Nunavik: Indigenous Culture and Nature Adventures

Just by mentioning its name invokes treading legendary lands, where the vastness defies the imagination. A territory that stretches as far as the eye can see, pristine nature, 14 Inuit communities, a life at the pace of the seasons: it's all this—and more—that's Québec's Far North. Depart for an adventure in Nunavik, a land of Nordic charm and human warmth.

Nunavik’s national parks

From Kuujjuaq, the gateway to Nunavik, there's no shortage of national parks across this vast territory. Whether for a weekend or several days, each option promises breathtaking scenery.

Parc national Kuururjuaq

If you like dizzying peaks, here you will find the highest mountains not only in Québec, but also in Canada east of the Rockies (1,646 m at the highest point, at the summit of Mont D'Iberville). Deep in the Torngat Mountains flows the majestic Rivière Koroc to Ungava Bay, following a route used by the Inuit for millennia.

Under a cloudy sky, three white domed lodges are built on a plain in the heart of a mountain range.

Parc national Ulittaniujalik

Admire spectacular views from the summit of Pyramide Mountain on a hike up this iconic mountain in the park. Discover the Rivière George on a canoe-camping expedition on its majestic waters. Here adventurous souls will find what they’re looking for.

Under a blue sky, two canoes are moored on a rocky outcrop in the middle of the water in front of a green mountain range.

Parc national Tursujuq

On the eastern shore of Hudson Bay lies Québec’s largest national park, which has 26,107 km² of pristine nature and inland seas surrounded by Hudsonian cuestas. A fishing trip with local Inuit guides might well end with a tasting of pitsik, a fish dried using traditional methods.

A person walks forward, pulling a kayak in one hand, and a paddle in the other, towards the calm waters of Hudson Bay, where a mountainous horizon is outlined.

Parc national des Pingualuit

Named nunavingmi pikkuminartuq—"a remarkable place where a person may come to be revitalized"—by the Inuit, this territory is home to the legendary "Crystal Eye”. In addition to marvelling at this 1.4-million-year-old meteorite crater with its crystal-clear waters, visitors will be able to observe Arctic wildlife. Foxes, wolves, caribou, and snowy owls have made their home here.

Three hikers climb a rocky slope that skirts a bay with crystal-clear blue water.

A culture four thousand years old

In contrast to these northern landscapes shaped by tundra, taiga, and mountains: the warmth of the communities of the Far North. Proud of their unique ancestral heritage, the 14 Inuit communities established on the Nunavik territory share their way of life with passers-by who are curious to discover this still very much alive culture.

On a rocky mountaintop, a woman sings while a man plays the drum, both wearing traditional Indigenous clothing.

4 memorable Indigenous experiences

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Winter immersion and discovery of Inuit communities

Sensitive to the promotion of more responsible and sustainable tourism, Aventures Inuit offers immersion packages that respect communities, their values and the territory. It is a unique opportunity to become immersed in the culture and ancestral traditions, for example, by taking part in a dog-sledding expedition or building an igloo, or by being carried away by the tales of the Elders, throat singing, craft workshops, observing the northern lights, and everything that makes the beauty of Nordic life.

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Interpretation of Inuit culture

Head to Inukjuak, on the east coast of Hudson Bay, to explore the collection of artifacts at the Musée Daniel-Weetaluktuk, which showcases the rich culture of the Nunavik Inuit. This permanent exhibition lets you admire ancient and contemporary Inuit objects in their original cultural context. Enjoy a guided tour or participate in a technical workshop in this place of exchange and knowledge.

Museum exhibition of ancient and contemporary Inuit objects.

Inuit arts and crafts

In Kuujjuaq, the Tivi Galleries showcase the expertise and talent of Inuit artisans and artists. This family business—and the only independent gallery of its kind in Nunavik—offers a variety of sculptures (soapstone, serpentine, whalebone, etc.), dolls, jewelry, traditional knives (ulus), and various works illustrating Inuit legends and traditions.

Local flavours

Délice Boréal’s Inuit herbal teas are made from wild plants harvested from the tundra and boreal forest of Nunavik. Whether it's Labrador tea, mulberry, juniper, or crowberry, these winter-hardy plants, whose medicinal properties have been known to the Inuit since time immemorial, are blended to create herbal teas prized around the world. The company contributes to a sustainable economy for communities in the Far North.

A box of individually wrapped Inuit herbal tea bags sits on a wooden table.

Meet with Indigenous Peoples

Nunavik, Eeyou Istchee Baie-James, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Québec: Indigenous Nations are found throughout our vast territory. As a showcase for experiences offered across the province, Indigenous Tourism Québec invites people to explore these cultures. Here are some ways to do so during your next road trip in the beautiful province of Québec.

An Indigenous man with a moustache and a cap hangs fish on a wooden pole to dry.

Accommodation

In Piopolis, Hébergement aux Cinq Sens offers eco-friendly stays on a site where cultural heritage and nature are at the forefront. Sleep under the starry sky in a yurt, a hammock tent, a tiny house, or a fully self-contained eco-cottage.

In a tepee, six people sit on logs around a fire while a man lights a piece of wood.

Flavours

More than just a place to eat Café Masko is a bona fide cultural stopover. In Odanak, the space is dedicated to the discovery of W8banaki culinary specialities, plus offers products from several Indigenous Nations of Québec.

In a shop, a man holds a bagged Indigenous food product in front of him.

Immersion

On the Côte-Nord, the community of Unamen Shipu is renowned for its preserved ancient culture and traditional crafts. The Site touristique de l’île Apenepehekat offers immersive stays to connect with the community, maritime culture, and the land.