Hiking in Parc national Tursujuq: trails, map and practical info

The park in brief

Parc national Tursujuq lies near the east coast of Hudson Bay, not far from Umiujaq, its host village along with Kuujjuaraapik-Whapmagoostui. Nunavik Parks says the park's foremost goal is to protect a representative portion of the Hudson cuestas and plateau.

What you come to see

• The Hudson cuestas: along the coast between Umiujaq and Little Whale River, Nunavik Parks describes the most extensive system of cuestas in Quebec, asymmetrical ridges.
• The Goulet: it connects Lake Tasiujaq to Hudson Bay. Its very strong current creates polynyas, gaps in the ice.
• Lake Tasiujaq: its brackish, tidal waters shelter seals and belugas.
• Lake Wiyâshâkimî: at 1,226 km², it is the second-largest natural lake in Quebec.
• Wildlife: distribution maps show 38 mammal species, 131 bird species and 42 fish species. Belugas can be seen at the Nastapoka River and Little Whale River estuaries from mid-July to late August.

How to visit

Nunavik Parks published these experiences for Tursujuq (2026 prices, per person, before taxes). The dates published for 2026 have passed: dates and prices for the next season are to be confirmed with the park.

• Winter day trip: from Umiujaq, snowmobile and qamutik (traditional Inuit sled) transport to Lake Tasiujaq or Nastapoka Falls, with two to five guides depending on group size. $450 to $3,000 depending on the group; 4 to 12 people.
• Autonomous summer trip (4 days): boat from Umiujaq to Sukkuk Camp and three nights at the camp, for $500. Minimum 4 visitors.
• Autonomous winter trip (4 days): snowmobile to Sukkuk Camp, 30 km from Umiujaq (about an hour depending on trail conditions), for $550. Skiing on Lake Tasiujaq or snowshoeing; maximum 10 visitors.
• 6 days discovering Lake Tasiujaq and its cuestas (summer): all inclusive, with a boat trip to Nastapoka Falls, a hike of about two hours to the top of a cuesta, with a view of the Goulet, and rustic camps. From $2,700 departing Umiujaq to $8,000 departing Montreal; 6 to 7 people.
• 6-day nomadic winter adventure (cross-country skiing): $5,700 departing Montreal (all inclusive); departing Nunavik, from $2,350 (Umiujaq) to $4,250 (Kuujjuaq). Ski outings of 6 to 8 km, a 12 km loop and a 20 km crossing of Lake Tasiujaq back to Umiujaq.

The autonomous stays include the access fee, the nights at Sukkuk Camp, firewood and a satellite phone.

The GPX file published by Nunavik Parks contains two named trails ("Trail Wiyâshâkimî" and "Trail Sukkuup"), two paddling routes (Nastapoka River and Lac à l'Eau Claire) and waypoints such as the park pavilion in Umiujaq. The page gives neither the length nor the difficulty of these trails.

Fees, registration and rules

• Authorization and registration: anyone who enters a park must be duly authorized by the park authorities. Before an expedition you must register with the park (ask for the form at info@nunavikparks.ca) and report your return at the village visitor centre.
• Access fee (age 18 and over): according to the Nunavik Parks 2026 price list, $8.96 per day, $44.79 per year for one park or $80.89 per year for all parks (before taxes). It is included in the packages; camping costs $25 per night and a rustic camp $70.
• Fishing: a provincial fishing licence plus a park fishing permit ($52.66 for 3 days or $109.70 for 7 days).
• Hunting and firearms: all hunting and trapping are prohibited in the park, as is carrying firearms.
• Fires, animals, drones: fires only at marked places; feeding the park's animals is prohibited; Nunavik Parks does not permit recreational drones.
• Dogs: the regulation prohibits bringing animals into the park, except a guide dog and a dog used for an activity offered in the park. It also contains a provision about a dog kept on a leash at all times, at marked places. Before planning a stay with a dog, write to Nunavik Parks.

When to go

According to the Nunavik Parks FAQ, which covers all its parks, July to mid-September is the best time for a summer visit. Late February to mid-April is the ideal winter period, when the territory is accessible everywhere by snowmobile. Nunavik Parks advises against mid-September to mid-February; mid-April to June is "more or less recommended" because the ground is thawing and water levels are high. Nunavik Parks says nets and insect repellents are necessary in June, July and August.

Getting ready

Nunavik Parks stresses that the park is remote, the weather changes constantly and the tundra offers no natural shelter. Autonomous visitors must carry communication, safety and navigation tools and know how to use them.