Our story
Between tradition and evolution
Nestled in the heart of Nunavik's wild landscapes, the Rivière aux Feuilles Outfitter embodies a true story of passion, resilience, and profound respect for nature. Since its creation in 1992 by Alain Tardif, this unique place has gone through several significant stages, evolving from a caribou hunting camp to a modern center dedicated to sport fishing, wildlife viewing, and nature photography. Alain's vision, supported by his son Louis, has transformed this outfitter into a place where adventure is experienced authentically, while integrating an environmentally responsible approach.
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.
Discovering the territory
It was in 1992 that Alain Tardif, encouraged by the advice of a bush pilot, discovered the wild and majestic Rivière aux Feuilles area in Nunavik. Captivated by the beauty and abundance of the local flora and fauna, he decided to establish rustic camps there. These camps were intended to accommodate caribou hunters, a dominant activity in the region at the time. The isolation, tranquility, and diverse wildlife made it an ideal hunting location, and the outfitter gradually built a solid reputation among nature enthusiasts.
Modernization and diversification of activities
At the turn of the millennium, faced with growing demand for comfort and evolving customer expectations, Alain modernized the facilities. New infrastructure was installed, making the experience more enjoyable and in line with contemporary standards. Simultaneously, fishing was gradually integrated into the offerings, 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 diverse clientele, appreciating the balance between the discipline of hunting and the pleasure of fishing.
A decisive turning point: The closure of the caribou hunt
In 2017, a major event shook the hunting industry in the region: the complete closure of the caribou sport hunt. This decision forced a profound reassessment of the outfitter's future direction. After a period of reflection, Louis Shecanapish-Tardif, Alain's son and a member of his father's team since the outfitter's inception, decided to transform its offerings. He took over management and shifted the focus to sport fishing, primarily targeting Atlantic salmon and trout. This strategic shift marked a new era for the outfitter, one geared towards activities that were more respectful of local wildlife and fragile ecosystems.
Today, an immersive and eco-friendly experience
Since 2018, the outfitter has continued its evolution, aiming to become a premier destination for high-level anglers, particularly those passionate about Atlantic salmon. To meet the needs of this demanding clientele, the facilities are continually being improved, offering modern comforts without compromising the authenticity of the natural setting.
At the same time, wildlife photography has become an essential component of the experience offered. The outfitter distinguishes itself by offering not only fishing trips, but also photo-safari packages and nature interpretation activities, allowing visitors to capture unique images of caribou, local species, and the spectacular landscapes of Nunavik. This innovative approach combines a love of nature with ecological awareness and reinforces the outfitter's commitment to the conservation of the territory.
The short story of the bulldozer
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 transported by plane, on wheels, aboard a Twin Otter, to a lake where Alain had set up a hunting camp.
Once on site, they reassembled the machine and began to carry out work.
The following winter, Alain and his Inuit partner at the time took the bulldozer and drove it to the Leaf River camp, located about 100-120 km away. The journey was expected to take about a week, but they were quickly caught in a blizzard that trapped them for eight days. The situation became critical, but once the bad weather passed, they finally managed to reach their destination, although it was a real challenge.
This expedition led to the creation of airstrips to the Rivière aux Feuilles camp, a major advancement that facilitated the outfitter's expansion. This paved the way for more efficient operations, with the use of more suitable, reliable, and cost-effective aircraft to serve the camp and its activities.
