Embrace Winter in Nunavik with the Inuit

Travelling to Nunavik in winter is not your typical snowy escape or ski trip, but more of a journey. Led by friendly Inuit guides in their ancestral home, a land legendary for its scenic beauty, it’s a true Arctic snow experience that awaits you. 

Nestled up in Quebec’s Far North, Nunavik is a vast frontier covering more than 507,000 km². In winter, the snow-covered landscape lends itself to igloo building, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and Nordic skiing off the beaten track. Ice fishing on a frozen lake is also great fun and it’s not unusual to spot Arctic wildlife like the Arctic wolf, fox and hare, white ptarmigans, snowy owls, caribou and muskoxen in their native habitat. 

Winter Adventure in Nunavik’s National Parks

The Nunavimmiut people are stewards of Nunavik’s National Parks and cherish these special places as living expressions of their heritage to protect for future generations of Inuit. Among the many incredible sights in the parks, you’ll discover an astonishing round meteorite crater, the Torngat Mountains (highest peaks in Quebec) and dramatic Hudson cuestas surrounding Lake Tasiujaq (also known as Richmond Gulf). 

Nunavik Parks winter adventure packages take place in March and April, when it’s still winter in Nunavik, but the climate is a bit milder for the average folks. And they’re all-inclusive, with flights from Montreal, transport and lodging in Nunavik, food, activities, equipment and knowledgeable Inuit guides. To start, you’ll spend a day or two in the host community nearest to the park and become familiar with the Inuit culture and the Far North way of life. Of course, winter can be unpredictable, so all expeditions are subject to change depending on weather conditions.

Discovering Nunavik’s National Parks is about more than the spectacular landscape, it’s about the nomadic Inuit ancestors who roamed these lands for thousands of years. This is your chance to get to know the Inuit people, their culture and their history. If your heart is set on an amazing winter experience, here are three exceptional National Park options…

Pingualuit National Park: Winter backcountry skiing journey to the Pingualuit crater 

In the heart of the Ungava Peninsula, Pingualuit National Park invites snow sports enthusiasts on a thrilling backcountry skiing expedition. During this one-of-a-kind experience, you’ll discover the famous meteorite crater and its frozen Lake Pingualuk, Lake Manarsulik, the Puvirnituq River Valley, and the majestic Ippijuaq Canyon, which is accessible only in winter. 

The massive Pingualuit meteorite crater is remarkably round with smaller craters scattered nearby like pockmarks on a smooth, white complexion. Combined with the surrounding landscape of the Arctic tundra highlands, the scenery takes on an extraordinary lunar-like appearance. 

Kuururjuaq National Park: Follow Inuit tracks in the Torngat Mountains 

Set out on a mystical, magical winter journey using Nordic skis or snowshoes to reach the majestic Torngat Mountains. Be one with nature along the Koroc River Valley, a millenia-old travel route, as the rhythm of the North fills your soul with a breath of fresh air. On the way, learn the names of the mountains in Inuktitut and watch your Inuit guides scour the land for the occasional caribou or ptarmigan.   

The magnificent Narsaruluk Creek area, nestled between the mountainsides, is a joy to explore on cross-country skis or alpine snowshoes. Then climb to the iconic Butt Crack (aptly named for its shape), which offers a stunning and unique view of the frozen Koroc River. Next, strap on your helmet and travel by snowmobile on an ancestral trail to Labrador, which curves around Mount Haywood (732 m) – a vision to behold!

Tursujuq National Park: A Nomadic Winter Adventure

Quebec’s largest national park, Tursujuq National Park offers a beautiful blend of adventure, winter sports and Inuit traditions. You’ll spend the first two days in Umiujaq, getting acquainted with the peaceful life of a northern village. Enjoy the exhibition at the park’s visitor pavilion and strolling the streets before beginning the trek to the Sukkuk camp. 

Along the coast that runs between Umiujaq and Little Whale River, you’ll find Quebec’s most extensive system of cuestas. With ridges made of rock strata, angled in the same direction, the Hudson cuestas create a similar landscape to the canyons in the American Far West. Tasiujaq Lake and its snow-capped cuestas is a photographer’s dream. One other especially unique feature in Tursujuq National Park – the partially frozen Nastapoka Falls – is breathtaking on a winter’s day. 

To plan your fabulous winter adventure in Nunavik, visit nunavikparks.ca/en/

Your Trip, Your Way

Nunavik Parks teams are here to help

The dates don’t suit your schedule? Inquire about the possibility of a custom package! Depending on the team’s availability, custom packages are available directly from the village adjacent to each park.

For the more adventurous who want to do their own expedition, it is possible to go without guides in the parks. The length of your stay can be adjusted to your project and National Parks staff will provide support as you plan your trip to make sure all safety requirements are met prior to departure. 

Not sure what to wear? All-inclusive means just that, you don’t have to worry about buying a pricey Canada Goose jacket for the Arctic weather. When you book a Nunavik Parks All-Inclusive Winter Package, you’ll be dressed from head to toe with a down-filled parka, snow pants, warm winter boots and mitts. A snowmobile helmet and all other gear including a winter sleeping bag are also provided. Just bring your enthusiasm!