Experience a winter expedition guided by Inuit and discover the spectacular landscapes of the parc national des Pingualuit, a true gem of Nunavik.
Winter sports enthusiasts and lovers of the great outdoors, the parc national des Pingualuit invites you to an exciting nordic cross-country skiing expedition. Glide across snow-covered landscapes as you explore the remarkable meteorite crater and its Lake Pingualuk, the Lake Manarsulik, the the Puvirnituq River Valley and its spectacular canyon.
Feel the pulse of the North and immerse yourself in an adventure filled with the wonder and magic of Nunavik.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Kangiqsujuaq to the parc national des Pingualuit
Information meeting at the park visitor centre (planned stops, safety issues, park rules). Your snowmobile trip to the base camp in Parc national des Pingualuit starts on the bay and will take you through the mountains for 120 km (approx. 4 to 5 hours). Along the way, you will stop at Iaqlunniavialuk Canyon where you will enjoy the breathtaking Arctic landscape. You will then take a break at one of the camps to drink tea, eat, and warm up before reaching the comfort of Manarsulik camp.
•Accommodation: Manarsulik camp (2 buildings containing 4 rooms with 2 bunk beds and an indoor dry toilet, plus a communal building for meals and other activities).
Day 2: Sangummaaluk to Paarutivik
Morning departure for Sangummaaluk by snowmobile (30 minutes). From there, ski to Paarutivik and follow the stunning Puvirnituq River Valley and canyon (20 km). Along the way, you’ll stop for tea and take in the best views. Watch how your Inuit guides scan the territory in search of caribou and ptarmigan. The number and types of encounters vary with each park visit. On arrival, your guides will be waiting for you in the comforting warmth of Paarutivik camp.
You can ask your guides for help at any time, and to even arrange a snowmobile pick-up if you don’t want to ski the whole distance.
• Accommodation: Manarsulik camp (2 buildings containing 4 rooms with 2 bunk beds and an indoor dry toilet, plus a communal building for meals and other activities).
Day 3: Ice fishing and return by ski to Manarsulik
Depart by snowmobile from Manarsulik camp for an ice fishing experience. You will have the opportunity to practice this traditional activity at one of the three magnificent locations: the Vachon River, Lake Qikirtatualik, or Ikkatujaalik Camp.*
In the afternoon, you will ski back to Manarsulik. This 20-kilometer journey will take you through the impressive northern landscapes that will make you feel like you are in a white desert. A stop at the crater will bring the day to a beautiful close.
* Non-beneficiaries must hold the required fishing permits. For more details, please contact the visitor experience officer.
• Accommodation: Manarsulik camp (2 buildings containing 4 rooms with 2 bunk beds and an indoor dry toilet, plus a communal building for meals and other activities).
Day 4: Manarsulik to Qulusuttalik and ski in Iqallivik Canyon
In the morning, you will leave Manarsulik and head to Iqallivik Canyon (about 90 km away). Upon arrival, you will swap your snowmobile gear for your ski equipment to begin a superb 15-kilometer crossing through this spectacular canyon. Mainly downhill, this route will offer you magnificent views of the nature that surrounds you. At the end of the day, you will get to Qulusutallik by snowmobile, where you will spend the night.
• Accommodation: Qulusutallik camp (rustic, open-space dormitory camp).
Day 5: Qulusutallik to Kangiqsujuaq
You will leave Qulusutallik to ski back to Kangiqsujuaq Bay (28 km). You’ll follow the mountains as they gently roll down to the vast and majestic bay. Back in the village, the park staff can assist you if you need any support with your hotel or plane on the following day.
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
Throughout your trip, park staff will make sure you have plenty of tea, water, and snacks for your comfort. This will allow you to travel light and take full advantage of all the activities. The team will make regular return trips for supplies to ensure the comfort of skiers.
Paraskiing gear will be available to visitors at Manarsulik camp. However, you do need experience for this activity.
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, transportation to the parc, 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 des Pingualuit. Therefore, witnessing a group of Inuit hunting caribou or ringed seals, or trapping foxes, can become a part of your Nunavik park experience.
Your gear will be transported by snowmobile. However, you will still be responsible for carrying your day pack (30 litres), which contains your snacks, thermos, warm clothes, etc.
Safety
All expeditions led by the parc national des Pingualuit 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.
cover photo: Anne Pelouas