This Atlantic Ocean-influenced boreal ecoregion extends westward across the southern half of the uplands of Newfoundland to the Long Range Mountains. The ecoregion is marked by foggy, cool summers and short, relatively moderate winters along the coast and colder inland. The mean annual temperature is approximately 5.5°C. The mean summer temperature is 11.5°C and the mean winter temperature is -1°C. The mean annual precipitation ranges 1200 to over 1600 mm. This ecoregion is classified as having an oceanic mid-boreal ecoclimate. It is dominated by nearly pure, closed, intermediate stands of balsam fir. Fires have caused widespread destruction of the forests, and the subsequent replacement of fir by stands of sparse black spruce, balsam fir, tamarack, and mixed ericaceous shrubs, along with mosses and lichen. Kalmia and sphagnum moss occur on large tracts of blanket and flat bogs. The ecoregion ranges from sea level to about 250 m asl in elevation and is composed predominantly of a mixture of late Precambrian and Palaeozoic sedimentary rocks and granites. Where stream erosion has cut deeply, the uplands are rugged and rocky, but elsewhere they present a rolling terrain of low relief. The surface of the uplands is dominated by rolling to hummocky, sandy morainal deposits and is associated predominantly with Humo-Ferric Podzolic soils. Significant inclusions are acidic rock outcroppings, Ferro-Humic Podzols, peaty Gleysols, and Fibrisols. Characteristic wildlife includes caribou, moose, lynx, black bear, and red fox. Fishing and recreation are dominant activities in this region. The major communities include Channel - Port aux Basques, Bonavista, St. John's, Marystown, Grand Bank, and Carbonear. The population of the ecoregion is approximately 311 500.
This ecoregion is part of the Boreal Shield ecozone.