National Parks and National Historic Sites of Canada in Newfoundland and Labrador

Hopedale National Historic Site of Canada

Hopedale, or Arvertok as it was once called, is situated on the north coast of Labrador. This Inuit community was transformed by the arrival of the Moravian Missionaries in 1782 and is now a modern community. The current Hopedale Mission was constructed from 1853 to about 1865 and includes a church, mission house, storehouses, workshops and other smaller buildings. They were declared to be of national historic significance in 1983. Visitors will be enthralled by the exterior and interior architectural detailing and marvel at what are some of the first examples of prefabricated building construction in Canada. Books in the German language, medical and dental instruments, blacksmith’s tools, brassware, furniture, Inuit clothing, woodworking tools, and cutlery and crock ware are some of the relics of daily life of the Missionaries and Inuit.

Getting There

Hopedale is accessible by air from Goose Bay, Labrador with either Provincial Airlines/Innu Mikun or Air Labrador.

Making the Most of Your Visit

At the local museum artifacts left by the Moravians depict everyday life in a mission as well as medical instruments of the 19th century and a small library. Examine the architectural work of the late 1800s and early 1900s in a walk through of the church and mission building.

For More Information

Agvituk Historical Society
P. O. Box 161
Hopedale, Labrador A0P 1G0

Parks Canada / Geoff Hancock

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