Torngat Mountains National Park

Torngat Mountains National Park protects spectacular Arctic and subarctic landscapes at the northern tip of Labrador, where the Torngat Mountains plunge into deep fjords and the Labrador Sea. Co-managed with Inuit partners, the park is renowned for polar bears, caribou, sheer granite peaks, glaciers and cirques, and for the cultural continuity of Inuit homelands. The name “Torngat” derives from Inuktitut, often translated as “place of spirits.”

At a glance — Torngat Mountains National Park

Location	Northern Labrador (coast between the Labrador Sea and Ungava Bay), adjacent to Nunavik (QC)
Province	Newfoundland and Labrador
Established	2005 as a National Park Reserve; 2008 as a National Park
Area	≈ 9,700 km²
Highest peaks	Mount Caubvick / Mont D’Iberville (≈1,652 m) and neighbouring Torngat summits
Notable features	Glacier-carved fjords (Saglek, Nachvak, Ramah), sheer coastal cliffs, alpine barrens, remnant ice, archaeological sites
Nearby communities	Nain (NL); Kangiqsualujjuaq (QC); seasonal Base Camp at Saglek (Kangalaksiorvik)

Overview

The park spans the Torngat range from the Québec–Labrador boundary to the northern tip of Labrador. Narrow fjords slice inland to serrated ridgelines and high plateaus, with tundra vegetation and far-reaching views to ice-streaked headlands. Wildlife includes polar bear along the coast and sea ice, caribou herds, Arctic fox, wolves, and seabirds. Icebergs and whales are seen offshore in season.

Inuit homelands and co-management

Torngat Mountains National Park lies within Inuit Nunangat and is co-operatively managed with Inuit of Nunatsiavut (Labrador Inuit) and Nunavik (Northern Quebec). Inuit rights to travel, harvest, and conduct cultural practices continue in the park under land claims agreements. Stewardship is guided by joint boards and community knowledge alongside scientific monitoring.

Base Camp & Research Station (Saglek)

A seasonal base near Saglek (Kangalaksiorvik) serves as a staging point for visitors, guides, researchers, and cultural programs. Many trips begin with a charter flight to the Saglek airstrip, followed by boat transfer to Base Camp and onward travel with Inuit guides.

Landscapes and ecosystems

Fjords and coastal cliffs: Deep, narrow inlets such as Saglek, Nachvak, and Ramah fjords with sheer walls, waterfalls, and hanging valleys.
Alpine country: Granite and gneiss peaks, talus slopes, cirques, patterned ground, and periglacial landforms.
Tundra and barrens: Arctic–subarctic vegetation: lichens, mosses, dwarf shrubs; wildflowers in a short growing season.
Wildlife: Polar bears (coast/sea-ice), caribou, black bear inland pockets, wolves, Arctic fox, seals and whales offshore; raptors and seabirds.

Things to do

Guided coastal travel: Boat-assisted trips with Inuit guides into major fjords and cultural sites.
Backpacking & alpine routes: Experienced parties tackle remote passes and valleys; route-finding, river crossings, and self-reliance required.
Cultural programs: On-the-land learning with Inuit knowledge-holders (availability varies by season).
Photography & wildlife viewing: Polar bear, fjord scenery, midnight sun/aurora by season.

Access and season

There are no roads into the park. Most visitors:

Fly to Happy Valley–Goose Bay (NL), connect to Nain or charter directly to the Saglek airstrip.
Transfer by boat to the seasonal Base Camp, then continue with arranged guides/bear guards by boat or on foot.

A shorter season (roughly July–early September) coincides with ice-free coastal waters and more stable travel windows; shoulder seasons involve sea ice and severe weather.

Safety and low-impact travel

Polar bears: This is prime polar bear country. Travel with trained Inuit bear guards/guides; carry deterrents as advised; keep clean camps; never approach wildlife.
Remoteness: No cell coverage; carry satellite comms (sat phone/InReach), maps, and emergency supplies. Weather shifts rapidly (fog, wind, cold rain/snow possible anytime).
Registration & permits: Backcountry registration/orientation with Parks Canada is required; check current bulletins for closures, wildlife activity, and travel advisories.
Leave No Trace: Pack out all waste; protect fragile tundra and cultural sites; respect harvesting and sacred places.

External links (official)

Parks Canada — Torngat Mountains National Park: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nl/torngats
Torngat Mountains Base Camp & Research Station (Nunatsiavut): https://torngatbasecamp.com/
Parks Canada — Reservations / Important bulletins: https://reservation.pc.gc.ca • https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/imp