Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/1520274
TURSUJUQ NATIONAL PARK Wilderness adventures into Tursujuq— Québec's most massive park (26,107 sq. km) and an ancient crossroads where Inuit and Cree have coexisted for more than 3,000 years—begin in Umiujaq, a tight-knit Inuit community on the shore of Hudson Bay. Year-round, guided excursions start at the thundering waters of majestic Nastapoka Falls, a spot renowned for its plentiful wildlife. In summer, hike the Hudson coast's signature cuestas, paddle campsite-to- campsite while sea kayaking on the inland sea that is the vast Tasiujaq Lake. Or journey further to Lake Wiyâ shâ kimî , the second largest lake in Québec. With its sandy beaches, rocky hills and plateaus, it is an ideal place to explore on a fat bike. The white blanket of winter transforms the region into an outdoor playground for backcountry skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. At night, nature may pull out all the stops with a showy display of northern lights while visitors gather in the tupik (the traditional Inuit tent) to listen to guides tell of how the land and culture are intertwined in rich Inuit traditions (www.nunavikparks.ca/en/ parks/Tursujuq). ULITTANIUJALIK NATIONAL PARK Ulittaniujalik National Park is the newest park in Nunavik, offering opportunities to embark on a canoe-camping expedition down the legendary George River and hiking around the park's iconic Pyramid Mountain. It also provides a sanctuary for caribou calving grounds (www.nunavikparks.ca/ en/parks/ulittaniujalik). Nunavik Parks offers all-inclusive packages of outdoor adventures, cultural discovery and shared experiences with the Inuit people. Packages include transportation from Montréal, meals and accommodations (www.nunavikparks.ca or call Voyages FCNQ at 1-800-463-7610). For more outdoor and ecotourism experi- ences offered by other Nunavik tour operators, please refer to the Québec chapter, the Great Outdoors section. FANTASTIC ARCTIC WILDLIFE Nunavik is also the realm of amazing Arctic wildlife, on which rules the revered polar bear, a truly remarkable marine mammal that can be observed in its natural coastal habitat. It is also possible to observe the great caribou migration of one of the largest herds in the world. Exclusive encounters with the musk ox, a prehistoric specimen straight out of the ice age, as well as with other members of the Arctic fauna, such as the elusive tundra wolf, are also among the highlights of a journey to Nunavik. See the Wildlife chapter and Québec's What's New section for wildlife observation opportunities. WORLD CLASS FISHING This pristine land presents countless lakes and majestic rivers, where swarms of salmonidae and other plus-sized fish species swim in its clear waters, all worthy of great fishing tales. The famous Arctic char and big Atlantic salmon will be sure to give fishing enthusiasts an exciting challenge at the end of their line, not to mention other great catches such as giant lake trout, frisky brook trout or delicious speckled trout. A true fishing adventure awaits. A VIBRANT INUIT CULTURE A friendly people of many legends, it's with your Inuit hosts that you will discover this Far North region of Québec. Proud of their unique ancestral heritage, the Inuit of Nunavik are more than happy to share their way of life with visitors keen on discovering their vibrant culture. Whether you visit the national parks, track wildlife or fish with them, head out on the land on a dog sled to sleep in an igloo beneath the northern lights, or simply visit one of their tight-knit communities, you're in for a truly authentic experience. Their elders' stories, mesmer- izing throat songs and legends coming to life in soapstone will offer you a lifetime of memories. To live an authentic Inuit adventure, see the Indigenous chapter for more details. For more information on Nunavik: www.nunavik-tourism.com QC 65 MUSKOX • ISABELLE DUBOIS (TOP LEFT); NORTHERN LIGHTS AND IGLOOS • PIERRE DUNNIGAN (TOP RIGHT); FLY FISHING FOR ARCTIC CHAR • FLY ROD CHRONICLES (ABOVE)