Nain

Nain is the northernmost permanent settlement in Newfoundland and Labrador, stretching along Unity Bay and sheltered by numerous islands including the large Paul's Island. The town serves as the regional government center and is accessible mainly by ferry or aircraft.

Moravian missionaries established the settlement in 1771 under the leadership of Jens Haven, creating one of Canada's first permanent Inuit communities. The town gradually became a significant trading center for the region.

The community functions as the administrative hub of Nunatsiavut, where residents maintain Inuit traditions through fishing and hunting while speaking both English and Inuktitut in daily life. These languages and practices shape how people work and interact throughout the region.

The MV Kamutik W ferry operates between Nain and coastal communities from June through November, while Air Borealis provides flight connections from Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Plan your visit with these seasonal transportation options in mind.

In 1893, court order required residents to adopt patrilineal surnames, resulting in a blend of missionary-derived and traditional Inuit family names that residents carry today. This documented shift in naming practices reflects the community's contact with broader colonial systems.

Location: Nunatsiavut

Inception: 1771

Elevation above the sea: 11 m

GPS coordinates: 56.54220,-61.69280

Latest update: December 20, 2025 02:55