During this trip, you could enjoy a boat trip along the iconic Hudson Bay to Nastapoka Falls. Last but not least, this expedition will take you to the immense Lake Tasiujaq, with its brackish waters, cuestas, and unique northern flora and fauna. A magnificent encounter with nature, combining spectacular hikes and boat excursions.
Parc national Tursujuq is the largest park in Quebec. Explore the richness of Nunavik’s 27,107 km2 through the vastness of its lakes and rivers. This expedition was developed thanks to the expertise of local Inuit guides and their in-depth knowledge of the territory, to offer you an unforgettable experience that will introduce you to the magic of Nunavik and the Far North.
On behalf of the guides of parc national Tursujuq and the community of Umiujaq, we welcome you to our region: Tungngasugit!
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Umiujaq and visit to Nastapoka Falls
For visitors beginning their trip in Montreal, the journey will start early in the morning with a flight from Montreal to Kuujjuaq. The charter flight from Kuujjuaq to Umiujaq will depart in the early afternoon and make a short stop in Kuujjuaraapik. For participants flying from Kuujjuaraapik, the time to arrive at the airport will be specified during the pre-departure meeting. If you are departing from Umiujaq, the team will be waiting for you in the late afternoon.
A park staff will welcome you at the Umiujaq airport. Shortly after your arrival, you will depart for the majestic Nastapoka Falls and its impressive sand beach. You will travel by boat between the landscapes of the Gillies Islands and the imposing Hudsonian cuestas that line the coast. This site, known to the Inuit for generations, is a prime location observing marine and land mammals. You will then go back to Umiujaq for the night.
Fishing and hiking are on the agenda for the first evening in the parc national Tursujuq.
• Accommodation: COOP Hotel in Umiujaq
Day 2: Discovering the Goulet and Katattulik Camp
After breakfast and some free time at Nastapoka Falls, you will return to Umiujaq for lunch and to pick up the equipment you will need for the next few days.
You will then head south along Hudson Bay toward spectacular Lake Tasiujaq. A hike of about two hours will take you to the top of a cuesta offering a breathtaking view of the Goulet, a narrow passage connecting the lake to the Hudson Bay.
Upon arrival at camp, you will set up your tents and enjoy a well-deserved hot meal. If conditions permit, a campfire under the stars and, with luck, a dance of the northern lights will bring the day to a close.
• Accommodation: Katattulik Camp (rustic, open-space dormitory-style camp with stove) or camping
Day 3: Visit to an old trading post and exploration of Lake Tasiujaq
After eating breakfast and packing your bag, you will travel by boat to an old independent trading post owned by George Papp. There you will find the remains of the house and church. This Hungarian trader was well known to the Cree and Inuit people.
Weather permitting, Cairn Island will be another destination. In the 19th century, it was home to a trading post and blacksmiths from the Hudson Bay Company (the remains are now gone). The island is beautiful, and you can take the opportunity to stroll around and admire the cuestas surrounding the lake, or go fishing.
In the afternoon, you will sail north to Lake Tasiujaq to reach Camp Sukkuk, where you will spend the next two nights.
• Accommodation: Sukkuk Camp (rustic, open-space dormitory-style camp with wood-burning stove)
Day 4: Hiking and kayaking on the Sukkuk River
This day will be devoted to exploring the Sukkuk River area. Two trails accessible directly from the camp will allow you to explore the surroundings on foot. The distance and level of difficulty will be determined as a group, according to each person's preferences and experience. You will also have the opportunity to take a short kayak trip on the Sukkuk River, an area popular with locals for fishing.
At the end of the day, enjoy the beach and watch the sunset. Weather permitting, the evening will end with a campfire—or a warm game of cards in the camp.
A map of the Tasiujaq Lake area is available by clicking here.
• Accommodation: Sukkuk Camp (rustic, open-space dormitory-style camp with wood-burning stove)
Day 5: Hike to Char Lake and return to Umiujaq
After breakfast, you will pack your bags before setting off on a final hike to Lake Char Mountain. This climb through mountainous terrain offers spectacular views of Lake Tasiujaq and its impressive cuestas.
The return to Umiujaq is scheduled for the afternoon, after a two-hour boat ride. Upon arrival, you will have free time at the COOP hotel. In the evening, to end the trip on a high note, a dinner accompanied by cultural activities will await you at the park pavilion.
• Accommodation: COOP Hotel in Umiujaq
Day 6: Panoramic return trip to Kuujjuaq (and Montreal)
Departure for the airport around 7 a.m. with a park employee to check your luggage for the charter flight to Kuujjuaraapik or Kuujjuaq, scheduled for 8 a.m. Upon arrival in Kuujjuaq, a Nunavik Parks representative will help you check your bags and ensure that your return to Montreal goes smoothly.
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: 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 Tursujuq. 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 Tursujuq 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.
As a visitor participating in a trip organized by Nunavik Parks and accompanied by a guide who is a member of the team, you are covered by insurance for costs related to accidents and search and rescue.