Discovery of the Tundra of Nunavik

Published by alain at Wednesday November 9th, 2016

Categories

Nature & wildlife

The Arctic tundra covers the fifth of the surface of the earth and its climate tests severely the most resistant form of life.
Live a unique experience in the middle of the Arctic tundra.
Capture striking images.
Observe a unique species of tundra dwelling black bear.
Arctic rhododendron (Rhododendron lapponicum).
Arctic rhododendron (Rhododendron lapponicum). There are some 1,000 species of rhododendrons. While they grow all around the world, the largest variety of species is found in China and the Himalayas.
Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola). The Black-bellied Plover is nesting in arctic Canada. The North American populations winter along the Pacific coast to central Chile and on Atlantic and Caribbean coasts to northern Argentina.
Observe caribous in their natural habitats.
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You will penetrate at the heart of the tundra to discover of magnificent Arctic oasis.
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Amanita Muscaria mushroom, or "Fly Agaric" mushroom (commonly seen in the books of fairy tales and usually is associated with magic and fairies. It contains extremely potent hallucinogenic compounds used by ancient peoples for insight and transcendental experiences.
Glacial erratic. An erratic is a boulder transported and deposited by a glacier often over distances of hundreds of kilometers.
The Arctic Poppy grows in almost all high Arctic habitats. in almost all high Arctic habitats.
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QUEBEC

FROM 7 290 $ CAD / 5 245 € / 5 442 $ US

Valid until 2/09/2017

Guaranteed departure from 2 participants max. 6

Departures on request also available

Privately guided 7 days /6 nights

From Montreal

Have you ever dreamed of exploring the Canadian Far North? Here is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go on a Nature Safari in the middle of Nunavik’s tundra most breathtaking scenery. In this region of Arctic Quebec where the life is rough, the untouched nature enchants the eye. Here the endless mountains, lakes and rivers intertwine to create the tundra. This land which seems bare shelters oases of hundred-year-old forests, rare plants, geological marvels and even wild animals which are not afraid of humans. The Arctic tundra is a real paradise for the hikers and photographers in search of scenic landscapes, fauna and of wild flora.

Added Features of Rapid Lake Lodge

– Guaranteed departures for groups of 2 or more

– Meals providing a taste of Nunavik cuisine

– Unique experiences that make you discover the marvels of the Arctic tundra.

– Early booking discount on some dates (please check with us)

Price per person, triple occupancy from 7 290 $ CAD / 5 245 € / 5 442 $ US (plus tax).

Our Price Includes:

Round-trip jet air travel between Montreal and Kuujjuaq
Round-trip air travel between Kuujjuaq and Rapid Lake
Group information meeting with your tour guide, from Day 1 to Day 7
Guided excursions by seaplane with a pilot-guide who speaks French and English
Accommodations at Rapid Lale Lodge in cosy private cabins, with showers and hot water
Full board, including dinner on the first day and breakfast on the last day
Our outstanding Ungava-style hors d’œuvres
Snacks and beverages between meals
Free access to Wi-Fi

Not included:

Optional activities – can be added on request, personal gear, alcoholic drinks, taxes, or tipping at your discretion (international standard 10-15 $ CAD /day/person)

Further detailed tax info is available in the “Rates” section. http://www.rapidlake.com/en/francais-tarifs/

Trip Profile

Legend: ■ Complete ■ Guaranteed departure ■ In progress

The states of booking fluctuate according to the options, the cancellations and the inscriptions.

These legends are not contractual but communicated for information purposes.

DATES (7 days / 6 nights) 2017: 22-28/06/17, 28/06-4/07/17, 4-10/07/17, ■ 15-21/08/17, 21-27/08/17, ■ 27/08-2/09/17 and 4-10/09/17

Departures on request also available.

DEPARTURES: Montreal

FLIGHT TIME: about 3 hours

PACE: moderate

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: minimum of 2 and maximum of 6

TOUR GUIDE: experienced pilot-guide who speaks both French and English

HIKES/TREKS: easily accessible, not particularly demanding

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION: float plane

SMALL GROUPS SUPPLÉMENT: If the group consists of only 2 participants: + 1135 $ CAD TTC / person

Trip Highlights

TRIP INTO THE WILDS

– The variety of landscapes and characteristics of the tundra.

– The numerous Arctic wild flowers.

TRIP MEMORIES

– Aurora Borealis.

– Observation of the flora and fauna and the hikes.

Your Itinerary

Day 1: Montreal – Kuujjuaq – Rapid Lake. Upon arrival at Rapid Lake, the manager-owner will welcome you with a cocktail and overview of your upcoming itinerary. Afternoon hike to take in the subarctic tundra. Dinner and overnight stay at the Lodge.

Day 2: Outing on the tundra. Today, we are going to hike on the bare summits of the tundra surrounding the valley of the Qurlutuq / Tunulic river. The view from crests allows to discover the magnificent landscapes carved by the glacial erosion. We will cover various zones to appreciate the variety of plants and we’ll try to spot wildlife. Dinner and overnight stay at the Lodge.

Day 3: Visit of an Arctic oasis. This morning, we will penetrate into the valley of the Qurlutuq/Tunulic river to explore an Arctic oasis which shelters hundred-year-old trees and awide variety of native plants. We find, among others black spruces, dwarf birches, arctic willows and a great number of edible and medicinal plants. In the afternoon, we continue our route through a field of erratic blocks to discover austere and luxuriant landscapes of tundra. Overnight stay at the Lodge and Labrador Tea tasting.

Day 4: Discovery of the south ecozone of the Arctic Cordillera. Early in the morning, we fly out to discover the grand landscapes of the Arctic Cordillera. Renowned for its scenery of the end-of-the world, the Arctic Cordillera offers the visitors incomparable scenic vistas of the Arctic tundra – ragged summits, vertiginous falls and fjords. We’ll take the lunch on a lake in the overhang of the fjord of Hebron, walk on the lunar summits and enjoy the fantastic view over the Labrador Sea. We pursue our route along the Labrador coast where we fly over magnificent icebergs and try to spot polar bears. In mid-August you have the opportunity to observe the Auroras borealis dancing in the sky. Overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 5: Explore the valley of the trees. Depart in the morning for an air safari over the Arctic tundra. Today we will explore a secluded valley of Napartok. Inside this unique valley hidden in the heart of the Torngats Mountains you’ll find a unique specie of tundra dwelling black bear, rare arctic plants and many archeological sites. The valley offer excellent opportunities to photograph caribou, black bears and a wide variety of birds. At night if the shy is clear watch the Auroras Borealis. Overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 6: Black bear of the tundra. The observation of black bear in its natural habitats is always a sensational experience. After breakfast, we leave for an excursion on the bare sides of the mountains where we will try to spot black bears feeding on blueberries. Overnight stay at the lodge.

Day 7: Return trip. Breakfast at the lodge.

Keep in Mind

The suggested tour is a general example and may be modified upon request. Bush flights are often subject to last-minute change depending on weather conditions, in which case the itinerary will be adapted to the best possible alternative. 2% discount for payment by cheque.

Rapid Lake Lodge is situated in Arctic Quebec in the heart of the arctic tundra, 1,400 km from Montreal and 150 km southeast of Kuujjuaq. Rapid Lake Lodge is charming and cosy, constructed completely by hand with round timber. All lodgings are equipped with modern conveniences and provide daily maid service.