The Heart of Labrador: Akami-Uapishkᵁ-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve
Located in the eastern Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Akami-Uapishkᵁ-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve is a true wonder of the natural world. Kept as a secret treasure by the Innu, Inuit, and Métis people, the park is now a national gem with its pristine forests, cascades of clear water, and mountains sculpted by time. Its name is a tribute to its Indigenous heritage, with “Akami-Uapishkᵁ” referring to “the other side of the mountain” in Innu-aimin, and “KakKasuak” meaning “mountain” in Inuktitut.
The park, spanning a staggering area of 10,700 square kilometers, safeguards diverse wildlife and unbroken landscapes that are formative to everyone who experiences them. It serves as a new model of park development as it functions on a premise of shared governance, ensuring the preservation of the cultures and traditions of the locals who have looked after these lands for millenniums. Indeed, it’s not just the vast landscapes you are visiting, but a rich tapestry of cultural stories and traditional knowledge woven through time.
Diving Deeper Into Nature’s Artistry
Linking Lake Melville
Melville Origins & Evolution Melville, a small city of rich historical roots, sprouted in the heart of Saskatchewan, Canada. Named after Charles Melville Hays, the railroad tycoon, this town was born with the settlement of Canadian Northern Railway in the early 20th century. Over time, it has evolved, retaining its yesteryear charm while adapting to modern amenities. The crisp and..., Southern Labrador, and the Labrador Sea, the park reserve’s natural beauty is breathtaking. Its emblematic features include the pristine Mealy Mountains, reaching 1100 meters high with slopes covered in a mosaic of conifers, and the biggest caribou herd in the world traversing its valley. The park also flaunts the Wunderstrands, a third of a sixty-kilometer coastline, known in myth and reality for its ribbons of golden
Golden Origins & Evolution Golden, nestled in the Columbia River Valley, traces its roots back to the 1880s when European settlers arrived, anticipating prosperity from the Transcontinental Railroad project. The town soon thrived on lumber, agriculture, and mining, mercifully evading the ghost town fate of many contemporary boomtowns. Moreover, the arrival of Swiss guides in the early 20th century initiated... and white sand.
There’s also the chance to explore the park by waterways, be it the vast Lake Melville or the English and Kenamu Rivers. As the water’s surface mirror the blue skies overhead, one cannot help but admire the mirrored reflection of the apocalypse of stars at night. The harmony in elements composes it’s winter panorama magnificently, the Aurora
Aurora Origins & Evolution The town of Aurora, nestled within the province of Ontario, was founded in 1795 and has evolved tremendously ever since. Its original settlers, namely Joseph Baldwin and his family, set the foundation for a town rich in history and culture. Over time, Aurora has grown from a small farming community into a thriving town with a... borealis dancing with the Milky Way, and the snow-covered hills twinkling under the moonlight.
Unique Experiences
Akami-Uapishkᵁ-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve is a place where outdoor enthusiasts and adventure lovers will feel right at home. The options for exploring are endless, with opportunities for hiking, camping, sea kayaking, and winter sports like snowshoeing and backcountry skiing.
Another standout feature is the opportunity for wildlife viewing. From the diverse birdlife, including raptors, waterfowl, and seabirds, to land mammals like black bears, foxes, and the iconic woodland caribou, the park is a sanctuary for a plethora of species. Whether on land, in the water, or in the sky, this beautiful park offers countless chances for close encounters with some of Canada’s wildest inhabitants.
As you immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Akami-Uapishkᵁ-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve, learn of the Indigenous narratives intertwined with the land, and engage with its peaceful serenity, you’ll understand how this magnificent landscape transcends mere geography. This isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a place to connect, reflect and evolve. A place that leaves you with the profound realization: we are forever a part of every place we have loved and who can help but fall in love with such natural grandeur.
