Discovering the Torngat Mountains: Canada’s Untouched Wilderness

"When I first learned about the Torngat Mountains, I was captivated," writes Anne Lindert-Wentzell. "I thought of other great natural wonders—the Grand Canyon, Mount Everest—and realized that, here in Canada, we have a place just as awe-inspiring, yet so few people know about it."

In 2008, Torngat Mountains National Park was officially established, thanks to the Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement. "It’s not just any park," Anne reflects. "It’s the first national park in Labrador and remains one of the last truly untouched wildernesses on Earth. Even more impressive, it’s co-managed by the Canadian government and the Nunatsiavut government, which means it’s protected not only as a natural marvel but also as a cultural heritage site."

Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada’s youngest province, joined Confederation only in 1949. “This region, though newer to the country, has a history as rich and rugged as its terrain,” Anne explains. “I’ve always felt that Newfoundland and Labrador carry a sense of wild beauty that sets them apart.”

A Closer Look at Atlantic Canada’s Largest National Park

Covering 9,700 square kilometers, the Torngat Mountains form the largest national park in Atlantic Canada. "It’s remote, wild, and breathtakingly beautiful," Anne shares. "These mountains are the tallest east of the Rockies, rising between Northern Quebec and the Labrador Sea in jagged peaks that seem to echo centuries of history."

Anne explains that ‘Torngat’ means ‘place of spirits’ in Inuktitut. "There’s a profound sense of reverence here," she says. "For over 7,000 years, the Inuit have regarded these mountains as sacred, believing them to be home to powerful spirits. The co-management of the park respects and preserves this heritage, intertwining Indigenous knowledge and stewardship into every aspect of the park's care."

The Torngat Mountains provide a sanctuary for polar bears, caribou, and a variety of marine animals, but Anne feels that it’s the spiritual and cultural heritage that makes it truly special. "It’s not just a park; it’s a place where the relationship between people and land is palpable. For me, the Torngats stand as a reminder of why protecting places like this is so important. They’re our legacy, and they connect us to a past that must be respected and preserved for future generations."

Article link: https://shorturl.at/ITRxl

Author: Anne Lindert-Wentzell

Have you visited or dreamt of exploring the Torngat Mountains? Let us know in the comments below—we’d love to hear your stories and thoughts!

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