When you’re charting your next adventure across Canada, neglecting Nunavut, the country’s largest territory, would be a considerable oversight. Accounting for one-fifth of Canada’s total area, this vast territory stretches across nearly two million square kilometers. Here, Arctic exploration isn’t just an option—it’s an absolute necessity. This activity offers an incredible opportunity to truly appreciate the expansive beauty of Canada’s northernmost region.
Many recognize Nunavut as home to some of the coldest cities in Canada during winter. However, it might surprise you to know that this territory can be surprisingly warm in the spring and summer months. Nunavut isn’t just about extreme temperatures; it also offers a plethora of sights and activities to engage in and enjoy. Whether you’re passionate about hiking or enthralled by wildlife watching, this northern paradise caters to every visitor’s interest.
Map of Nunavut
Nunavut, the largest Canadian territory, is a vast and remote Arctic frontier. The map of Nunavut highlights its extensive coastline, the Arctic Archipelago, and key communities like its capital, Iqaluit. The distinctive topography, featuring tundras and glaciers, encapsulates the rugged beauty of this Arctic region.
History of Nunavut
Once a part of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut was a significant center for Canada’s Inuit population. The community was determined to foster their unique Inuit culture and traditions, while also establishing self-governance. Today, Nunavut stands as a beacon of Inuit culture and traditions, offering a rich tapestry of experiences.
Visitors to Nunavut have the chance to dive deep into Inuit culture and traditions. From traditional foods and crafts to historical customs, Nunavut offers an in-depth exploration into the lives of the Inuit people.
The discourse around Nunavut’s separation became prominent in the 20th century, gaining legislative approval only in the 1990s. By 1999, Nunavut was officially recognized as its own territory. Now, it stands as a vibrant hub for Arctic exploration and a passionate guardian of the Inuit culture and traditions.
Arctic Exploration Activities in Nunavut During the Spring and Summer
Due to the relatively low number of annual tourists, much of the natural beauty in this province remains undisturbed, and that’s what makes this province special among other places in Canada.
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
The Northern Lights, a mesmerizing spectacle, dazzle in Nunavut’s night sky particularly from October to April. During these months, extended darkness with minimal sunlight offers an unobstructed view of this ethereal display. Should your visit coincide with spring, the Northern Lights will provide an unforgettable highlight.
Visibility can be capricious, but a clear, cloudless night usually presents the best conditions. For an optimum vantage point, consider Iqaluit, a remarkable location to witness the Northern Lights’ dance across the Arctic sky. A trip to Nunavut isn’t complete without experiencing this radiant natural wonder.
Hiking
Experienced hikers who are seeking a new challenge will appreciate the off-the-beaten-path options. With a plethora of waterfalls, sub-arctic creeks, mountain views, and kilometers of undisturbed snow, hikers have their pick of where they want to go and what they want to see on their journey.
The Apex Trail is a great starting point, as it is only about five kilometers long, including the distance back. This trail is easily accessible from Iqaluit, making it a good place to shop for supplies beforehand for your hike. Other travelers have found that this hike is very family-friendly, provided that young children stay close by. This entire trail is ocean-side, providing you with panoramic views every step of the way.
If you are interested in archeology or history, the Fossil Creek Trail (near Coral Harbour) might be a good hiking path for you to follow on your journey. Here lies a large collection of marine fossils that are relics of life from 450 million years ago. This area is believed to have been completely submerged by water in the past, and the fossils only became visible after years of water and ice erosion.
The fossils that you may see include different types of nautiloids, snails, corals, crinoids, and algae. Disturbing these fossils is strictly prohibited, but being able to catch a glimpse of how life was millions of years ago is worth the visit in itself on your adventure!
Visit National Parks
Visitors often report that the national parks provide some of the best opportunities for Arctic exploration. Popular national parks in the province include:
Auyuittuq National Park: This national park is located on Baffin Island, which is the largest island in Canada. This park is home to towering mountains, glaciers, and ice fields. During your trip, you will learn about the rich Inuit history and customs as you travel through the park. You can choose to hire a guide or undertake the adventure on your own.
Quttinirpaaq National Park: Requires you to travel to what is known in Inuktitut as the “land at the top of the world”. Found on the northern tip of Ellesmere Island, this is the northernmost national park in Canada. A popular activity at this location is undertaking a ski tour to cross the park, providing an exciting adventure for those looking for a unique experience. Spring is the best time of year for this due to the warming temperatures yet maintaining the constant availability of snow.
Sirmilik National Park: Another option to visit if you are near Baffin Island, Sirmilik National Park is a popular destination for wildlife viewing. It also offers the rare chance to travel by sea kayak around glaciers, but this activity is only recommended for very experienced people.
Camping
Numerous trails in the area are extensive and often too challenging to traverse in a single day. Consequently, many adventurers opt to gather supplies and establish camp for one or multiple nights. A number of specialized campgrounds are available for these explorers. Some are conveniently located near populated communities, while others provide a more secluded experience. If a camping adventure is on your agenda, consider employing a professional guide. They can help you identify the prime camping locations, taking into consideration resource availability, such as fishing spots, shelters, and optimal viewpoints.
If you are camping in the summer, you can expect temperatures to rise to about 11 degrees Celsius at the highest. This means that you need to pack very warm, especially for nighttime. Staying warm is essential, so come equipped with thermal outdoor wear and an Arctic sleeping bag. To have a peaceful night, you should try to stay as dry as possible, so a waterproof tent is a given.
Once you are fully prepared, there is nothing more thrilling than spending the night under a clear sky, unsullied by the pollution of modern industrial technology. Camping in the Arctic tundra is a great opportunity to reconnect with nature or refocus your mind on the priorities in your life.
Viewing Wildlife
Travelling to Nunavut will provide you with the rare experience of viewing arctic wildlife in their natural environment. Nunavut is home to a diverse range of animals, and there are several wildlife tours available during the summer months. Having the chance to see the white, or beluga, whale is one of the main attractions. A safe way of viewing beluga whales while leaving them undisturbed in their habitat is by booking a boat tour. Professional boat tour operators use propeller-free engines to avoid harming any whales in their path.
Another amazing experience during Arctic exploration is the chance to see polar bears in the wild. Nunavut is home to the largest population of polar bears in the world, and there are several tours available that allow visitors to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. The tours are typically conducted on foot, boat, or vehicle, depending on the location and conditions.
Where to Stay in Nunavut
If you are not interested in camping in the arctic tundra, there are other accommodations to choose from. However, keep in mind that there is a limited number of communities in the province, so there will be fewer options as compared to other travel destinations.
Hotels
For comfortable accommodations in Nunavut, consider staying at the Frobisher Inn or Aqsarniit Hotel and Conference Centre in Iqaluit, or the Illu B&B in Rankin Inlet. These accommodations offer modern amenities and a comfortable stay while exploring Nunavut’s remote wilderness and unique culture.
Bed and Breakfasts
Bed and breakfasts are available in some of the smaller communities in Nunavut. They offer a more intimate and personalized experience and are a great way to get to know the local culture. Hosts of these establishments are often thrilled to see visitors and will offer plenty of tips about note-worthy locations to check out.
Arctic Lodges
There are a few lodges in Nunavut that provide a unique Arctic experience. These lodges offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, dog sledding, and cultural experiences. These are often large buildings with separate rooms so that you can become acquainted with fellow visitors but still retain your privacy.
One such example is the Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge. This lodge is located on Somerset Island, and it was the first accommodation to be built in that area. The lodge offers visitors the modern comforts of home, and the staff can help you plan an unforgettable arctic trip.
Does Nunavut Pay You to Live There?
Unlike places such as Banff, Alberta, Nunavut does not claim the title of being a popular tourist destination, and so many people find themselves wondering more about it. With a population of under 40,000, it stands to reason that the government is looking for more settlers. However, you do not get directly paid for moving there. Instead, some programs and incentives are designed to attract more people to the province and to support living and working there. This includes the Northern Residents Deduction, which provides tax relief for those living in Nunavut and other designated northern regions.
The Best Way to Travel to Nunavut
Being so remote makes it difficult for travelers to make their way to Nunavut. It may surprise you to learn that there are no direct roads connecting the province with the rest of the country. This means that your entry options are more limited. The best ways to enter the province include:
- Air: The primary way to travel to Nunavut is by flying. Several airlines operate regular flights to Nunavut’s main airport in Iqaluit, including Canadian North, First Air, and Calm Air. Flights to Nunavut usually depart from larger cities such as Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton, and Winnipeg.
- Sea: Nunavut is accessible by sea during the summer months. Cruise ships, cargo ships, and ferries travel to Nunavut’s communities along the Arctic coast, including Cambridge Bay and Pond Inlet. However, it’s important to note that sea travel in the Arctic can be unpredictable and weather dependent. If you’re planning to travel to Nunavut, consider the potential for travel disruptions due to weather and plan accordingly.
How Much Should I Budget for the Trip?
On average, solo travellers tend to spend approximately $1,500 CDN on a seven-day trip to Nunavut, while couples will be closer to $2,000 CDN. There are strategies to optimize your budget and maximize the value of your expenditure.
- The peak visitor season is the summer months, so June to August tend to be the most expensive. If you are planning for a spring trip, aiming for April or May will lower your average costs for flights and accommodations.
- Shop around for different deals, rather than just booking the first one you see. A different website or travel agency may be offering a better package, or you might find discount codes.
- Staying in shared accommodations might be better for the budget. This depends on the situation, as a campground may require you to purchase additional equipment to ensure a comfortable stay. However, staying at an arctic lodge with other travellers can be a method of cutting costs.
- Since this province is so remote, food and other personal supplies can be expensive. To counteract this, bring as much of your own food with you as you can. You may also benefit from grocery shopping and cooking your own meals during your stay, rather than dining out every day.
- Nunavut has many free outdoor activities, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the local communities. Take advantage of these activities to experience the unique culture and natural beauty of Nunavut without spending a lot of money.
With these guidelines at your disposal, you can relish your journey without overspending. Timely planning and scouting for unbeatable deals are essential!
The Verdict
Nunavut, a bastion of untouched natural beauty, harbors some of Canada’s most exquisite secrets. While it may not be a common item on most bucket lists, the territory boasts an impressive array of activities, accommodations, and cultural attractions, worthy of every traveler’s attention.
For many, including myself, the allure of Nunavut lies in its remoteness. It offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and immerse oneself in the raw beauty of nature, a real-life experience rather than a virtual one.
As a unique and distant destination, Nunavut delivers an unparalleled travel adventure. It’s a territory where you can marvel at breathtaking landscapes, deepen your understanding of Inuit culture, and observe Arctic wildlife in their natural environment. If the opportunity arises, add Nunavut to your itinerary for an unforgettable journey into Arctic exploration.
