Planning and safety

The Parc national des Pingualuit and its zone of influence are an immense territory. Due to the remoteness of the park, limited emergency assistance resources, wild animals and changeable weather conditions, park visitors must be responsible for their own safety unless they are guided. Careful planning will help to make each excursion enjoyable, reducing the risk of accident and misadventure. Visitors must be prepared to adapt to delays and bad weather. Caution and patience are your best guides.

Excursions between Kangiqsujuaq and the park should only be undertaken by seasoned trekkers. In summer, since hikers must cross endless rocky and wet zones, they are advised to proceed carefully and wear a sturdy pair of boots and use 2 trekking poles. In winter, excursions require detailed planning because of the cold temperature, the risk of blizzard and the limited number of daylight hours.

While Kangiqsujuaq offers all essential services, equipment for specialized recreation activities is not widely available. Park staff use snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles to monitor the park, as well as for maintenance and re-supply purposes. The vehicles are also available to deliver assistance to visitors in difficulty.

Generally speaking, wildlife that may be encountered in the park does not represent a danger to humans. Only polar bears and black bears may pose a serious threat to safety, although the chance of encountering such animals is very low. Care should also be exercised with overbold animals (such as foxes and solitary wolves) which could be infected with rabies, a serious disease transmissible to humans. Since wild animals are unpredictable, they should be avoided and never fed.

When crossing streams and rivers, water depth and current strength should be tested as a precaution. Visitors should carry at all times spare clothing in a waterproof bag.

The Parc national des Pingualuit endorses the ethical outdoor practices applicable in all national parks in Québec.