Kangiqsujuaq: Fjord Landscape and Inuit Culture

Kangiqsujuaq lies on the southeastern shore of Wakeham Bay in a valley surrounded by mountains. In the surrounding area is Douglas Harbour, a fork-shaped fjord with steep rock walls. The bay and valley describe the village’s immediate setting; the fjord broadens the scenic view of the area. If you are considering Kangiqsujuaq as a travel destination, these different landscape features can help you identify your interests in nature and the character of the place.

Carvings, archaeology, and a kayak at the visitor centre

Qajartalik is located near Kangiqsujuaq. There are more than 180 carvings of faces with human features; some of the faces also have animal features. Qajartalik is also home to archaeological sites and petroglyphs dating back about 1,200 years, from the late Dorset period. The motifs and approximate historical timeframe give the site specific cultural points of reference. Qajartalik is therefore a distinct focus for travellers interested in archaeology and early history.

Another cultural feature can be found in the village itself: the Pingualuit National Park Visitor Centre in Kangiqsujuaq was built as a visitor centre and has a permanent exhibition. It includes a seven-metre-long kayak (Qajaq), built by Maasiu Ipuaraapik Ningiuruvik (1918–1985). In this way, the archaeological sites and petroglyphs in the surrounding area are complemented by a specific exhibit in the village. This offers different points of interest for your trip, from historical motifs to a named kayak with a documented length and maker.

The picture of Kangiqsujuaq also includes the present day: the Inuit of Kangiqsujuaq continue to take an active part in hunting, fishing, and gathering food. These activities add a different perspective on the village’s culture to its archaeological themes and exhibition piece. Kangiqsujuaq therefore cannot be described solely through historic sites or exhibits.

Nature Experiences and Travel Decisions

Kangiqsujuaq Adventures offers year-round nature experiences, with packages for kayaking, cycling, hiking, snowmobiling, and dog sledding. The selection includes different kinds of active experiences: on the water, by bike or on foot, as well as by snowmobile and dog sled. There are also several dog sled teams in Kangiqsujuaq. When deciding on a destination, you can therefore weigh your interest in the cultural themes against the nature activities on offer.

A village tour may also take place during a stay in Kangiqsujuaq as part of the 9-Day Crater Trek. Whether it is offered depends on availability and the weather. The tour offers a historical insight into the development of the community. If this insight is of particular interest to you, the tour’s dependence on availability and weather is part of the offering.

For travel to the area, Air Inuit lists Kangiqsujuaq as a destination with an option to book a flight.

More destinations

Baie-James: Baie-James, Matagami: Matagami, Lebel-sur-Quévillon: Lebel-sur-Quévillon, Chapais: Chapais, Chibougamau: Chibougamau.

For the main travel overview: Nord-Du-Québec.