The Whapmagoostui Rapids

Legend has it that when animals and birds to one another, the falcon spoke to the rapids and proclaimed that it could sing as loud and continuously roar like the rapids of the river. It thought it could sing all day and night, out sing the rapids. It boasted its existence and sang its heart out but in the end, it grew weak and finally fell into the rapids.  To this day, one can still see the falcon crest in the middle river where the bird flew in.

Manitounauk Sound

The people of this land proclaim the first mountain on the Sound is a sacred one and is the natural monument. It is a trademark to this territory. Legend has it that the mountain is a house full of water beings which will exist until the end of time.
They say that if one points directly to the mountain, a storm will come as the spirits will be disturbed.

There are many hunting camps along the Manitounauk Sound. These camps are occupied during the spring and fall hunting seasons when the mighty Snow and Canada geese flew to their respective feeding grounds. The Sound is a bird sanctuary in the summer where many prey nurse their young and prepare for another season.

Inukshuk

The Inukshuk is a trademark of the Inuit of the North. It is an indicator that the people roamed the particular landscape. It stands at the mouth of the Great Whale River where the bay meets the river. It is a popular site to visit. It is about seven tall and made of flat rocks which can be found in the area.

The Cultural Camp

The Cultural Camp is situated on the northeastern part of the village. Its WFN managers Robbie Dick Sr. and Elizabeth Dick Sr. are founders of the camp. There are various lodges in the area and the site is used for cultural teachings. This past year, the elders of the community taught sewing and snowshoe making to the youth of Whapmagoostui. The camp is open all year round. It was widely used when the Hydro Quebec station accidentally burned down until electrical power could be restored in the village. For more information, please contact the Cultural Director at 819-929-3484.

St. Edmund’s Anglican Church Museum

One of the must see attractions is the old Church museum of the 1800’s, St. Edmund’s Anglican Parish. The church houses particular historical data of the area, where one may find a traditional sealskin kayak, tools and other fascinating information of the land.  The church was transported from the Little Whale River community in the 1800’s and it still stands today. It was used until the 1960’s when another church was re-erected overlooking the river and bay. In 2001, a modern church was constructed and is situated in the middle of the community.  For more information contact the Reverend Tom Martin at 819-929-3583.

Austin Airways Plane Crash Site

One year in the 70’s, an Austin Airways plane took off the runaway and crashed across the river right into the trees and shrubs, likely, no one was terribly injured. The site still exists and it is a place to visit when one takes its family sliding in the wintertime. It is accessible by snowmobile in the winter and by canoe and foot in the summer.

Skidoo Trails

There are many skidoo trails in the area. If one wants to travel and experience nature and the surrounding pristine environment, there will be no disappointment. Please be sure to pack an emergency backpack in case one’s skidoo runs into mechanical troubles.

All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) Trails

There are various All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) trails within the boundaries of Whapmagoostui/Kuujjuarapik. These trails lead to the different camps of people in the area. One can find solitude and beauty along the trails and discover the natural environment of Whapmagoostui/Kuujjuarapik.

Kuujjuarapik Mini-Golf Course

Situated at the end of the Kuujjuarapik municipal is the 9 whole mini-golf course. It is open during the summer season. Located adjacently to the FCNQ Petro Gas tank farm, the golf course is about ten years old.  

Kuujjuarapik Triple Gymnasium

The Kuujjuarapik Triple Gymnasium is the home to many tournaments to the communities of Whapmagoostui and Kuujjuarapik. It is situated on the municipal side of the two communities; in there one will find a weight room and sauna. It is adjacent to the swimming pool which was recently constructed in 2005. For court reservations please contact the Andre Morin at 819-929-3401. 

Kuujjuarapik Swimming Pool

This facility is a newly constructed site in the fall of 2005. For more information contact the Andre Morin at 819-929-3401.

Kuujjuarapik Social Club Community Center

The social club opened in the era of the military occupancy in Great Whale River. It is a host to many club parties for elders, children and special occasion. On an annual basis, the lobster bash is the event to be at, during the Ste. Jean des Baptist celebrations. Lobster is flown in from the Maritimes and it is an event not to miss if you are a seafood lover. For more information, please contact the Social Club at 819-929-3514.

Kuujjuarapik Social Club Library

This is a community library which houses a reading center and where one will find some historical photographs of the two communities. For more information, please contact the Social Club organization at 819-929-3514.

Auberge Resto-Pub

The resto-pub is located on the municipal side of the community. Management is run by the Kuujjuarapik Landholding company, it has a pool table where one can play and enjoy an after work delight of relaxation. For more information, please contact the Pub at 819-929-3374.

Whapmagoostui Samson Dick Arena

The hockey arena is named after the late Samson who passed away in July 2005. He was a Cree youth and a phenomenal hockey player, loved by many. The arena seats about 500 people. It is the home of the Whapmagoostui Tomahawks, the local hockey team. For more information, please contact Recreation Director or Arena Manager at 819-929-3694 or at 819-929-3858.