Nord-Du-Québec: Mountains, Crater Lakes and Wildlife

Nord-Du-Québec encompasses the Nunavik and Eeyou Istchee Baie-James regions. Mountains, large lakes, river landscapes and vast protected areas shape the travel experience. The activities that take centre stage also depend on the season: beluga gatherings, for example, are observed between mid-July and late August, while both a winter outing and a longer summer stay are listed for Parc national Tursujuq.

Mountains, Craters and Large Lakes

Parc national Kuururjuaq stretches from Ungava Bay to the summit of Mont D’Iberville in the Torngat Mountains. At Parc national des Pingualuit, a meteorite impact crater shelters a lake with exceptionally clear, blue water. Parc national Tursujuq offers a different sense of scale: at 26,107 km², it is Québec’s largest national park. Lac Tasiujaq is located within the park; its brackish waters, which are subject to the tides, provide important habitat for seals and belugas.

Lac Wiyâshâkimî is another impressive landmark: at 1,226 km², it is Québec’s second-largest natural lake. On the plateau of the Rivière George natural region, tundra covers the surface, while islands of boreal forest mark the valley floors. The region thus brings together lakes, tidal waters and a variety of landscapes.

Hiking and Seasonal Activities

Parc national Kuururjuaq offers opportunities for white-water activities on the Rivière Koroc. The undeveloped trails vary by sector and range from moderate to difficult. A six-day hiking expedition in summer takes visitors through the Torngat Mountains with Inuit guides, following rivers and passing glacial lakes. Hikers can choose between an expedition of a set duration and trails with varying levels of difficulty.

As of September 7, 2026, a one-day winter outing and a four-day independent summer stay were listed as visitor experiences at Parc national Tursujuq. Both offerings are seasonal and may change. The difference between a winter day trip and a multi-day summer stay can help with trip planning; check the dates and offerings relevant to your trip.

Assinica Wildlife Reserve offers camping and canoe camping along the rivers and lakes of Eeyou Istchee. Access is controlled and seasonal. The wildlife reserves managed by the Corporation Nibiischii have sites for camping and fishing. More than 100 species of mammals, birds and fish can be observed at Parc national Ulittaniujalik. Examples cited include the wolf, caribou, black bear, golden eagle, peregrine falcon, salmon and Arctic char.

Wildlife, Culture and History

Beluga watching is clearly seasonal: gatherings of the animals are observed in the estuaries of the Rivière Nastapoka and the Petite rivière de la Baleine between mid-July and late August. In and around Kangirsuk, you can walk along Ungava Bay. Watch out for the incoming tide, among the highest and strongest in the world.

Cultural and archaeological sites are also among the region’s possible travel interests. The Monts Pyramides region has Indigenous settlement and use sites of the Cree, Innu and Naskapi peoples dating back more than 3,000 years. On Pamiok Island, you can visit the ruins of a Dorset longhouse. When visiting the Cree community of Oujé-Bougoumou, Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute is presented as the first stop for connecting with the people and their culture.

An ecotourism experience with local guides is also offered at Parc national Ulittaniujalik, taking in the Rivière George, the Rivière Ford and the Monts Pyramides. The combination of landscapes, wildlife and cultural sites offers different ways to shape a trip through Nord-Du-Québec.

Plan Your Trip and Hotels

For several communities in Nunavik, air travel is the main regional means of transportation. Flight schedules are seasonal and may change, so check the schedule relevant to your trip. When looking for hotels in Nord-Du-Québec, it’s worth deciding on your planned experiences and travel dates first. Mountains and hiking trails, seasonal wildlife viewing, and cultural and historical sites all offer different starting points for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Chapais, Chibougamau, Baie-James, Kangiqsujuaq, Matagami, Lebel-sur-Quévillon, Lajemmerais, Desjardins.

For the broader travel overview: Quebec.