Some people would be afraid to go to the Far North of Quebec: as vast as Germany and France combined, this territory of fascinating purity offers a thousand opportunities to get together.
Especially if you set out to meet the Crees in Eeyou Istchee Baie-James and the Inuit in Nunavik, Aboriginal peoples whose traditions have contributed for centuries to preserving the crystalline harmony of these captivating lands.
From the 49th to the 62nd parallel, the adventure is like the horizon on the taiga and the tundra: without limits.
Tivi Galleries Nunavik Tourism/I.
Dubois
Just like native memory.
Witness the Daniel-Weetaluktuk Museum, named after Nunavik's first Inuit archaeologist.
Located in Inukjuak, on the east coast of Hudson Bay, it features architecture surmounted by a dome reminiscent of the traditional igloo;
like a dome watching over more than 200 artistic and historical pieces retracing the richness of human occupation in this region of the Far North.
The permanent exhibition “Takunnatauninga ilirsusivut takunnagusitigut/Our culture as we perceive it” brings together a number of traditional sculptures, clothes and drawings.
Note that the renowned Inuit art gallery, Tivi Galleries, in Kuujjuaq, guarantees lovers of authentic Inuit works of art (sculptures, tapestries, prints) and design will find what they are looking for.
Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute Eeyou Istchee Tourism/James Bay Tourism/C.
Chenel
The Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute of Oujé-Bougoumou, a true showcase of the history of this Aboriginal nation of Eeyou Istchee Baie-James, carries out a similar mission.
Sheltered under a clear spruce nave, it brings together age-old remains to contemporary everyday objects evoking the intimate link to the elements (snowshoes, clothing, etc.), not to mention works of art including paintings, sculptures and beadwork.
It's hard to leave the place without making an acquisition at the museum's stall, which offers lots of jewellery, moccasins or traditional mittens.
The complementary visit to the Chisasibi cultural and heritage center proves how much this culture and its transmission remain alive between generations: in addition to the exhibitions and workshops held there,
living eternity
Culture rhymes here with nature and adventure, the experience in the great outdoors is a must without delay.
Exploring the secrets of James Bay in Waskaganish, accompanied by a certified Native guide from the Wiinipaakw Tours Solidarity Cooperative, is one of the best chances to observe – in complete safety – life evolving in the wild.
In Chibougamau, near Mistissini, on the Lacs-Albanel-Mistassini-et-Waconichi wildlife reserve, the Corporation Nibiischii offers a host of outdoor activities: hiking, overnight in a floating cabin or in a tent and, of course, sure, fishing.
Broadback Outfitter Eeyou Istchee Tourism/James Bay Tourism/Hooké
The Far North is indeed renowned for its outfitters – these establishments offering fishing enthusiasts all the amenities and infrastructure to indulge in their favorite hobby in the summer.
Such as the Aigle-Pêcheur outfitter located on Lake Mistassini (the largest natural freshwater lake in Quebec) where pike, walleye, gray and speckled trout abound, and which has a right to access beyond the 51st parallel, in exclusive Aboriginal territory.
Like the Broadback outfitter in Oujé-Bougoumou, in the majestic setting of the Assinica wildlife reserve.
The fact of being welcomed and lodged by the natives of the Cree nation, who expertly guide travelers on the lakes and rivers, makes the experience authentically sublime.
Kuururjua National Park Nunavik Parks/P.
Graillon
Nunavik is not to be outdone when it comes to grandiose landscapes since it is home to remarkable national parks, ideal for large format getaways.
Parc national des Pingualuit, appreciated for its “crystal eye” (a cerulean lake formed in a meteorite crater);
Kuururjuaq National Park, crossed by the Koroc River (suitable for rafting and kayaking) and counting among its peaks Mount D'Iberville, the highest point in Quebec (1,646 m);
finally, the Tursujuq national park (the largest in Quebec) offering striking panoramas and idyllic walks for paddlers, between inland seas and Hudsonian cuestas.
To savor other sensations, head for the Gyrfalcon Islands in Leaf Bay.
Accompanied by guides from the Inuit community of Tasiujaq, you can observe animals (polar bears, musk oxen and caribou, among other arctic specimens) in their natural habitat;
the greatest tidal currents in the world, but also (for the lucky ones spending the night there) the spectacle beyond words of the aurora borealis.
Caribou and Little Payne River Nunavik Tourism / H. Wittenborn
Not far from there, in the estuary of the Rivière aux Feuilles, the Johnny and Billy Cain outfitter is a must for anyone wishing to share a fishing trip with the Inuit exploiting this natural haven teeming with salmon, speckled trout and char. arctic knights – rustic and friendly camp included!
An appetite for reel enthusiasts who will find in the stays organized by the Inuit society Arctic Adventures stays in total immersion to practice their passion: one at the Tunulik II camp, the other at the Payne River camp ;
in both cases, exceptional catches and a warm welcome are guaranteed…
A land of memory that has kept the imprints of the Aboriginal generations who have trodden its soil, a land of life, nature and human warmth, the Far North offers its visitors the marvelous paradox of appearing both young and old.
Proof that it is indeed the territory of all possibilities...
Other Aboriginal experiences can be found on the Bonjour Québec website.
