THE DESTINATION

Northern Quebec’s Ungava Bay and Gyrfalcon Islands will be our base for this 6-day wildlife expedition. Although not officially stated, Ungava Bay is without a doubt home to some of the highest tides in the world. At their highest point, the tides can reach 55 ft in height, a natural phenomenon that is an incredible spectacle to witness.

Ungava Bay has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years and these communities have deep cultural ties to the region’s land and sea. Our Inuit hosts for this expedition will share their love and respect for Nunavik during our time together.

The main draw for this trip is the charismatic species that inhabit the bay – polar bears, muskoxen, caribou, seals, beluga whales, birds, and more. In summer, when ice is less abundant, small islands in the bay become ice floes for polar bears. This is a rare opportunity to search for wild polar bears in a spectacularly remote and untouched natural setting.

Our camp offers five large shelter pods that are perfect for two people. Each pod is 14 feet in diameter and is made of rigid fiberglass that’s sturdy and wind-resistant, allowing for a peaceful night’s sleep. Pods are equipped with 2 single beds, a toilet, a sink, a desk, and seats for relaxing. They’re insulated with a temperature control feature that guarantees a real “glamping” experience, even during the coldest nights of Nunavik. There is a separate shower house with a toilet for the camp. Because of the limited number of pods, each one is only available for booking by two people. Private, single occupancy pods are not available for this special small group expedition. Solo travelers will be paired.

James May is an Inuk who was born and raised in Kuujjuaq, but he now resides in Tasiujaq. James brings an extensive background in tourism with reputable outfitters in the region. 

Jonathan Grenier is also an Inuk born and raised in Kuujjuaq. He’s been a local fishing guide on the Koksoak River for more than a decade. Together, James and Jon founded Ungava Polar Eco Tours with the mission of offering something truly unique and 100% Inuit-owned in Nunavik’s tourism industry. James is our lead expedition guide with Jon joining us for some of the expedition.

Sheridan Samano, Reefs to Rockies Co-Founder and Lead Biologist Guide, is thrilled to co-lead this unique wildlife expedition with the guide team at Ungava. This trip was developed based on their combined experiences with an emphasis on getting you into the “right place at the right time” for exceptional sightings. Together, they’ll take you to some of the Gyrfalcon Islands’ best locations for wildlife viewing with an emphasis on finding charismatic species including bears, whales, caribou, muskoxen, and an array of avifauna.

The following itinerary lists possible daily activities and is therefore, indicative. It’s important to note that the core focus of this special Reefs to Rockies group trip is wildlife viewing. We hope to book the camp on a private basis for these dates. If weather allows and the group is interested in more time on the water, we will make every effort to include more boat excursions. The following schedule is highly dependent on current weather conditions and should only be used as a proposed outline of daily activities.