16 GOING WILD ACROSS CANADA
Quebec-Labrador : Polar Bear , Musk-ox and Caribou Safari
MUSK OXEN ( PHOTO COURTESY OF NUNAVIK TOURISM )
Board a north-bound flight from Montreal-Trudeau International Airport and , in a little over two hours , you ’ re transported to a time and place that has changed little over the centuries . Inaccessible by car , the small town of Kuujjuaq , Québec , with a population of just over 2,000 , is the largest northern village in the Nunavik region of the province .
It ’ s also the starting point for Inuit Adventures ’ seven-day safari to track the big three of Arctic wildlife : polar bear , musk-ox and caribou .
Travelling by foot , freighter canoe , and small , locally operated aircraft , groups of just six to eight can expect a truly authentic experience . “ We only hire local people as guides , people who have experience with the land and animals ,” says Sean McDonagh , Manager of Tourism Development for Inuit Adventures . “ All of our trips are community-based , with accommodations locally owned .”
ABOVE LEFT : TRADITIONAL INUIT THROAT SINGERS ; ABOVE RIGHT : INUIT ELDER ; BELOW : POLAR BEARS ( PHOTOS COURTESY OF NUNAVIK TOURISM )
On Diana Island , Musk-oxen and Eider ducks roam freely among stunning Arctic flowers in the summer . At the nearby fjord of Payne River , caribou mull about the shore and cross the river as they plod along in their northern migration . The safari wraps up among the many islands in Tasiujaq , where polar bears feed on the eggs of seagulls and other nesting birds drawn to the area .
With an area so remote and pristine , visitors are regularly blessed with unplanned surprises . “ The biggest excitement comes from our customers seeing unexpected animals , such as Beluga and Mink whales , wolves , arctic fox and snow owls ,” says McDonagh .
BELOW LEFT : ALGONQUIN LOG CABIN - CANOE AT DAWN ; BELOW RIGHT : CANOE & MOOSE ( PHOTOS COURTESY OF VOYAGEUR QUEST AND VOYAGEUR OUTFITTING )
Throughout the trip , visitors spend time with their local hosts , whose way of life has persisted for many years . “ People really enjoy interacting with the locals ,” says McDonagh . Visitors witness the traditions , customs and ceremonies of their hosts , including a throat singing performance . More than just an animal safari ; it ’ s a genuine cultural experience , too .
Algonquin Moose Safari Canoe Trip
Canada calls the beaver its official animal , at least by an act of parliament . Unofficially , the mighty moose holds reverential status as the symbol of the awesomeness of Canada ’ s wildlife . Approaching two metres tall and weighing over 400 kilograms , these solitary , often ornery creatures can be challenging , if not dangerous , to photograph .