In August ‘03, I drove 3,600 miles (1,000 on gravel) from Maryland to Happy Valley/Goose Bay and Northwest River, Labrador, in a Honda CRV.

Quebec Route 389 is partially paved, and Labrador Route 500 is entirely gravel (except the parts through Labrador City and Churchill Falls). Traffic (including tractor trailors) is infrequent but at highly variable speeds. (I hit 80mph in one stretch, but usually averaged about 50mph. Some vehicles were much slower.)

The road is constantly being re-graded, and the gravel is very loose in those spots that have been re-graded.

The few hotels/motels can be expensive, but the bed and breakfasts are reasonable.