Page 44 - DreamScapes Magazine | Spring/Summer 2022

TRAVEL SLEUTH
44 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2022
HALL BEACH, MELVILLE PENINSULA
Hall Beach, or Sanirajak in Inuktitut, translates to “The Shoreline” or “One that is along the coast.” The oldest known permanently inhabited community existing north of the Arctic Circle, Hall Beach is home to 891 res- idents. Travellers can encounter majestic Arctic marine life in their natural habitat, explore nearby Thule archaeological sites, and discover authentic Inuit tra- ditions, all amidst a crisp, sparkling Arctic paradise.
QUÉBEC
Road trip along the forested highways north and west of Québec City to learn about the Indigenous nations who have inhabited this region for cen- turies. Among the lakes and woodlands, Indigenous communities are welcoming visitors who want to experience their cultures.
WENDAKE
On the Huron-Wendat reserve in Wendake, Quebec, Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations is both an Indige- nous cultural centre and 55-room boutique lodging. View multimedia exhibits in the Huron-Wendat Museum, listen to Indigenous legends around the campfire inside the Ekionkiestha’ National Long- house, or visit during a Pow Wow for dancing, drumming, and vibrant regalia. hotelpremieres- nations.ca/en; museehuronwendat.ca
ALONG LAC SAINT-JEAN
In the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, you can learn about the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation through the exhibits at the modern Musée Amérindien de Mash- teuiatsh outside the town of Roberval. Nearby, sleep by the lake at Indigenous-owned Camping Plage Robertson, which has 150 campsites and a sandy waterfront beach. museeilnu.ca; campingquebec.com
For a more in-depth Indigenous experience, book a stay in a teepee, cabin or longhouse at Aventure Plume Blanche. Start with an overview of Pekuakami- ulnuatsh culture, learn a craft, and sample fish, goose or other local foods. aventureplumeblanche.com
EEYOU ISTCHEE BAIE-JAMES
Much of this region’s Indigenous population is of Cree heritage, so begin your visit at the Aanis- chaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute in the Cree community of Oujé-Bougoumou. Inside this modern blond-wood structure constructed to recall a sha- putuan, or Cree longhouse, exhibits range from archaeological artifacts and historic tools to contem- porary local art. Listen to audio recordings of elders sharing their experiences or learn about Cree cultural practices. Have a meal or stay the night at Capissisit Lodge, a 20-room inn overlooking Lake Opemiska. creeculturalinstitute.ca; ouje.ca/capissisit-lodge
Managed by the Cree-run Nibiischii Corporation, Quebec’s largest wildlife sanctuary, the Lakes Albanel-Mistassini-et-Waconichi Wildlife Reserve encompasses the province’s biggest natural fresh- water lake and immense expanses of boreal forest. At one of the reserve’s more accessible areas, outside the town of Chibougamau, you can fish for trout on Lake Waconichi or overnight in a floating cabin on Cliff Bay. nibiischii.com DS
PHOTOS: TOURISME AUTOCHROME QUÉBEC | INDIGENOUS TOURISM CANADA | MATT SCOBEL | TOURISME AUTOCHROME QUÉBEC. OPPOSITE: OFI CANADA