Hamilton Inlet, Natural inlet in Labrador, Canada
Hamilton Inlet is a large tidal estuary in Labrador that stretches roughly 140 kilometers inland from Groswater Bay to Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Four major rivers feed the system - the Churchill River, North West River, Kenamu River, and Goose River - creating an extensive network of waterways and channels.
The inlet received its current name in the early 1800s after Charles Hamilton, who served as commodore-governor of Newfoundland. Indigenous Inuit communities had inhabited and used these waters long before the region received its European name.
The name reflects the Inuit presence in the region, with local communities using the inlet for generations as a vital part of daily life. Fishing traditions and boat travel remain central to how people interact with this waterway.
The inlet is best explored by boat, as the shoreline is difficult to access by land. Weather conditions can change rapidly here, so visitors should prepare for proper marine equipment and careful trip planning.
At Rigolet, the narrowest point, the waters constrict to just 2 kilometers wide while reaching depths of 30 meters. This unusual combination of a tight passage and significant depth marks a striking transition point to Lake Melville.
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