Akami-Uapishkᵘ-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve, National park reserve in Labrador, Canada
Akami-Uapishkᵘ-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve covers about 10,700 square kilometres of Labrador, from the Mealy Mountains to more than 50 kilometres of shoreline on the Labrador Sea and Lake Melville. Boreal forest and tundra meet there, crossed by waterways and rocky shores. It is the largest national park in eastern Canada.
The reserve was established in 2015 following extensive negotiations between the Canadian government and indigenous communities over land rights and traditional practices. This creation marked an important step in recognizing the claims and knowledge of these peoples.
The full name joins "Akami−Uapishkᵘ", Innu for "White Mountain across", with "KakKasuak", the Labrador Inuit word for mountain. The Innu, Inuit and NunatuKavut share management and planning duties with Parks Canada, and hunting, trapping, fishing and woodcutting for personal use continue.
Visitors must register with Parks Canada before entering, as the area has limited infrastructure and restricted emergency services. Plan your trip carefully and bring essentials, since help and supplies are hard to find on site.
Unlike most Canadian national parks, indigenous communities are allowed to continue hunting, fishing, trapping, and gathering wood for their own needs. This practice sets the reserve apart and reflects a different approach to land conservation.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,789 contributors worldwide.