Nestled in the heart of Nunavik's wilderness, Rivière aux Feuilles outfitter embodies a true story of passion, resilience and deep respect for nature. Since its creation in 1992 by Alain Tardif, this unique place has gone through many milestones, evolving from a caribou hunting camp to a modern center dedicated to sport fishing, wildlife observation and nature photography. Alain's vision, supported by his son Louis, has transformed this outfitter into a place where adventure is lived authentically, while integrating a respectful approach to the environment.
Aujourd’hui, sous la direction de Louis Shecanapish-Tardif, la pourvoirie continue de se réinventer pour offrir une expérience immersive à ses visiteurs, en leur permettant de découvrir la richesse du Nunavik à travers des activités telles que la pêche au saumon, les expéditions photo et l’interprétation des écosystèmes locaux. Cette évolution s’inscrit dans un désir constant d’allier préservation de la nature, exploration responsable et émerveillement devant la faune et la flore exceptionnelles de la région.
It was in 1992 that Alain Tardif, prompted by the advice of a bush pilot, discovered the majestic wilderness of Nunavik's Rivière aux Feuilles. Seduced by the beauty and richness of the local flora and fauna, he decided to set up rustic camps there. These camps were intended to accommodate caribou hunters, a dominant activity in the region at the time. The isolation, tranquility and diversity of wildlife made it an ideal place for hunting, and the outfitter gradually built up a solid reputation among nature enthusiasts.
At the turn of the millennium, faced with growing demand for comfort and changing customer expectations, Alain modernized the facilities. New infrastructures were put in place, making the experience more pleasant and adapted to the standards of the time. At the same time, fishing was gradually integrated into the offering, adding a new dimension to the outfitter while remaining true to the spirit of the place. Packages combining caribou hunting and fishing began to attract a varied clientele, appreciating the balance between the rigors of hunting and the pleasures of fishing.
In 2017, a major event shook up the region's hunting industry: the complete closure of caribou sport hunting. This decision forced a profound rethinking of the outfitter's future direction. After a period of reflection, Louis Shecanapish-TardifAlain's son, who has been at his father's side since the outfitter's beginnings, decided to transform the offering. He took over the management of the premises and oriented the activity towards sport fishing, concentrating mainly on Atlantic salmon and trout. This strategic shift marks a new era for the outfitter, oriented towards activities that are more respectful of local wildlife and fragile ecosystems.
As of 2018, the outfitter continues its evolution, aiming to become a center of choice for top-level anglers, especially those passionate about Atlantic salmon. To cater to this discerning clientele, facilities are continually being upgraded, offering modern comforts without altering the authenticity of the natural setting.
At the same time, wildlife photography becomes an essential component of the outfitting experience. In this way, the outfitter sets itself apart by offering not only fishing stays, but also photo-safari packages and nature interpretation activities, allowing visitors to capture unique images of caribou, local species and Nunavik's spectacular landscapes. This innovative approach combines a love of nature with an ecological conscience, and reinforces the outfitter's commitment to conservation.
Around 1994, Alain bought a small bulldozer in Quebec City. He dismantled it piece by piece and shipped it in a shipping container to Kuujjuaq. From there, the bulldozer was flown on wheels in a Twin Otter to a lake where Alain had set up a hunting camp. Once there, they reassembled the machine and began work.
The following winter, Alain and his then Inuit partner took the bulldozer and drove it to the Leaf River camp, some 100-120 km away. The trip was supposed to last about a week, but they were soon overtaken by a blizzard that stranded them for eight days. The situation became critical, but once the bad weather had passed, they finally managed to reach their destination, although it was a real challenge.
This expedition led to the creation of aircraft runways to the Leaf River camp, a major advance that facilitated the outfitter's expansion. This paved the way for more efficient operations, using more suitable, reliable and cost-effective aircraft to service the camp and its activities.
