Nain is the most northerly settlement in Newfoundland and Labrador and is the administrative capital of Nunatsiavut - the Inuit Land Claim area of our province. Nain is a remote community nestled between Nain Hill to the north and Mount Sophie to the south. Nain is accessible by air or sea and is located approximately 370 km from Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Nain has a population of approximately 1200 people, most of whom are of Inuit descent.

In the community of Nain there are unpaved roads and once the ferry service stops running roads become snowed in. From approximately January to May the only mode of transportation is a snowmobile. Once the snow melts, community members use automobiles, ATVs, dirt bikes, side-by-sides and bicycles. 

Nain was one of the first communities in the province to ban plastic bags back in 2009. You will need to bring a reusable bag to all stores in the community. 

Although Nain is a remote community, you can find most items you are looking for in one of our three stores. Fresh produce and other goods are flown into our community throughout the week. When the ferry is traveling, stores purchase most of their supplies over the summer and fall to cut down on the cost of shipping. 

Most teachers choose to buy dry goods, frozen food and other household items outside of Nain and ship them up on the boat. By doing this, you are getting the items you want at a lower cost. 

Franks (formally called Big Land) and Northern are where you will do most of your shopping. There is plenty of fresh produce and other items on the store shelves. If you have any questions about items in the store, give them a call. 

Other convenience stores include:

Depending on availability, teachers may live in a school board apartment or apartments rented by a local landlord. Living arrangements are made by the school/district office in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

School board rentals: There is a five apartment building complex on the school parking lot and three trailers uptown (10-15 minute walk to school). All properties are two bedroom apartments. If single, you may be required to share an apartment. All apartments come furnished with a couch, chair, coffee table, end tables, kitchen table and chairs, and bedroom furniture. There is a fridge, stove, washer, dryer, and 1 or 2 freezers. Electricity and furnace oil are included in the rent. The tenant is responsible for hooking up services for phone, internet and television. The school can verify for certain what is in the apartment prior to arrival since previous tenants may leave small appliances and other items. 

Local rentals: There are two apartment buildings located within a 5 minute walking distance to school. There are four apartments in one building and five in another. Some of these apartments are usually reserved for teachers. Apartments are furnished similar to the school board rentals. The tenant is responsible for hooking up services for phone, internet and television. The landlord, or previous tenant if known, can verify what furniture and small appliances may be left in the apartment. 

Bell is the main internet (high speed wireless) and satellite television provider. It is the only landline provider. Technicians fly into the community every month or so to service the community. They do not install satellites in our community.  Some individuals chose Shaw Direct as their satellite television provider. Other internet service providers are Xplornet and Star Link (satellite internet).

Nain is the only community on the north coast of Labrador that has cell reception. Cell reception came to Nain in July 2019. Cell reception cannot be found everywhere in the community. Most cell phone providers work in Nain. 

There are three radio stations in Nain. The main station is The OKâlaKatiget Society (99.9 fm) which is aired from Nain, Labrador. The station provides a native communication service for the people on the north coast and the Lake Melville region of Labrador. Another station located in the community Nain Radio (90.1 fm) which is a continuous playlist of music 24 hours a day. Radio bingo is also aired on this station. The third station is CBC Labrador (95.1 fm) based out of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. 

Outdoor Activities

Police Services - Royal Canadian Mounted Police 

Gas station - Woodward's Oil Ltd
Mon-Thurs: 9am-12pm & 1-5pm
Fri: 9am-12pm & 1-5:30pm
Closed on the weekend