This ecoregion occurs along the north shore of Newfoundland from Bonavista to the Northern Peninsula. The ecoregion is marked by cool summers and short, cold winters. It has the warmest summers of the coastal areas and is the driest part of the island. The mean annual temperature is approximately 4°C. The mean summer temperature is 12.5°C and the mean winter temperature is -3.5°C. The mean annual precipitation ranges 900-1000 mm. This ecoregion is classified as having an Atlantic mid-boreal ecoclimate. Its forests are composed of closed, low to intermediate stands of black and white spruce and/or balsam fir with an understory of feathermoss. The quality of the forest deteriorates towards the coast with increased exposure to winds. Barrens are common in coastal localities. This ecoregion is underlain mainly by Palaeozoic strata but includes a few granitic intrusive bodies that form prominent hills. Elevations range from sea level to about 150 m asl. The surface is covered by discontinuous, hummocky to ridged, morainal deposits of variable thickness with slopes ranging 5-30%. Bedrock outcrops are common, and shallow Humo-Ferric Podzols underlain by rock are the dominant soils. Significant inclusions are Gleyed Humo-Ferric Podzols, Gleysols, and Fibrisols on sloping and blanket bogs. Wildlife includes seabirds, especially murre, eider, and tern. One of North America's most important seabird sanctuaries, Funk Island, is located along this coast. Activities related to mining, forestry, and fishing are dominant land uses in this ecoregion. The major communities include Twillingate, Wesleyville, and Springdale. The population of the ecoregion is approximately 46 100.
This ecoregion is part of the Boreal Shield ecozone.