Killiniq Island

Killiniq Island lies at the entrance to Hudson Strait off the far northern tip of the Labrador peninsula. The island is notable for its exposed Arctic location and for an abandoned settlement that once occupied a sheltered bay.

The island’s shoreline, cliffs and tundra are typical of high Arctic environments, and the former settlement area contains traces of historic use by Indigenous peoples and later trading posts. There is no permanent population on the island today.

Historic use included seasonal Inuit occupation and later trading or military posts established during colonial times; the settlement was vacated in the 20th century and facilities fell into disuse. The island is primarily of interest for historical remains and Arctic geography.

Geographically the island sits at the northernmost extremity of the Labrador coast where the Atlantic meets Hudson Strait. It is remote from major centers and reached only by sea or air in suitable conditions.

• Access and conditions: Tides and Arctic weather make access difficult; visits generally require careful planning and suitable vessels or aircraft.

What to See #

• Port Burwell site: An abandoned settlement and former trading post on the island that served as a seasonal base for Inuit and later for colonial-era activities.