Weekly Schedule
Here is a schedule that should be considered as subject to change depending on the weather. The reality in Ungava is such that humans must be in harmony with nature and live with it. Its survival depends on it. The height and time of the tides, the length of the day and the jolts of the temperature are uncontrollable, so our schedule must remain flexible. The activity on day 1, for example, may very well take the place of the activity on day 5 and vice versa. The stay will be all the more pleasant and profitable.
Day 1
It is the discovery of the region, the awakening to Ungava. We have to take this day as an adaptation day. To do this, we will travel along the tundra along the shore of Ungava Bay in search of wildlife and landscapes. The animals at this time are in the middle of their breeding season. Mammals are at their burrows and birds are at their nests. We’ll have to find them. These sites will be well-mapped so that they can be found later in the week. There will be many opportunities for good shots throughout the hike and the subjects will be very varied. This day will familiarize you with this exotic region and its oversized perspectives.
Recommended equipment: protection of cameras against the weather (this applies to all exits, I will not repeat it), wide angle lenses and small telephoto lenses (e.g. 14-24 and 70-200mm), good backpack and shoes. Close-up binoculars
Day 2
Departure by boat for the whole day. We will accost on an island full of birds of several species. We’ll be there for about 12 hours. All this time will be devoted to taking pictures of the birds but also of the plants, landscapes and various artifacts that can be found. It is also possible to meet marine mammals such as seals or if we are lucky, a polar bear (your safety is guaranteed)! This day, mainly dedicated to birds, will allow you to improve your flying skills and take behavioural photos. Birds are in the nesting phase at this time of year and they behave in a defensive manner. We will remain discreet in the tidal zone to avoid disturbance by focusing on birds from the interior or those on the sea side as opportunities arise. Catamaran loons in parade and Arctic terns in feeding are likely to be the most popular subjects. There is also a good chance of seeing the peregrine falcon hunting around these islands.
Recommended equipment: wide angle and telephoto lens + tripod. Warm boots and waterproof clothing. Polarizing filter
Day 3
Day at sea. Icebergs or ice floes will be our primary objective. The pleasure of standing there contemplating these large blocks of coloured ice is worth the trip. The sound of ice and terns fills the memory with incredible sounds. The most impressive sight is probably the underwater view of the ice pack or icebergs. The emerald green colour impresses at first sight but the ratio of emerged part and submerged part impresses more. The clarity of the water and its colour show the entire underwater part of these blocks. A polarizing filter is a must on this occasion! It is even sometimes possible to luncheon well anchored to a drifting ice floe with a bottle of cool white wine placed directly on the ice floe. Bearded or harp seals could be part of the wildlife landscape. Much of the day will be spent along the ice floe to try to locate the fauna of this ice edge. You can meet polar bears and seals but also an impressive diversity of birds. Humpback whales and belugas could be in the area.
Recommended equipment: Warm boots, warm and waterproof clothing, large telephoto and focal lengths from 14mm to 130mm, polarizing filter.
Day 4
The tundra calls us for another day of animal photography. Previously spotted burrows of wolves, foxes or hares will be visited and others may be found. Willow ptarmigan at this time of year is in the nest. Difficult to spot, they will try to attract us away from the nest when we approach it. With the greatest respect for their reproductive cycle, we will record the position of the nests and return later with strong telephoto lenses to respect their privacy. A careful observation of our environment could lead us to see a polar bear, a black bear or an Arctic wolf. Other possible opportunities include patted buzzards, bear or caribou bones or even whales when travelling along the bay. Without neglecting the part of unpredictable.
Day 5
Day trip to the Markol River Valley. A magical river, if there is one. Home to the impressively red giant Arctic char, this valley is home to an exceptionally abundant and rich fauna. Formed by a luxuriant vegetation for the region, the valley concentrates the life of the surroundings. Birds, mammals and fish will be the topics of this day. This is the kind of valley that would require several weeks of exploration to be satisfied. Photographers will have to be opportunistic because the possibilities are many but unpredictable. Physically demanding, this day could be your favorite of the week.
Recommended equipment: Good walking boots, light telephoto lenses and wide angles. Waterproof and lightweight clothing.
Day 6
Return to sea for a visit to another island. If the first one was not satisfactory or if you stayed on your appetite, it should satisfy you. 10 to 12 hours of fun draining your batteries! All the opportunities of the first island are there but the scenery is different. You can perfect your flying technique and you will probably go into second gear for the originality of your images. On the way back and forth, the guide will look for marine wildlife; seals, whales, birds and polar bears. It is a day of research with a stopover for birds.
Recommended equipment: Warm boots, warm and waterproof clothing, large telephoto and focal lengths from 14mm to 130mm, polarizing filter.
Day 7
Day dedicated to the work of computer photos. Most of the time, we will take advantage of a heavy rainy day to do so. Sorting, cropping, contrast and exposure will be the main topics. The images of the week will also be criticized in a constructive way. It will be time to discuss the different techniques used during the week or to try to solve the different problems encountered.
If it turns out that the sun shines every day, it is possible to use this day to revisit the most interesting sites of the week or to explore an area not yet visited.
Recommended equipment: Laptop computer