Torngat Mountains National Park

This remote and rugged park in northern Labrador is a land of polar bears, caribou, and Arctic char, with stunning fjords and mountains. It offers a truly...

Torngat Mountains National Park at a Glance

Location
Atlantic Canada & Eastern Arctic, Canada, North America
Coordinates
59.380802, -63.891098
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Torngat Mountains National Park

Nearest airport: Saglek Airport (CYSV), 123 km away.

Weather & Climate in Torngat Mountains National Park

The warmest temperatures in Torngat Mountains National Park occur in August, averaging 9.8°C (up to 13.1°C). The coolest conditions are in February at -22.8°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 32.0mm. Average humidity: 63.8%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: -19.9°C (rainfall: 53.4mm)
  • February: -22.8°C (rainfall: 32.0mm)
  • March: -15.5°C (rainfall: 68.4mm)
  • April: -6.6°C (rainfall: 92.9mm)
  • May: -2.1°C (rainfall: 116.7mm)
  • June: 4.1°C (rainfall: 69.0mm)
  • July: 9.6°C (rainfall: 75.6mm)
  • August: 9.8°C (rainfall: 90.8mm)
  • September: 5.1°C (rainfall: 105.1mm)
  • October: 0.0°C (rainfall: 102.6mm)
  • November: -8.1°C (rainfall: 62.4mm)
  • December: -11.5°C (rainfall: 99.6mm)

Best Time to Visit Torngat Mountains National Park

The best months to visit Torngat Mountains National Park are February, June, July, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature -19.92°C, rainfall 53.4mm, sunshine 3.7 hrs, humidity 66.3%
  • February: Good, temperature -22.78°C, rainfall 32mm, sunshine 6 hrs, humidity 63.8%
  • March: Poor, temperature -15.47°C, rainfall 68.4mm, sunshine 7.5 hrs, humidity 72.2%
  • April: Poor, temperature -6.57°C, rainfall 92.9mm, sunshine 6.9 hrs, humidity 82.1%
  • May: Poor, temperature -2.08°C, rainfall 116.7mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 84.6%
  • June: Good, temperature 4.08°C, rainfall 69mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 82%
  • July: Good, temperature 9.63°C, rainfall 75.6mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 84.6%
  • August: Good, temperature 9.8°C, rainfall 90.8mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 82.8%
  • September: Poor, temperature 5.1°C, rainfall 105.1mm, sunshine 5.7 hrs, humidity 85.5%
  • October: Poor, temperature 0°C, rainfall 102.6mm, sunshine 4.1 hrs, humidity 83.1%
  • November: Poor, temperature -8.12°C, rainfall 62.4mm, sunshine 3.3 hrs, humidity 77.3%
  • December: Poor, temperature -11.54°C, rainfall 99.6mm, sunshine 1.9 hrs, humidity 75.4%

Wildlife in Torngat Mountains National Park

Home to 4 recorded species including 3 predators, 1 birds of prey.

Recommended Packing List for Torngat Mountains National Park

Based on average temperature of -4.8°C, typical conditions, humidity 78%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around -5°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Torngat Mountains National Park

5 safari lodges available.

ultra-luxury

Other

Similar Parks in Atlantic Canada & Eastern Arctic

Visitor Tips - Torngat Mountains National Park

We love the profound sense of isolation and the raw, untamed beauty of the Torngats, where ancient mountains meet the Arctic sea. It's an unparalleled journey into a landscape shaped by ice and time, offering a deep connection to both nature and Inuit heritage that feels truly transformative.

Gate Times

We find that access to Torngat Mountains National Park is unlike traditional parks; there are no physical gates. Instead, entry is by chartered flight or expedition vessel, typically from July to September, when ice conditions permit. Permits are mandatory for all visitors, and we strongly recommend booking your entire expedition, including flights and guides, at least a year in advance due to limited availability and the logistical complexities of this remote wilderness.

Tipping

Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for the dedicated expedition staff who make your journey possible in this challenging environment. We recommend budgeting 10-15% of your tour cost for your lead guide, or a daily amount of CAD 20-30 per person for guides and CAD 10-15 for support staff like cooks or boat operators. Present tips discreetly at the end of your trip.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Canada

Travel advisory for Canada

Torngat Mountains National Park FAQs

How do I access Torngat Mountains National Park, given its extreme remoteness?

Access to Torngat Mountains National Park is primarily by chartered aircraft from communities like Kuujjuaq (Nunavik) or Nain (Nunatsiavut), or via expedition cruise ships. There are no roads, and independent travel requires significant planning, including mandatory registration and safety briefings with Parks Canada.

What is the typical cost for a multi-day expedition to Torngat Mountains National Park?

Due to the specialized logistics, including charter flights, expert guided services, and remote camp infrastructure, a multi-day trip to Torngat Mountains National Park typically ranges from CAD $10,000 to $20,000 per person. This cost often encompasses transportation, accommodation, meals, and experienced guides for safety and interpretation.

What are the primary safety considerations when exploring the Torngat Mountains, especially regarding wildlife and the environment?

Safety in the Torngats is paramount due to the significant presence of polar bears, unpredictable Arctic weather, and challenging, isolated terrain. Visitors must travel with experienced, armed guides equipped with satellite communication and bear deterrents, and be prepared for rapid weather changes and cold conditions even during summer months.

When is the best time to visit Torngat Mountains National Park for hiking and wildlife viewing, and what activities are available?

The optimal time to visit Torngat Mountains National Park is typically late July through August, when the snow has largely melted, allowing for hiking, sea kayaking in the fjords, and better opportunities to spot wildlife. Activities include guided treks through glacial valleys, boat tours exploring the coastline, and opportunities for cultural immersion with Inuit elders.

Beyond polar bears and caribou, what unique wildlife or cultural encounters can I expect in Torngat Mountains National Park?

In addition to the iconic polar bears and caribou, visitors might spot seals, various Arctic birds like gyrfalcons and snowy owls, and even whales in the coastal waters. The park also offers profound cultural experiences through interactions with Inuit land users, learning about their ancestral connection to this land and traditional way of life.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.