Canada has no shortage of incredible places to see, but nestled deep within Quebec’s Ungava Peninsula, lies Pingualuit Crater Lake.

One of the clearest freshwater lakes in the world, Pingualuit or “The Crystal Eye of Nunavik,” is said to have been created by a meteor that struck the earth 1.4 million years ago.

267-metres-deep and nearly symmetrical from above, this big blue basin has become significant to both the local Inuit and most scientists who have studied the crater.

According to NASA, people outside the region were first made aware of it in 1943 when members of the United States Army Air Force noticed it from a plane.

Photo via Indigenous Tourism Quebec

In the 1950’s they were able to conduct a geologic expedition that led to the identification of 20 other impact structures – but that’s not all.

Since then, they’ve also been able to learn more about climate change during the last ice age.

As for what surrounds the site?

A beautiful park, ideal for everything from hiking and cross-country skiing to snowmobiling, kayaking, fishing and paraskiing.

If you’re up for an adventure and would like to visit Pingualuit Crater Lake yourself, please be respectful and explore with the help of a guide. 

Locals know best and you’ll want to get the most out of your experience!

Enjoy and happy sightseeing!

There are few places quite like it.

Cassandra Stefanic

Regional Editor, Prairies –Cassandra is a Calgary-based journalist with a deep appreciation for music, film, food, travelling, and storytelling. When she’s not chasing a story, writing, or editing, you’ll likely find her in the mountains, binge-watching a new series, at a speakeasy, cooking, or getting lost in a Taylor Swift re-record.

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