Ruled by the legendary polar bear, this vast territory concealed above the 55th parallel is also home to one of the largest caribou herds in the world, and a sanctuary to small groups of archaic muskoxen, straight out of the ice age. From the edge of the boreal forest up to the ends of the northerly tundra, memorable encounters await you in Nunavik.

MAJESTIC ANIMALS

The breathtaking landscapes of Québec’s Far North region certainly create an ideal backdrop to capture photographs of the majestic polar bear in its natural coastal habitat, where nanuq undeniably reigns as king of the Arctic. Although this noble animal tends to blend into its home environment, your Inuit guides, who know the territory intimately, will without doubt succeed in finding at least one of them during your summer outing at sea in big motorized canoes. Aerial safaris are another great way to find the sought-after white bears.

Back on solid ground, make the most of long polar summer days by taking a walk on the wild side. Led by Inuit expert guides and/or knowledgeable naturalists, you will be able to safely roam the tundra on a hike in search of a group of magnificent muskoxen. One of the rare prehistoric mammal species still living on Earth, these daunting creatures somehow managed to survive the climate disturbance of the ice age. Their warm woolly coat resembling a long beard—which earned them the name of umimmak in Inuktitut, the Inuit language— certainly had something to do with it. A journey to the Far North of Québec is a privileged opportunity to track these ancient beasts in silence, as they wander the Arctic plains, feasting on grass, moss and lichen.

A visit to Nunavik wouldn’t be complete without bearing witness to the great caribou migration. Treading upon the barren tundra in small scattered groups or by the thousands, often having to swim across great rivers flowing in this immense territory, braving the current to follow their migratory route, these hoofed animals that Inuit call tuktu definitely have panache. In fact, a framed photograph of their antlers on your wall back home will likely attract attention.

Definitely at the top of the list, these big favourites among the Arctic animal kingdom are not the only specimens you’ll witness up in Québec’s Far North, as the region is teeming with life. Nunavik is a true Eden for birdwatching enthusiasts, and many other non-winged creatures, all perfectly adapted to the harsh northern climate, can also be spotted during your off-the-beaten-track summer adventure in the region. With the help of your guides’ watchful eyes, you might also encounter a variety of animal species, which are sure to delight nature lovers and photographers alike.

THE CALL OF THE WILD

This summer, why not join one of Nunavik’s adventure tour operators on a journey to the remote and wild tundra of Québec’s Far North, led by expert Inuit guides and/or naturalists, to observe and photograph polar bears in their natural coastal habitat, get up close and personal with small herds of ancient muskoxen roaming the land, witness the great caribou migration or catch a glimpse of Arctic wolves with their cubs around the den, and much more? Whether you opt for motorized canoe outings from one of the remote Inuit communities of Nunavik or from a satellite base camp in the wilderness or prefer an aerial safari, the choice is yours. 

TRAVEL PLANNER

For more information, visit or call:

Inuit Adventures: inuitadventures.com; 514-457-3319; 1-855-657-3319

Great Canadian Wildlife Adventures: thelon.com; 608-370-5071

Rapid Lake Lodge: rapidlake.com;

418-949-2549 (October to May) or

819-389-5832 (June to September)