whalers established the world’s first industrial whaling station. The route passes ancient Maritime Archaic burial grounds, traditional fishing stages, and endless views of the Strait of Belle Isle where massive icebergs calve from Greenland glaciers.
It’s a moderate difficulty drive requiring high-clearance vehicles due to loose gravel, washouts, and steep coastal grades. Weather can change instantly from fog to fierce Atlantic storms. Summer offers 20-hour daylight and wildflowers, but bring warm clothes—it rarely gets above 15°C. The payoff is experiencing authentic Labrador fishing culture, archaeological sites spanning 9,000 years, and coastline so raw and beautiful it’ll leave you speechless. Stock up on fuel and supplies in Blanc-Sablon.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 49 mi / 79 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 400 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance recommended |
| Nearest town | Blanc-Sablon, Quebec |
| Land manager | Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Transportation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Does my stock truck or SUV handle Route 510, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock high-clearance truck or SUV handles this fine under normal conditions. The gravel surface is maintained but rough in spots — lifted rigs aren't required, but low-clearance cars will get beat up.
When does Route 510 open and close for the season?
June through September is the reliable window. Snow and ice can linger into late May, and early October storms can make the road treacherous — this is coastal Labrador, weather moves fast.
Are there any permits or fees to drive Route 510?
No permits or fees required to drive the road itself. The Red Bay National Historic Site at the east end charges a Parks Canada entry fee if you want to access the museum and archaeological sites.
What's the hardest part of this drive and what should I actually expect?
It's rated moderate and earns it — the road is narrow, gravel, and exposed with no guardrails along coastal drops. Nothing technically brutal, but the remoteness is the real factor: mechanical trouble out here is a serious situation, not an inconvenience.
How far is it between fuel stops, and is there reliable gas along Route 510?
Fuel up in Blanc-Sablon before you leave — services along the 49-mile route are extremely limited. Red Bay has a small community but don't count on consistent fuel availability; carry a jerry can.
Trail track
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