Available Planning Guides for Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve, Labrador

Canada's largest national park reserve protecting the easternmost boreal wilderness

Akami−Uapishkᵘ−KakKasuak−Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve

Akami−Uapishkᵘ−KakKasuak−Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve represents a monumental conservation achievement for Canada and North America. Spanning approximately 10,700 square kilometres in the remote Labrador region, it stands as the largest national park in eastern Canada and the most extensive protected area in eastern North America. The reserve encompasses a remarkable diversity of landscapes, from the boreal forests that blanket much of the interior to the tundra ecosystems found at higher elevations and along the coast. The Mealy Mountains themselves rise prominently from the surrounding terrain, representing the highest land in Labrador and lending their name to the protected area. Over 50 kilometres of shoreline along the Labrador Sea and Lake Melville fall within the park's boundaries, providing critical coastal habitat and scenic beauty. The establishment of this park reserve reflects a new approach to conservation in Canada, one that recognizes and accommodates the traditional land uses and rights of Indigenous peoples. Unlike most national parks, the Mealy Mountains reserve permits activities such as hunting, trapping, fishing, and cutting wood for personal use, reflecting the deep connections between local communities and this landscape. This approach represents a significant evolution in Canadian park management philosophy, demonstrating that meaningful conservation can coexist with Indigenous cultural practices and local traditions.