View source for Akami–uapishkᵁ–KakKasuak–Mealy Mountains

'''Akami–uapishkᵁ–KakKasuak–Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve''' protects one of Atlantic Canada’s largest roadless wilderness areas in southeastern Labrador. The park reserve spans tundra-topped mountains, vast boreal forests, wild rivers, long sand beaches, and rich coastal environments facing Lake Melville and the Labrador Sea. It is cooperatively managed with Indigenous partners, reflecting longstanding Innu and Inuit relationships with the land and waters.

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<div style="font-weight:700; color:#b91c1c; margin-bottom:6px;">At a glance — Mealy Mountains (NPR)</div>
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! style="text-align:left; width:42%; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Location
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Southeastern Labrador, south of Lake Melville; interior ranges to the Atlantic coast
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! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Province
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Newfoundland and Labrador
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! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Place type
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | '''National Park Reserve''' (recognizes ongoing Indigenous rights/agreements)
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! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Established
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | 2015
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! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Area
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | ≈ '''10,700 km²'''
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! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Co-management
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Cooperative management with Indigenous partners (Innu Nation, Nunatsiavut Government, NunatuKavut Community Council)
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! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Notable features
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Mealy Mountains and alpine barrens; boreal forest and peatlands; wild rivers (incl. Eagle River watershed); coastal dunes and long beaches; wildlife including caribou
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! style="text-align:left; vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Nearby hubs
| style="vertical-align:top; padding:4px 6px;" | Happy Valley–Goose Bay, North West River, Rigolet, Cartwright
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== Name and cultural context ==
The park reserve’s Innu-aimun and Inuttitut names—''Akami–uapishkᵁ'' and ''KakKasuak''—reflect deep Indigenous connections to the mountains (“white mountains across” and “mountain range,” commonly translated). As a '''national park reserve''', it is managed like a national park while honouring existing and ongoing Indigenous rights and agreements. Traditional activities and travel continue in accordance with land claims and cooperative management decisions.

== Landscapes and ecosystems ==
* '''Mountains and alpine barrens:''' Rounded summits and plateaus of the Mealy Mountains support tundra vegetation, patterned ground, and sweeping views to Lake Melville and the Atlantic.
* '''Boreal forest and wetlands:''' Black spruce, balsam fir, birch, and extensive peatlands host songbirds, waterfowl, and mammals.
* '''Rivers and lakes:''' Large, clear rivers and headwater lakes (including parts of the Eagle River system) shape deep valleys and provide habitat for wild salmon and trout.
* '''Coast and dunes:''' On the Atlantic side, long sand beaches and dune complexes back onto lagoons and coastal barrens.

'''Wildlife''' includes woodland caribou (regional herds), black bear, wolf, marten, fox, beaver, and raptors; marine mammals and seabirds are seen along the coast and in Lake Melville.

== Things to do ==
* '''Backcountry hiking and camping:''' Multi-day routes across plateaus and valleys; no formal frontcountry campgrounds—true wilderness travel.
* '''Paddling:''' Expert-level river trips and lake crossings; guided expeditions operate seasonally on select routes. Check water levels, portages, and regulations.
* '''Coastal travel:''' Boat-supported trips to dune/beach systems in suitable weather; tides, swell, and cold water require experience and local knowledge.
* '''Winter travel:''' Snowmobile access may be permitted on designated/approved routes; conditions and rules vary—confirm before travel.

== Access and season ==
There are '''no public roads''' into the park’s core. Most visitors stage from '''Happy Valley–Goose Bay''' or nearby communities and then:
* charter a floatplane into interior lakes/plateaus, or
* use boat access from Lake Melville or coastal communities when conditions allow.

The primary visitor season is short (roughly July–September). Expect cool, wet, and windy conditions at any time; spring melt and autumn storms affect travel windows.

== Safety and low-impact travel ==
* '''Remoteness:''' No cell coverage; carry satellite communications, maps, and emergency supplies. Self-reliance and navigation skills are essential.
* '''Wildlife:''' This is bear country; store food properly and give animals space. Be mindful of caribou and sensitive habitats.
* '''Rivers & cold water:''' Swift currents, cold temperatures, and variable levels demand experience and proper gear.
* '''Respect and permits:''' Backcountry registration/orientation may be required; follow cooperative management guidance, closures, and Indigenous protocols. Practice Leave No Trace.

== See also ==
* [[National parks of Canada]] • [[Torngat Mountains National Park]] • [[Gros Morne National Park]] • [[Terra Nova National Park]]
* [[Travel in Canada]] • [[Geography of Canada]] • [[Territories of Canada]]

== External links (official) ==
* Parks Canada — Akami–uapishkᵁ–KakKasuak–Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nl/mealy
* Parks Canada — Important bulletins (closures, safety, advisories): https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/imp
* Parks Canada — Learn about cooperative management: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nl/mealy/gestion-management