A meteorite impact crater with exceptionally clear blue water is the centerpiece of Parc national des Pingualuit. The park protects this crater, highlighting a striking natural feature of Nord-du-Québec. The region includes Nunavik and Eeyou Istchee Baie-James. Other highlights range from large lakes and tidal waters to tundra, mountainous landscapes and archaeological traces.
Craters, Lakes and Tidal Waters
Covering 26,107 km², Parc national Tursujuq is Québec’s largest national park. Among its distinctive natural areas are the brackish, tidal waters of Lac Tasiujaq. They provide important habitat for seals and belugas. Beluga gatherings are observed in the estuaries of Rivière Nastapoka and Petite rivière de la Baleine between mid-July and the end of August. This timeframe offers specific seasonal guidance if you are interested in seeing the animals.
At 1,226 km², Lac Wiyâshâkimî is Québec’s second-largest natural lake. Two very different visitor experiences are also listed for Parc national Tursujuq: a one-day winter outing and a four-day independent summer stay. These offer different seasons and durations. Before making specific plans, check current dates and availability.
The Torngat Mountains and Trails in Kuururjuaq
Parc national Kuururjuaq stretches from Ungava Bay to the summit of Mont D'Iberville in the Torngat Mountains. The park offers whitewater activities on Rivière Koroc; river conditions and operational access vary by season. The specific sector also matters for hiking: depending on the sector, the unimproved trails range from moderate to difficult.
A six-day hiking expedition travels through the Torngat Mountains in summer with Inuit guides, following rivers and passing glacier lakes. Its duration makes it a multi-day trip, while the trails vary according to the difficulty of the relevant sector. This allows information about a longer guided expedition and the unimproved trails to be considered separately, without combining them into a single tour.
Tundra, Wildlife and Culture
On the plateau of the Rivière George natural region, tundra covers the surface, while islands of boreal forest characterize the valley floors. More than 100 species of mammals, birds and fish can be observed in Parc national Ulittaniujalik. Examples include wolves, caribou, black bears, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, salmon and brook trout.
Parc national Ulittaniujalik also offers an ecotourism experience led by local guides that takes in Rivière George, Rivière Ford and Monts Pyramides. In the Monts Pyramides region, Indigenous Cree, Innu and Naskapi settlement and use sites date back more than 3,000 years. These archaeological traces give the landscape a cultural dimension distinct from its natural features and wildlife.
When visiting the Cree community of Oujé-Bougoumou, Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute is a good first stop for connecting with local people and their culture. The ruins of a Dorset longhouse on Pamiok Island can be visited regardless of whether you stay in Oujé-Bougoumou. In Eeyou Istchee Baie-James, the wildlife reserves managed by Corporation Nibiischii offer camping and fishing sites; access is controlled and seasonal.
Getting There and Getting Around
Eeyou Istchee Baie-James is accessible by road and has several airports. For several communities in Nunavik, however, air travel is the main regional mode of transportation. Plan your arrival based on your specific destination: the regional travel information for Eeyou Istchee Baie-James does not apply universally to Nunavik communities. Flight schedules may change seasonally; check the relevant flight before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Baie-James, Kangiqsujuaq, Chibougamau, Chapais, Matagami, Lebel-sur-Quévillon, Les Moulins, La Région-Sherbrookoise.
For the broader travel overview: Quebec.
