Nord-Du-Québec: Tundra, Parks and Living Culture

Tundra on a high plateau, a crater lake with blue water and rivers between the Torngat Mountains: Nord-Du-Québec combines nature experiences with a complex cultural history. The region includes the areas of Nunavik and Eeyou Istchee Baie-James. Which vacation rental is right for your trip therefore also depends on which subregion and experiences you want to focus on.

Landscapes from Tundra to Crater Lake

In Parc national Kuururjuaq, the landscape stretches from Ungava Bay to the summit of Mont D'Iberville in the Torngat Mountains. There are opportunities for whitewater activities on the Rivière Koroc. If you are interested in a hiking expedition, you can learn about a six-day summer tour with Inuit guides: it leads through the Torngat Mountains, along rivers and past glacial lakes. The undeveloped trails in the park range from moderate to difficult, depending on the sector—a key distinction when considering whether a challenging hike fits your travel plans.

Parc national des Pingualuit protects a meteorite impact crater with exceptionally clear, blue water. A very different body of water defines Parc national Tursujuq: Lac Tasiujaq is brackish and subject to the tides. Its waters provide important habitat for seals and belugas. At 26,107 km², the park is Québec's largest national park. Visitor experiences include a one-day winter outing and a four-day independent summer stay. Lac Wiyâshâkimî offers another impressive scale: at 1,226 km², it is Québec's second-largest natural lake.

Wildlife viewing and varied landscapes are also among the possible focuses of a trip. Beluga gatherings are observed in the estuaries of the Rivière Nastapoka and the Petite rivière de la Baleine from mid-July to the end of August. More than 100 mammal, bird and fish species can be observed in Parc national Ulittaniujalik, including wolves, caribou, black bears, golden eagles, peregrine falcons, salmon and Arctic char. On the plateau of the Rivière George natural region, tundra covers the surface, while islands of boreal forest define the valley floors.

Consider Your Travel Style and Getting There

For a trip to Nunavik, getting to each community is an important part of planning: for several communities, air travel is the main regional means of transportation. Eeyou Istchee Baie-James is accessible by road and has several airports. If you are looking for a vacation rental, first determine which subregion your trip is in.

The nature experiences on offer also vary in form. Assinica Wildlife Reserve offers camping and canoe camping on the rivers and lakes of Eeyou Istchee. The wildlife reserves in Eeyou Istchee Baie-James, managed by the Corporation Nibiischii, offer places to camp and fish. In Parc national Ulittaniujalik, an ecotourism experience led by local guides is intended to include the Rivière George, Rivière Ford and Monts Pyramides. This can help you decide whether you would rather center your trip on rivers and wildlife viewing or on a guided exploration.

Cultural History and Discovering Local Communities

The Monts Pyramides are in a region with Cree, Innu and Naskapi Indigenous settlement and use sites dating back more than 3,000 years. When visiting the Cree community of Oujé-Bougoumou, the Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute is recommended as a first stop to connect with the people and their culture. On Pamiok Island, you can visit the ruins of a Dorset longhouse. Alongside nature experiences, these sites add a historical and cultural dimension to a trip.

In Kangirsuk and its surroundings, you can walk along Ungava Bay. Be sure to heed the warning about the incoming tide, which is among the highest and strongest in the world. Wildlife viewing, longer hikes, cultural discoveries and water activities appeal to different interests; choose your focus based on what you most want to experience on your trip.

More destination pages: Lebel-sur-Quévillon, Baie-James, Kangiqsujuaq, Chibougamau, Chapais and Matagami.

Back to the main travel guide: Quebec.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Laval, D'autray.