Central Labrador is the 'heart' of Labrador and a gateway to the north coast by ship and air, and to western Labrador by road and air.

The region has four residential communities:

North West River has historic significance, established in 1749. It is now an incorporated municipality with a population of 540 people. In 2005, the community celebrated the centennial of Mina Hubbard's successful journey across the wilderness to Ungava Bay, as she finished the trip on which her husband, Leonidas, had perished 2 years prior.

Sheshatshiu has recently been designated with Reserve Status and is the community for most of the region's Innu population. It is the fastest growing community in Labrador with 50% of the population under the age of 25 years.

Happy Valley Goose Bay is an incorporated municipality with population of 7700 people. It is the centre for commerce and government services and home of the 5 Wing Goose Bay airbase and Goose Bay Airport, the largest employers in the region. Here you will find everything you need including hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, craft shops, fast food outlets, grocery and hardware stores, and health services.

Mud Lake is an isolated village that is only accessible by boat or snowmobile. With a current population of about 50 permanent residents, it hosts a two room school, a United Church and a community hall. Circa 1900, this community was a bustling centre for forestry activity with up to 250 residents and a company that produced its own currency.