Mistastin crater, Impact crater lake in Labrador, Canada
Description
Mistastin crater is a roughly circular impact structure about 17 miles (28 kilometers) in diameter, containing a large lake with a horseshoe-shaped island representing the central uplift typical of complex craters.
History
The crater formed approximately 36 million years ago during the Eocene Epoch when a small iron meteorite struck Precambrian rocks, generating temperatures exceeding 4,300 degrees Fahrenheit (2,370 degrees Celsius) and creating extensive melt rocks.
Culture
The site is located within the traditional hunting grounds of the Mushuau Innu First Nation near the Quebec border, and visiting requires permission out of respect for the cultural significance of the region.
Practical
Access to the crater requires preparation for remote wilderness conditions and rugged terrain, and visitors should arrange permission with the Mushuau Innu First Nation before traveling to this isolated Labrador location.
Did you know?
The impact generated the hottest crustal temperatures ever recorded in nature, transforming zircon minerals into cubic zirconia and providing scientists with natural evidence of extreme heat conditions comparable to planetary impacts.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Newfoundland and Labrador).
Meteorite impact craters are scars on Earth's surface created when asteroids collided with our planet. These geological structures range from 110 meters to 300 kilometers in diameter and tell stories spanning millions of years. The collision created extreme heat and pressure, forging rare minerals...
Chutes Nutshipaustukueshats Katats
82.4 kmGoose Land
90.5 kmUyagalatok Rapids
84.1 kmRapides Kautanikuskants
87.7 kmBreakfast Point Shore
93.7 kmWaterfall
73.6 kmWaterfall
80.3 kmWaterfall
59.7 kmWaterfall
60.8 kmWaterfall
60.6 kmWaterfall
61.4 kmWaterfall
59.3 kmWaterfall
59.2 kmWaterfall
58.6 kmWaterfall
62.5 kmWaterfall
75.9 kmWaterfall
61.5 kmWaterfall
70.6 kmWaterfall
79.4 kmWaterfall
24.6 kmWaterfall
44.3 kmWaterfall
65.6 kmWaterfall
68.3 kmWaterfall
68.4 kmWaterfall
54.3 kmWaterfall
68.8 kmWaterfall
92.3 kmWaterfall
75.6 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes