Page 23 - DreamScapes Magazine | Spring/Summer 2023

TURSUJUQ NATIONAL PARK
Wilderness adventures into Tursujuq—Québec’s most massive park 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. Guided excursions start at the thundering waters of majestic Nastapoka Falls, a spot renowned for its plentiful wildlife. Hike the Hudson coastline’s signa- ture cuestas, and paddle campsite-to-campsite while sea kayaking on the inland sea that is the vast Tasiujaq Lake. Or journey 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. At night, nature may pull out all the stops with a showy dis- play 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. 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. nunavikparks.ca/en/parks/ulittaniujalik
FANTASTIC ARCTIC WILDLIFE
Nunavik is also the realm of amazing Arctic wildlife, on which rules the revered polar bear, a 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 muskox, 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 high- lights of a journey to Nunavik.
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 cul- ture. Whether you visit the national parks, track wildlife or fish with them, head out on the land to sleep in a tupik beneath the Northern Lights, or simply visit one of their tight-knit communities, you’re in for a truly authentic experience. Their elders’ stories, mesmerizing throat songs and legends coming to life in soapstone will offer you a lifetime of memories. DS
ARCTIC CHAR FLY FISHING
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TRAVEL PLANNER
Nunavik Parks offer a variety of all-inclusive packages with the Inuit people that include transportation from Montréal, meals and accommodations. For details, see nunavikparks.ca or call Voyages FCNQ toll-free 1-800-463-7610. For more travel information about Nunavik and for a listing of additional Nunavik tour operators and fishing outfitters, visit nunavik-tourism.com
SPRING/SUMMER 2023 DREAMSCAPES 23
NORTHERN LIGHTS OVER THE TUPIK
MUSKOX