This August, Yamnuska guides Grant and Maryse spent two weeks in Parc national Kuururjuaq, working alongside Inuit guides to explore Québec’s highest peak and the surrounding Torngat Mountains. Few places on Earth can match the raw beauty and cultural depth of Quebec’s far north. The park spans thousands of square kilometers, with Mount Kauvvik rising to 1,646 meters.
Kuururjuaq National Park was an incredible experience. The journey began with a stunning Twin Otter flight from Kangiqsualujjuaq to the headwaters of the Koroc River, where they spent their first night at a comfortable camp surrounded by untouched Arctic wilderness. The next day, they trekked to Base Camp at the foot of Mount Kauvvik, their home for the next four nights. Spending a few days at Base Camp allowed them to explore the area and position themselves to make their summit attempt during the best weather window.
During their stay, guests experienced a mix of activities — hikes to nearby lakes, ridge scrambles, and a full summit day via either the Minaret or Koroc Ridge. Mount Kauvvik offered a real mix of challenges: technical rock climbing, long exposed ridges, and route-finding in a dramatic, remote landscape. The southwestern Koroc Ridge involves 400 meters of technical climbing (around 5.2), while the southeastern Minaret Ridge provides a longer but less technical 800-meter fourth-class alternative. Other ridge scrambles, like La Crête de l’ours, added variety and excitement to the expedition.
What made this journey truly unique was the collaboration with local Inuit partners. Their knowledge of weather, wildlife, and traditional travel routes added a depth no guidebook could provide. Every valley carried stories, every ridge held meaning — turning climbs into cultural as well as physical journeys and creating a connection to the land.
On the final day, the team hiked back to Upper Koroc Camp for one last scenic flight, taking in a final aerial view of the rugged landscape. This expedition combined technical adventure, breathtaking scenery, and meaningful cultural exchange — a true Arctic experience in one of Canada’s most remote and inspiring mountain regions.
Kuururjuaq is more than peaks and climbing routes. Its rivers, fjords, and glacial valleys, combined with archaeological and cultural sites, make it a living landscape shaped by people and nature alike. For mountaineers seeking experiences beyond familiar ranges, it offers a chance to explore technical terrain while connecting with the rich human and natural history of Quebec’s far north.
Looking ahead, this marks the beginning of a long-term partnership with Nunavik Parks. Together, we hope to create opportunities that combine technical adventure and cultural exchange.
If you’d like to experience this region yourself, you can find trip details and guided expeditions at nunavikparks.ca.
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