Nunavik Travel Guide

Explore Nunavik with our comprehensive guide that covers everything from natural attractions to cultural sites, outdoor adventures to local cuisine, and transportation options to health and safety.


Nestled in Northern Quebec, Canada, Nunavik is a breathtaking region that boasts stunning natural landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, and a range of outdoor adventures. With its charming communities, diverse ecosystems, and numerous attractions, Nunavik attracts countless visitors every year. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable wilderness experience, a cultural immersion, or simply a relaxing getaway, Nunavik has something for everyone.

Introduction to Nunavik

Nunavik is a vast area that encompasses over 500,000 square kilometers of rugged tundra, mountains, forests, and waterways. It is home to 14 communities, each with its unique history, culture, and attractions. The region is predominantly inhabited by Inuit, who have lived in this area for thousands of years and have developed a distinctive way of life that is deeply rooted in nature and spirituality.

To visit Nunavik, you’ll need to obtain a permit from the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services. You can also choose to visit with a guided tour company that will take care of the permits, transportation, and accommodations.

List of Places to Visit in Nunavik

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Begin your Nunavik adventure by exploring the region’s rich cultural heritage. Start by visiting the Makivik Corporation, located in Kuujjuaq, which offers an informative exhibit on Nunavik’s history and culture. You can also check out the Avataq Cultural Institute in Montreal, which promotes the preservation, interpretation, and dissemination of the Inuit culture.

Another must-see attraction is the Pingualuit National Park, which features a perfectly circular and incredibly deep lake that formed over 1.4 million years ago. The park is perfect for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching, with its stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Natural Attractions of Nunavik: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Nunavik is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with its endless natural beauty and abundance of activities. Hiking is a popular pastime in the region, and you can explore many of Nunavik’s trails on foot. One of the most popular trekking routes is the Kuururjuaq Park, which offers amazing views of Arctic wildlife and scenery.

Adventurers can also book a dog-sledding tour and race across the snow-covered tundra, or take a snowmobile tour to explore the countryside. If you’re looking to get up close and personal with wildlife, you can take a guided tour to see polar bears, beluga whales, and caribou in their natural habitat.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Nunavik

Nunavik is home to some of the most challenging and breathtaking mountain bike routes in Canada, which cater to all skill levels. Cycling is a perfect way to explore the region’s many beautiful sights while getting a workout in at the same time. Two of the most popular routes are the Leaf River and the Koroc River, which offer stunning views of the region’s peaks, glaciers, and waterfalls.

Best Things to Do in Nunavik: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking, biking, and dog-sledding, Nunavik offers a wide range of activities and tours to suit every interest and budget. Take a cultural tour to learn more about the Inuit way of life, or take a short boat ride down the river to see polar bears and other arctic wildlife.

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, try heliskiing on Nunavik’s untouched powder slopes. Or, if you’re interested in traditional art and crafts, check out the region’s many artisan workshops and galleries to experience authentic Inuit art.

Week-Long Itinerary for Nunavik

Day 1: Arrive in Kuujjuaq, and visit the Makivik Corporation

Day 2: Explore Kuururjuaq Park on foot

Day 3: Take a guided tour to see polar bears in their natural habitat

Day 4: Visit the Avataq Cultural Institute in Montreal

Day 5: Go dog-sledding across the snow-blanketed tundra

Day 6: Take a snowmobile tour to explore the countryside

Day 7: Say goodbye to Nunavik and head back home.

Food and Drink Scene of Nunavik

Nunavik’s rich culinary scene is a must-try experience that features an array of Arctic-inspired dishes and local beverages that are unlike anything else.

Must-Try Dishes

Try traditional dishes like bannock, arctic char, and caribou stew. You can also try igunaq, a fermented walrus, or seal meat and raw fish marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil. For something less adventurous, try a Quebec-style poutine with local cheese curds and gravy.

Local Beverages

Nunavik also features a unique collection of regional drinks that include tasty teas made with cloudberries, lingonberries, and Labrador tea. You can also sample local spirits like Ungava gin, made with botanicals only found in northern Quebec.

Where to Stay in Nunavik: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Nunavik has a range of accommodations that cater to all budgets and preferences. You can choose to stay in a modern hotel in one of the region’s main cities like Kuujjuaq or opt for a cozy guesthouse in a remote village. Whatever your preference, you’ll find a comfortable place to stay in Nunavik.

What to Buy in Nunavik: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bringing home a piece of Nunavik is a great way to remember your trip. Consider buying authentic Inuit art, like soapstone carvings, prints, and sculptures, or traditional clothing like parkas and mittens.

Local Culture and Customs of Nunavik

Inuit culture is deeply rooted in nature and spirituality, with a strong reverence for the environment, each other, and the traditions that connect them. Tipping is not a common practice in Nunavik, and smoking is prohibited in public spaces.

Best Time to Visit Nunavik

The best time to visit Nunavik is during the summer months of June to August when the weather is warm and pleasant. However, some visitors prefer to experience Nunavik’s famous winter wonderland from November to March, when the region transforms into a snowy utopia.

Do’s and Don’ts of Nunavik

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Dress warmly, even in the summer months.
  • Take proper precautions when outdoors, as the region’s ever-changing weather can be unpredictable.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the local environment.
  • Ignore signs indicating dangerous areas or wildlife.
  • Use flash photography near wildlife.

Safety and Health

Safety in Nunavik

Nunavik is a relatively safe place to visit, but visitors should be aware of its remote and unpredictable nature. Bear spray and insect repellent are recommended in some areas, and visitors should check weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Health in Nunavik

Health care in Nunavik is only available in certain communities, and visitors should ensure they have adequate health insurance coverage before arriving. It is also important to drink only bottled or boiled water to avoid illness.

Getting to Nunavik: Transportation Options and Logistics

Nunavik is accessible via air and road, with regular flights from Montreal, Quebec City, and other cities. Visitors can fly into the region’s main airports or take a bus from Montreal to Kuujjuaq. Once in Nunavik, car rentals and taxi services are available.

Airports Near Nunavik

  • Kuujjuaq Airport
  • Inukjuak Airport
  • Puvirnituq Airport

Bus Stations Near Nunavik

  • Montreal Central Bus Station
  • And several other regional bus depots in Quebec.

Other Options

  • Private charter flights from Montreal or Quebec City.

How to Get Around in Nunavik

Nunavik’s vast landscapes and remote communities make it challenging to travel around on your own, but there are options available. Visitors can use taxis, buses, and car rentals in some areas, but tours and guided trips are recommended for the best experience.

Where to Go Next from Nunavik: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Once you’ve explored Nunavik, consider visiting other nearby attractions like Quebec City, the Saguenay Fjord, and the Tadoussac heritage village. These destinations offer a wealth of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and history, all within a short distance from Nunavik.

Conclusion

Nunavik is a truly unique and unforgettable destination that offers visitors a chance to connect with nature, explore a rich cultural heritage, and experience thrilling adventures. With its stunning landscapes, friendly communities, and range of activities and attractions, Nunavik has something for everyone. Plan your trip today and discover the wonders of this beautiful region for yourself.

Aerial view of the Nunavik tundra Aerial view of the Nunavik tundra A waterfall on the Nastapoka River in Tursujuq National Park A waterfall on the Nastapoka River in Tursujuq National Park Inukshuit (''Singular:'' inukshuk) have traditionally been used by the Inuit people as waymarkers Inukshuit (''Singular:'' inukshuk) have traditionally been used by the Inuit people as waymarkers


    Inukjuak
    Kangiqsujuaq
    Kuujjuaq