Kuuaaluk Ecotours

Kuuaaluk Associates Wildlife Scenery Info/Pricing Arctic Photo's

Kuuaaluk Ecotours, centered in the Arctic village of Tasiujaq, provides a variety of tours to view and photograph the wildlife, spectacular scenery, and unique natural and man-made features of this region. Tasiujaq, a village of just over 200 residents, nearly all Inuit, is located in Northern Quebec (also called Nunavik), on Leaf Bay, part of Ungava Bay. This region, is especially rich in its variety of wildlife and ecotour opportunities because it is adjacent to the boundary between the Arctic tundra and the end of the Northern boreal forest, the taiga. In the following, we describe the photographic and adventure tours Kuuaaluk Ecotours can provide. Access: The village of Tasiujaq is easily reached by scheduled airlines. The commercial carrier First Air (teamed with Air Canada) provides daily jet service, departing Montreal at around 9:45 AM and arriving in the village of Kuujjuaq at noon. From Kuujjuaq, a 25 minute flight by Inuit Air Twin Otter propjet brings one to the airport at Tasiujaq. This airport is equipped with modern navigational aids including NDB directional beacon. The village of Tasiujaq is equipped with telephone and Fax service. Reception: Upon arrival in Tasiujaq you'll be met by representatives of the Kuuaaluk Association and brought by vehicle to the village center where you'll be provided with a brief orientation lecture, and accommodated as a guest in one of the Inuit homes. Once settled, the first tour will begin in the afternoon of your arrival. Rainy days: Inclement weather is not uncommon in Tasiujaq, or elsewhere in the Arctic. On such days, when it is not feasible to complete a planned tour, you'll be shown videos of wildlife, ancient Inuit techniques and other aspects of the Arctic ecosystem and its peoples. Medical facilities: The village of Tasiujaq is equipped with a fully modern medical station, staffed by a full-time Registered Nurse. The medical facility was rebuilt and refurbished in 1997. It can provide normal emergency medical care. For more serious or non-emergency medical problems, the doctors staffing the central hospital in Kuujjuaq, a short 25 minute air flight away, can provide additional services. In the event of serious medical emergencies, immediate air transport to the Kuujjuaq hospital can be provided. Accommodations: Tasiujaq is a small village of only 57 houses. You will be accommodated in one of the Inuit homes in "bed and breakfast" style. These homes are fully modern in all respects with flush toilets, hot showers, and electric stoves. You'll sleep on a modern version of the Inuit bed, which is similar to the Japanese futon, i.e., a mattress on the floor. You'll enjoy the hospitality of the Inuit culture, famous for its welcome to strangers. Here are two short descriptions by a 17-year-old woman, Ina Cain, of her village of Tasiujaq, and its Inuit culture. Inuit Art: Inuit sculpture and prints are famous the world over for their artistic depth and power. Realistic portrayal of animal structure and behavior is often melded with mythical imagery. Visitors may wish to visit the Tivi Gallery in Kuujjuaq, across the road from the Auberge Kuujjuaq. In Tasiujaq, a local artist, Johnny Agnatuk, produces unique minature sculptures in stone and walrus ivory. For example, in this scene of an igloo encampment, with people, equipment and dog team, the individuals are carved with intricate detail but are only a few millimeters high.