Wild Encounters
WITH THE ARCTIC ANIMAL KINGDOM
Land of the Inuit , the Quebec Far North region of Nunavik is also the realm of a fantastic wildlife . Ruled by the legendary polar bear , this vast territory concealed above the 55 th 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 !
The breathtaking landscapes of this region of Quebec ’ s Far North certainly make for an ideal backdrop to capture a photograph of the majestic polar bear in its natural coastal habitat , where Nanuq undeniably reigns as king of the Arctic . And if this noble animal tends to blend in better in its home environment than at the zoo , your Inuit guides , who know the territory like the back of their hands , will without a doubt succeed in finding at least one of them during a summer outing at sea in their big motorized canoes . Aerial safaris are also a great way to find the soughtafter white bears .
Back on solid grounds , you will definitely be able to make the most of the long polar summer days to take 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 Quebec is a privileged opportunity to track these ancient beasts in silence , as they wander the Arctic plains , feasting on grass , moss and lichen .
But 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 . As a matter of fact , their antlers will make a nice trophy on the wall in a picture frame that is likely to attract attention .
Definitely at the top of the list , these big favorites amongst the Arctic animal kingdom are not the only specimens there is to see up in Quebec ’ s Far North , as the region is teeming with life . Not only is Nunavik a true Eden for bird watching enthusiasts , but many other non-winged creatures , all perfectly adapted to the harsh northern climate , can also be spotted during a summer adventure off the beaten track in the region . With the help of your guides ’ watchful eyes , you could also encounter a variety of animal species , which are sure to delight nature lovers and photographers alike .
48 | Spring 2017 | Adventure Outdoors