Despite sharing similar names, northern geography, and Inuit cultures, the nature-filled territory, meaning "Huge Land," is distinct from Nunavut, "Our Land"
Quebec’s Nunavik Tourism Association says the massive territory it promotes shouldn’t be confused with another northern jurisdiction that bears a similar name and has some similar features but also differs markedly in some respects as well.
The association’s Isabelle Dubois says Nunavik – the northernmost part of Quebec and accounting for about a third of Quebec’s territory – says name similarities mean Nunavik is sometimes confused with Nunavut, another northern jurisdiction with a predominantly Inuit population.
Nunavik translates into Huge Land while Nunavut means Our Land.
The tourism association notes that Nunavik features tundra, forests, lakes, rivers and mountains, and is “an ideal playground for nature lovers in search of true adventure.”
Nunavik-based Dubois, a transplanted southerner, notes Nunavik has around 507,000 square kilometers, making it almost the size of France but only has around 14,000 people. “Imagine France with only 14,000 people.”
Nunavik’s largest community is Kuujjuaq, which sees daily Air Inuit flights from Montreal.
Weekly flights are also available from Quebec City.
Kuujjuaq – home to around 3,500 people – also sees a weekly Canadian North from Ottawa.
Dubois says around 90% of Nunavik’s population is Inuit and visiting southerners will have no trouble experiencing their culture.
“The culture is very present,” she states. “They like to share their way of life.”
But Dubois adds that Nunavik’s natural side remains a large draw, adding visitors can sign up for tours that can provide sightings of the likes of polar bears, musk ox and caribou, with those who time their visits right able to see caribou migration,which features a huge number of the ungulates and is something that Dubois says is a “spectacular” sight.
Those eager to see wildlife can book tours with Inuit-owned companies that have Inuit guides.
Dubois adds that the Northern Lights provide a seasonal tourism attraction.
Four national parks are found within Nunavik’s boundaries, among them Tursujuq, at 26,107 square kilometers the largest national park in Quebec.
Kuururjuaq National Park is home to Torngat Mountains that not only amount to the highest mountains in Quebec but the tallest east of the Rockies.
Meanwhile, Meeka Tiglik, who helps carry the flag for Nunavut’s tourist trade, says her territory also offers intriguing wildlife, including polar bears, whales and seals.
A dramatic image of a polar bear is found on government business cards.
Nunavut has around 35,000 people in some 25 communities, with Iqaluit being the largest.
Visitors can again experience aspects of traditional Inuit lifestyles, including learning how to build an igloo and going on a dogsled ride.
Tiglik notes much of Nunavut’s landscapes feature rugged mountain terrain.
Tiglik adds that Nunavik would also be an intriguing tourism destination, adding,” I wish I could go visit there.”
Dubois in turn is happy to complement her northern neighbours’ territory. “I won’t take anything away from Nunavut. There’s beautiful things there too.”
The similarity of Nunavik and Nunavut does at times lead to confusion among southerners but Dubois says not all are left scratching their heads.
“It’s not confusing to the Inuit,” she states.
