Wiinipaakw Tours Solidarity CooperativeFishing outfitter

Wiinipaakw Tours is a Cree solidarity cooperative offering eco-cruises and northern adventures in James Bay, at the heart of Eeyou Istchee Baie-James, north of the 51st parallel. Aboard the Silver Dolphin and guided by Cree captains, you explore an immense territory (the James Bay Cree Lands cover 350,000 km², a fifth of Quebec) dotted with coastal islands, where you can spot belugas, caribou, polar bears, around a hundred migratory bird species and, in season, the northern lights. Departures run from Waskaganish (a coastal village at the mouth of the Rupert River) June 6 to July 18, then from Wemindji (at

The Wiinipaakw Tours Solidarity Cooperative is a non-profit organization created by and for the Cree communities of Eeyou Istchee. Designed with a focus on sustainable and community-based tourism development, the cooperative aims to showcase Indigenous culture while stimulating the local economy through job creation and the sharing of benefits within the coastal villages of James Bay, such as Waskaganish, Eastmain, and Wemindji. The history of this region is built upon a continuous Cree presence for nearly 5,000 years. As a nomadic people traditionally focused on hunting, fishing, and gathering, the Cree have left ancient physical traces across the territory. Archaeological

James Bay, Rupert and Broadback rivers, mouth of the Maquatua River.

The Eeyou Istchee Baie-James territory, located north of the 51st parallel, sits at the junction of the boreal forest and the northern taiga. This marine and coastal environment brings together the waters of James Bay, the deltas of major rivers such as the Rupert, Broadback, and Maquatua, and numerous coastal islands, including Charlton Island, Trodely Island, and the Twin Islands. Marine and terrestrial wildlife is particularly diverse. Visitors may encounter mammals such as beluga whales, seals, forest caribou, and beavers. The offshore islands host iconic northern species: Trodely Island is home to the southernmost polar bear population in the world,

Wiinipaakw Tours offers ecotourism and cultural experiences led by certified Cree captains and guides, trained specifically in wilderness first aid (SIRIUSMEDx). Departures are available from the communities of Waskaganish, Eastmain, and Wemindji. Boat eco-cruises are offered as half-day (2 to 3 hours) or full-day (6 to 8 hours) excursions. Departing from Waskaganish, the tours explore coastal islands and bird sanctuaries, including interpretive shore walks and picnics. From Wemindji, vessels cross the Maquatua River delta toward the Paint Hills islands, the historic site of Old Factory (Vieux Comptoir), and, weather permitting, the Twin Islands. Custom trips, chartered cruises, corporate outings, and