Soaring skyward from the southern shores of Lake Melville, the Mealy Mountains stretch nearly 120 miles into the heart of Labrador. The 3000 foot high peaks form island of arctic tundra in a region of boreal forests and ocean coast. For wilderness types, the area represents not just spectacular scenery but some of Labrador’s best canoeing and salmon fishing. The Eagle River, which begins as snowmelt runoff high in the Mealy, is one of the finest wild rivers remaining in North America.

So wild are the Mealys that none of the peaks have names. With not a trail or a lodge in sight, visitors must hire guides in Happy Valley Goose Bay or Cartwright – or rely on their own wilderness skills. But even with their summer snow-caps many mountains are easy to climb and the views forum on high are truly seldom scenes.