9 hours ago
The Canadian Island For When You Really, Really Want to Get Away
On a recent trip to Battle Harbour, an island in Canada's Labrador Sea, I heard the Northern Lights. Or at least I think I did. Scientists still debate whether the aurora actually makes any sounds, but as I gazed at the chartreuse display, I thought I could make out a faint whispered whistle in the night's otherwise profound silence. A true separation from the din of daily life eludes most of us, even on vacation—but in that moment, I was sure I'd found it.
For most of the year, the remote island of Battle Harbour in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador lies empty, pummeled by relentless snowstorms. Icebergs regularly float by in the bay. But for the three months of summer, the island opens briefly, like a portal to another quieter world. I had traveled to the island from New York City with my new husband as part of our honeymoon.
