How to get to Kuujjuaq

When planning a trip to Kuujjuaq, it is worth noting that this is the administrative centre of the Nunavik region in northern Quebec, located far from the usual tourist routes. This settlement is not so much a classic resort as it is a gateway to the world of Arctic nature and Inuit culture, where people travel for unique landscapes and the Northern Lights.

Due to geographical isolation, you cannot reach Kuujjuaq by all modes of transport: there are no railways or highways connecting the city to the south, so aviation remains the primary and practically the only way to get here.

Air travel is the most reliable and fastest way to reach Kuujjuaq, considering its distance from major centres. The main transport hub of the region is Kuujjuaq Airport (YVP), which receives regular flights from Montreal and other northern settlements.

The flight over the tundra offers breathtaking views, and the airport itself is located quite close to the settlement, ensuring convenient logistics upon arrival. The airport is well connected to the town, so the transfer to your accommodation usually causes no difficulties.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to reach Kuujjuaq by train. There is a complete absence of railway infrastructure in this northern region, and there are no stations here.

The railway network of Canada ends significantly further south. Travellers preferring trains will have to travel to major cities in the province of Quebec (for example, to Montreal), and then transfer to a plane to complete the route.

Direct bus service to Kuujjuaq is absent, as the city is not connected to the road network of the continental part of the country. Buses do not run to this remote region of Nunavik.

The only option for using a bus in this journey is a transfer to the departure airport in the southern cities of Canada. When planning a trip to Kuujjuaq, rely exclusively on air transport.

Travelling to Kuujjuaq by private car from the southern regions of Canada is impossible. No automobile roads lead here, and the town is effectively cut off from the outside world for ground transport.

Inside the settlement itself, local residents move around on cars, ATVs, and snowmobiles, but bringing your own vehicle here is possible only by sea transport during the navigation period, which is not practical for the ordinary tourist. Taxis exist in the town and are relatively expensive due to the high cost of fuel.

A journey to Northern Quebec requires thorough preparation, as conditions here differ significantly from familiar urban environments. To ensure your trip to Kuujjuaq is comfortable and safe, please review the following recommendations.

1. Clothing and Equipment. Even in summer, it can be cool here, so the layering principle is mandatory: thermal underwear, fleece, and a windproof jacket. In winter, a specialised arctic parka and very warm footwear are necessary.
2. Transport within the town. The settlement is small, and many distances can be covered on foot. For longer trips, taxis are used, while local residents often travel on ATVs or snowmobiles.
3. Finances and Prices. The currency is the Canadian Dollar. Be prepared that prices for groceries and services here are 2–3 times higher than in the south of the country due to complex logistics. It is advisable to carry cash, although cards are accepted in major shops.
4. Communication and Internet. Mobile coverage and internet may work slower or with interruptions compared to major cities. Check your operator's coverage area in advance.
5. Language Environment. The main languages of communication are English, French, and Inuktitut. Locals appreciate a respectful attitude towards their culture and language.
6. Buying Souvenirs. When purchasing items made of bone or fur from local artisans, ensure you have the necessary permits for their export if you plan to leave the country.
7. Safety in Nature. Never venture outside the settlement into the tundra alone without a guide. The weather changes instantly, and there is also a risk of encountering wild animals, including bears.
8. Protection from Insects. If you are travelling in summer (July-August), be sure to take powerful repellents and a mosquito net — midges and mosquitoes in the tundra can be very aggressive.

Observing these simple rules will help you enjoy the rugged beauty of the North without unnecessary domestic problems and leave you with only warm memories of the trip.