Explore the awe-inspiring landscapes of parc national Kuururjuaq in the summer, along with Inuit guides who will take you to the mountains’ best spots.
Take an exhilarating hike to Quebec’s highest altitudes, the Torngat Mountains in the Kauvvik (Iberville) sector. In these mountains, along rivers and glacial lakes, you’ll experience a unique expedition in northern Quebec, under a sky illuminated by the northern lights.
Experience the magical heritage of a thousand-year-old path as you move to the tranquil rhythm of the North. We will take care of everything: your flights from Montréal, your meals, your activities, your camping gear (tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag), and more! Nunavik Parks puts together each of its experiences thanks to its local guides, who have close ties with their communities and land, to offer authentic, safe tours that showcase all our region has to offer. On behalf of our guides and our community, we are pleased to welcome you to our region: Tunngasugit!
The undeveloped trails of Kuururjuaq are suitable for intermediate to advanced level hikers, depending on the area. During your trek, you may come across unstable, sometimes slippery ground, bushy areas, and uneven terrain that can make hiking difficult. However, this tour is well suited to anyone who is fit and comfortable with heights.
ITINERARY
Days 1 and 2: Explore the Northern Village of Kangiqsualujjuaq
Flight from Montréal to Kuujjuaq (2 hours). Then transfer from Kuujjuaq to Kangiqsualujjuaq (45–50 minute flight), where parc national Kuururjuaq staff will be waiting for you. A guide will escort you to your hotel for check-in before taking you on a tour of the village. You’ll have the chance to meet elders and get acquainted with Inuit culture, stories, and legends. The evening will be all yours.
These first two days will give you the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air of the Far North, meet the trip participants, and learn more about life in Nunavik. Kangiqsualujjuaq is nestled among the mountains on the banks of the George River, just 15 kilometres from Ungava Bay. It’s a welcoming community where you’ll enjoy a culturally diverse experience. You can take advantage of a day’s boat trip to visit hunting or fishing camps, check fishing nets, or go along on a seal hunt. If the weather prevents you from going out on the water, you can head for the bay or along the Koroc River to the north of the village. At the end of the day, you may have time for a short hike up the nearby mountains to take in the magnificent view of the bay and village.
• Accommodations: Kangiqsualujjuaq Coop Hotel
Day 3: Scenic flight to the Koroc River head
You’ll fly to the Koroc River head, in the middle of the Torngats, on a 40-minute scenic flight to reach the starting point of your expedition. You’ll follow the valley of this thousand-year-old river, traditionally used as a passageway between Labrador and Nunavik. The landscape will gradually change, and the mountains will become more and more imposing until you reach your drop-off point. You can then set off for a hike in the surrounding area and enjoy the view over the valley.
• Accommodations: Upper Koroc Domes camp
Day 4: Hike along the valley to base camp
You’ll set off with your gear to hike the 12 kilometres to base camp, following the valley to the foot of Mount Kauvvik (Mount D’Iberville), where you’ll settle in for the next few days. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the area and appreciate the sense of freedom it offers.
• Accommodations: Kauvvik (Iberville) base camp
Day 5: Hike to the summit for a spectacular view of the Torngat
The experience is aerial, spectacular, and dazzling—you’ll reach an altitude of 1,554 metres! The plateau nicknamed the “football field” offers impressive views of Rama Bay and the Labrador Sea. You’ll be standing on Quebec’s rooftop with a spectacular view over the Torngat to the Labrador Sea. Get ready to experience the rhythm of the Arctic. Note that some sections of the climb are more exposed, with rocky terrain and large, sometimes unstable rocks. Your guides will be on hand to advise you on your choice of routes.
• Accommodations: Kauvvik (Iberville) Base Camp
Days 6 and 7 | Exploration of the Torngat Mountains (glaciers, valleys, fjords, lakes, and rivers)
The Mount Kauvvik area offers a wide choice of superb hikes between glaciers, valleys, fjords, glacial lakes, and rivers. If you wish, and if the level of your group allows it, you can also go as far as the Nachvak fjord. The 24-kilometre round-trip hike from base camp offers unforgettable, spectacular views.
• Accommodations: Kauvvik (Iberville) Base Camp
Day 8: Scenic return along the Koroc River to Kuujjuaq
In the early morning, you’ll begin your return journey with a fresh view of the mountains. You’ll meet your plane at the Koroc River head for a final scenic flight over parc national Kuururjuaq. You’ll land in Kangisualujjuaq, where your guide will escort you to your hotel for check-in before taking you on a tour of the village.
• Accommodations: Coop Hotel in Kuujjuaq
Day 9: Explore the village of Kuujjuaq and return voyage home
After breakfast, Nunavik Parks staff will pick you up for airport check-in. You will then be taken on a tour of the village, a trip north along the Koksoak River, or an expedition to discover Kuujjuaq’s best-kept secrets. You’ll also have the chance to visit the local handicraft store, where you’ll find stone carvings, pualluk (Inuit mittens), kamik (Inuit boots), nasak (Inuit hat), and much more. You’ll head back south in the afternoon, your heart full of precious memories.
Drones
Nunavik Parks (Kativik Regional Government) does not permit the use of drones for recreational purposes in the parks it manages (Parc national Tursujuq, Parc national des Pingualuit, Parc national Kuururjuaq, and Parc national Ulittaniujalik) so as not to impact the visitor experience or disturb wildlife.
Good to know
In Nunavik, the weather is constantly changing. Therefore, the expedition is subject to change at any time to take current weather conditions into account, so be prepared to adapt to unforeseen situations. This extraordinary expedition will require you to be in the right frame of mind, which includes having a team spirit, being adaptable, and strictly adhering to safety rules. The journey will require you to accept a certain measure of adventure and unexpected situations. However, you will be able to rely entirely on the expertise and know-how of your guides to make the most of your stay.
Notes
Price per person, before taxes (all-inclusive: transportation form Montreal, meals, accommodation, outdoor gear, equipment for preparing and serving meals). Find out about preferential rates for JBNQA beneficiaries.
This package requires a minimum of 6 people to guarantee departure. Please contact us to inquire about joining groups that have already been formed.
Please note that hunting and trapping are strictly prohibited in Quebec’s national parks. However, Inuit have the right to practise their subsistence activities throughout Nunavik, including in parc national Kuururjuaq. Therefore, witnessing a group of Inuit hunting caribou or ringed seals, or trapping foxes, can become a part of your Nunavik park experience.
Safety
All expeditions led by the parc national Kuururjuaq team can be tracked day by day thanks to daily satellite positioning. The team can contact park staff at any time with a satellite phone. Visitors to Nunavik’s parks must take some responsibility for their own safety, and risk management must be an integral part of their experience. We strongly advise you to take out an insurance policy covering air evacuation costs.