Canada From Coast to Coast – Nunavut

Nunavut is the Canadian Arctic, and I think it’s fair to say that not many Canadians have never been, nor are they likely to go. Partially because there are no roads, I mean none that will take you there, you can only get there by air or sea, and secondly about 90% of us live along the Canada/US border, so we tend to head south or leave the country. Unfortunately, to get to up to Nunavut is not easy, there are limited numbers of flights with only 3 airlines to possibly get you there. That being said, it would be the adventure of a lifetime!

Alternatively, you could take a cruise, and see the region from the luxury of your cabin. There are a lot of expedition type cruises, with very small passenger lists that take you into the Northwest Passages, Arctic Ocean and Baffin Bay.

The territory consists of three regions: the Qikiqtani (Baffin) Region, the Kivalliq and Kitikmeot Regions. These regions are marked by stark differences in geography and more subtle differences in culture.

Now I know I’ve talked about the winter sun in the other territories, but this is as close to the Arctic Circle as it gets, so know this, depending on where you are, and the further North you are, the sun does not set in June, at all. I mean at all, you will have 24 hours of sunlight, which sounds great, but sleep is super challenging. And then as the season progresses you may have an hour or so of darkness. In the winter, it’s the exact opposite, December is 24 hours of night. So really make sure you plan your visit accordingly.

I think it’s safe to say that unlike any other part of Canada, this Territory is steeped in it’s cultural history. So I’ve taken this next paragraph from the Nunavut Tourism website, it just so clearly captures how they see themselves.

“Perhaps it’s an image of windswept tundra, or stoic-looking cliffs, alive with colonies of seabirds that has shaped this sense of wonder. Or a curiosity, for what it might mean to engage with the people living in communities across the arctic. All of it a story, not yet complete, about how it would feel to be in this powerful and surprising place.

Whether it’s hiking or trekking, kayaking or dogsledding, boat touring or snowmobiling, listening or chatting with the locals, a journey in the arctic will reward you in unexpected ways and probably change you forever. It is not so much what we see, but what we feel, standing on the edge of land-fast sea-ice, the Arctic Ocean before us, that changes our perspective on the world.” – Destination Nunavut

Kivalliq Region – the one place you’ll see millions of caribou and thousands of polar bears, the Kivalliq Region will provide you with an Arctic experience that is second to none. This is where you’ll find the great expanse of the Arctic tundra- rolling hills that stretch from horizon to horizon. You’ll also find Nunavut’s largest lakes and rivers, providing you with not only an amazing wildlife experience, but unparalleled paddling, hunting and fishing as well. If Trout fishing is your thing, then this is the place, Lake Trout as big as 70 lbs have been caught in these deep and clear waters. Grayling and pike are also to be found. Several tour operators provide either lodge based or camp-style fishing experiences. Our fish are delicious, especially freshly caught.

You will see the Kivalliq region through the eyes of Inuit. Hearing elders drum dance and sing ancient throat songs will allow you to experience the land in a unique way.

Kitikmeot Region – The Kitikmeot spans the northern mainland of Canada to the heart of the Northwest Passage and is a crossroads of the Arctic – combining ecosystems and cultures. This is the most Western region, and here you’ll find huge herds of caribou, followed by tundra wolves, muskox, grizzly bears and migratory birds. The waters north of the mainland are filled with marine mammals; giant bowhead whales mix with smaller beluga and narwhals in the fabled waters of the Northwest Passage.

Here is where the true story of Arctic exploration is found. For thousands of years Inuit were students of the land and have become masters of survival in this often harsh environment. Local people will tell you the story of Arctic exploration passed from generation to generation. The spectacular story of the ill-fated Franklin expedition on the HMS Terror and Erebus in 1845 ends here, in Terror Bay where the wrecks were located and the gravesites still exist on Beechy Island. 

One last thing about this incredible place again I’m quoting Destination Nunavut, because in all honesty until I started my research for this post, I had no idea, well not really.

“Nunavut is a Territory that is diverse in both geography and culture. In a land as great as Nunavut, this diversity is inevitable and will give you a wide range of unforgettable experiences with the land and the people. From the incredible fiords and mountains of the Qikiqtani Region, to the rolling tundra and big rivers and lakes of the Kivalliq and Kitikmeot region, there is a wealth of possibilities in Nunavut. You will find there is a strong tradition of welcoming in each of the regions, and the Inuit of each region will delight in sharing their traditions with you.

And so, while I’m still talking about Canada, I feel like we’ve been to a different planet, the arctic. I hope you’re discovering how distinct our Territories are; and that to go to Nunavut is a once in a lifetime trip

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Thanks – Maria

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