The largest part of this ecoregion lies east and south of the Smallwood Reservoir, spanning the Labrador-Quebec boundary in southwestern Labrador. The second part extends across central Labrador from the Smallwood Reservoir in the west to Postville near the Coastal Barrens ecoregion. This ecoregion is marked by cool summers and very cold winters. The mean annual temperature is approximately -3.5°C. The mean summer temperature is 9°C and the mean winter temperature is -16°C. The mean annual precipitation ranges from 700 mm in the north to 1000 mm along the Quebec/Labrador border in the south. The ecoregion is classified as having a low subarctic ecoclimate. Its open coniferous forests are transitional, both to tundra and alpine tundra vegetation communities to the north, and to the closed cover of typical coniferous boreal forests to the south. Open stands of lichen-black/white spruce woodland with an understory of feathermoss, are dominant. The general aspect of the region is that of a rolling plain with numerous lakes and isolated rugged hills composed of Archean granites, gneisses, and acidic intrusives that stand about 150 m above the general surface. Humo-Ferric Podzolic soils are dominant with significant inclusions of Ferro-Humic Podzols, Mesisols, and Organic Cryosols. Permafrost occurs in isolated patches, mainly in wetlands. This ecoregion provides habitat for caribou, moose, small mammals, waterfowl, and other birds. Hunting, trapping, fishing, and outdoor recreation are the principal land use activities. Postville is the main community. The population of the ecoregion is approximately 200.
This ecoregion is part of the Taiga Shield ecozone.