Adventure Outdoors Magazine Fall 2016 | Page 49
WALKING ON THE MOON
IN THE PINGUALUIT CRATER NATIONAL PARK
Circa 1.4 million years ago, a meteorite struck the earth, leaving a seamlessly
circular crater of a 2.14 miles diameter on the wind-swept tundra of the Ungava
plateau. Rising distinctively above the horizon of the boundless Arctic sky, the
Pingualuit crater and its lunar-like surroundings are the closest most of us will
get to walking on the moon. The place certainly inspires meditation and calm to
those who venture into this national park, backcountry skiing their way across its
treeless expanse. And for those looking for a bit more thrill, adding a kite to let
the North wind haul you across the snow-covered tundra will do the trick, making
this expedition an unparalleled northern experience.
© Gilles Boutin
© François Carrier
A GENUINE NOMADIC JOURNEY
© Michel Harcc-Morissette
© Véronique Nadeau
THROUGH THE TURSUJUQ NATIONAL PARK
Behind a narrow passage on the eastern shores of the mighty Hudson Bay, beyond
the Inuit community of Umiujaq, lays hidden the largest national park in Quebec:
the Tursujuq national park, Nunavik’s best kept secret, with over 10,000 square
miles to enjoy. Etched in spectacular cuestas, this immense territory is also a
cultural crossroads between Inuit and Cree, with traces of human occupation
in the area dating back more than 3,000 years. As you travel from the inland
sea of Lake Tasiujaq to the shores of Hudson Bay and the tumbling Nastapoka
Falls, whether at your own pace on backcountry ski or snowshoe, or carried by
snowmobile across this vast expanse, you will be transported back in time as you
share the Inuit way of life with your guides.
For more information on Nunavik’s national parks, visit www.nunavikparks.ca or call 1-844-NUNAVIK (686-2845) toll free to book your all-inclusive winter
package in one of these amazing places of this Far North region of Quebec, Canada.
Adventure Outdoors Fall 2016 47