Nunavik >> Glacier country >> Parc national des Pingualuit
Parc national des Pingualuit
Open year round
Millenial Crater
The Nunavik region conceals many natural beauties, hence the importance of preserving it, as much the rivers as any natural element. Over the past years, steps have been taken in the hope to create national parks that would make these natural attractions available to everyone, but that would preserve the fauna and flora of this Nordic region.
One of these parks has been created near Pingualuit, a 1.4-million-year-old crater, formed after the fall of a meteorite. Created in 2003 by the Quebec government, this park should officially be inaugurated in winter 2008.
Between 1950 and 1968, this crater was known under the name Chubb Crater, and from 1968 to 1999, it was called cratère du Nouveau-Québec (New Quebec Crater). Finally, in 1999, it officially took its original name back, which had been given by the Inuit and means “where earth rises”. This crater, which is 3.4 kilometres in diameter and 400 metres deep, is home to a 267-metre deep lake bearing pure and clear water renowned all over the world. Since no source feeds the lake (only rain and snow), the life expectancy of each drop of water in this lake is 330 years.
The village of Kangiqsujuaq, which is 88 kilometres from the crater, is the ideal starting point for all the excursions to this park. In addition to having Pingualuit as its main interest centre, this park conceals numerous lakes and tundra surrounding the crater.
Parc national des Pingualuit
Kangiqsujuaq, Québec
Canada
Phone : 1-819-338-3342
Fax : 1-819-338-3237
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