The Coolest Facts About Ulittaniujalik National Park

Tucked into the wild heart of northern Quebec, Ulittaniujalik National Park is a sanctuary of untamed landscapes, storied Inuit traditions, and remarkable biodiversity. Located within the Nunavik region, this park is a gateway to some of Canada’s most secluded and stunning wilderness. If you're passionate about northern adventures, cultural preservation, and unique wildlife, Ulittaniujalik deserves a top spot on your travel radar. Let’s dive into the coolest facts about this incredible park.

What Makes Ulittaniujalik National Park So Special?

Unlike any other national park in Quebec, Ulittaniujalik offers an immersive blend of tundra, taiga, and boreal forest ecosystems. The park lies east of Kuujjuaq, stretching toward the Torngat Mountains and the George River Valley, creating a unique geographic corridor.

Its name means "the place where there are steep cliffs" in Inuktitut, a nod to its dramatic cuestas, plateaus, and rugged mountain ridges. With fewer visitors than other Nunavik parks, Ulittaniujalik remains one of the most pristine environments in eastern Canada.

Where Is the Park Located, and How Do You Get There?

Ulittaniujalik National Park is situated in northern Quebec, northeast of Labrador and southeast of Hudson Bay. Most visitors arrive by air, landing in Kuujjuaq before taking a charter flight or snowmobile expedition into the park.

Its remote location makes access part of the adventure. Because the region is vast and roadless, visitors rely on traditional Inuit routes and often travel with Indigenous guides for an authentic, respectful journey into the wild.

How Big Is Ulittaniujalik National Park?

Ulittaniujalik spans 5,293 square kilometres, making it one of Quebec’s largest national parks. The park protects a variety of habitats—from lowland tundra to high cliffs, lakes, and taiga forest. This vast scale provides critical shelter for wildlife and supports long-distance hiking and backcountry expeditions.

What Wildlife Can You See in Ulittaniujalik?

This national park is a wildlife lover’s dream. Keep your eyes peeled for:

• Caribou herds, especially during the migration season

• Black bears wandering the taiga

• Wolves and arctic foxes stalking the tundra

• Golden eagles and ptarmigans soaring above the cliffs

• Brook trout and Arctic char in the park's clear lakes and rivers

The pristine habitat offers a rare opportunity to observe these animals without the interference of development.

What Makes the Park Geologically Unique?

The park is part of the Canadian Shield, with ancient rock formations and towering cuestas that have been carved by time and glaciers. These features provide dramatic vistas and natural landmarks for hikers.

Of particular note is the George River, which flows through the park and supports an important Atlantic salmon run. This river has been a lifeline for both wildlife and humans for centuries.

What Cultural Significance Does Ulittaniujalik Hold?

Ulittaniujalik is steeped in the culture of the Inuit and Cree communities who have long inhabited the region. The park is co-managed with local Indigenous groups, ensuring that traditional knowledge shapes conservation efforts.

Inuit and Cree elders work with park authorities to identify sacred sites, hunting grounds, and ancient travel routes. Visitors are encouraged to learn about the land through storytelling, guided tours, and cultural workshops.

What Can You Do in the Park?

Ulittaniujalik is ideal for hiking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, and cultural exploration. Adventure-seekers can enjoy:

• Backcountry hiking in untouched terrain

• Camping under the Arctic sky

• Kayaking and canoeing on inland rivers and lakes

• Snowshoeing and ski touring in winter

All while taking in the northern lights, which frequently dance across the sky from fall to spring.

What Role Does Sépaq Play?

As with other parks in Nunavik, Sépaq (Société des établissements de plein air du Québec) collaborates with Inuit partners to manage Ulittaniujalik National Park. This partnership ensures that environmental protection aligns with cultural values and sustains the long-term wellbeing of the region.

What Should You Know Before Visiting?

Because of its remoteness, visits to Ulittaniujalik require preparation. You should:

• Plan your trip through a registered guide or outfitter

• Bring supplies for remote travel, including emergency gear

• Respect Inuit customs and guidelines

• Travel lightly and practice Leave No Trace principles

Cell coverage is limited or nonexistent, and weather can change rapidly.

Why Should Ulittaniujalik Be on Your Adventure List?

If you’re looking for untouched nature, Arctic wildlife, and a deep cultural connection to the land, Ulittaniujalik delivers on all fronts. This hidden gem of Nunavik offers solitude, wonder, and a chance to connect with the Earth in a way few places allow.

Key Takeaways

• Ulittaniujalik National Park covers over 5,293 km² in northern Quebec

• Features tundra, taiga, cliffs, and ancient geological formations

• Home to caribou, wolves, bears, and trout

• Managed in partnership with Inuit and Cree communities

• Offers hiking, canoeing, camping, and northern lights viewing

• Best accessed via Kuujjuaq and experienced with local guides

If you're ready for a remote escape into one of Canada's last wild places, Ulittaniujalik is waiting—vast, vibrant, and full of unforgettable stories.