Geographers divide Labrador into three biomes, or ecozones, which are distinct with respect to climate, terrain and life forms.

Only a section of northernmost Labrador is within the Arctic Cordillera ecozone. The distinguishing feature is the Torngat Mountains, part of a larger mountain chain extending westward. Valleys and fjords cut by ancient glaciers extend from the mountains to the coastal plain. Climate in this zone is generally very cold and dry, with a mean temperature of 6°C in summer and -19°C in winter.

Vegetation in this biome is quite limited. Places at higher elevations have little plant life except for mosses and lichen. Arctic animals such as arctic hare, arctic fox and arctic wolf are common. Extensive pack ice covers the coastal waters for extended periods of the year.

Most of Labrador's landmass falls with the Taiga Shield ecozone. Vegetation within the zone consists primarily of wetlands and forests of black spruce and jack pine. The northern boundary of the zone marks the treeline -- the limit of forest cover.

The terrain is rolling, with upland areas and eskers (buildups from glacial stream deposits), interspersed with myriad lakes, streams and low-lying peat bogs. Animal life includes arctic fox, beaver, black bear, lynx, snowshoe hare, moose and wolf. Both woodland caribou and barrenground caribou are found in the zone.

The Boreal Shield ecozone includes the southeastern portion of Labrador and an area surrounding Hamilton Inlet (in the central region). Extensive forests of balsam fir, white spruce and black spruce cover much of the landscape. The terrain is characterized by uplands areas intermixed with wetlands and lakes.

The climate of this zone is affected by maritime influences, causing somewhat higher levels of precipitation and more moderate temperatures. Animal species which are found in the Boreal Shield include black bear, lynx, marten and woodland caribou.