Nunavut is a massive region in Northern Canada and comprises most of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The remoteness, vastness, and variety of environment mean that Nunavut is rife with unique opportunities to see, do, and experience a near-endless list of attractions. This article is a short introduction to what the region has to offer.
- Not only is Nunavut the least populated province and territory in Canada, but it is also one of the remotest and least settled parts of the world
How To Get To Nunavut
Nunavut is the only part of Canada that is not connected to the rest of the continent by road or highway. It's not an easy place to reach, so travelers will have to get there via plane or boat. The area is almost the size of Mexico and is largely comprised of islands separated by freezing water. Traveling within Nunavut is therefore accomplished by dog sleds, boats, and charter planes.
There are around 40 airports in Nunavut. Travelers planning on flying there will probably land in Iqaluit, the capital city, which is also the largest and most popular point of entry.
- A flight from Toronto to Iqaluit will cost anywhere between $400 and $1000, depending on the time of the year
- The total direct flight time is around 3 hours and 30 minutes
When To Visit Nunavut
Nunavut is best enjoyed in the summer. Being an Arctic region, the summers are short and cool. The climate is arctic (obviously) and the terrain is characterized by perennial frost and endless tundra, so visitors will require winter wear regardless of the time of the year.
Tourists are not recommended to visit during the winter due to the extremely low temperatures. Almost none of the usual activities take place as the locals hunker down to survive the cold.
Between the months of October and April, the northern lights illuminate the night skies. Motivated visitors with the right equipment and skills can make the trip, given that weather conditions allow it.
It's important to note that during the summers, many of the northern islands experience 24 hours of sunlight, while in the winter, the same islands are plunged into perpetual darkness. For a while in between, twilight reigns, so be prepared for unusual circadian conditions.
- The town of Alert, in Nunavut, is the world's northernmost permanently inhabited area
What To Do In Nunavut
Wildlife
Arctic animals are one of the most unique and prominent features of Nunavut.
Cambridge Bay is home to fascinating arctic oxen like the Musk Ox. In the early summers, watch the steam rise from their backs as they migrate north toward newly thawed land to graze. Floating in the lakes and straits are elegant tundra swans, enjoying the fleeting warmth after a long migration.
- Most of the islands of Nunavut are uninhabited and many are unexplored
At Floe Edge, where the coast is clearly demarcated by ice and sea, whales, polar bears, and walrus get close to the shore to feed on shrimp and fish. Spring and summer are energetic times, as animals and humans alike make use of the long daylight hours to hunt and eat enough to last them the entire year, most of which is spent hibernating and laying low.
Dog Sledding
Another unique activity is dog sledding. It's a practical way to get around and see the landscape, as a lot of the area is unpaved. Alternatively, Nunavut is a great place to go snowmobiling. Book an Inuit guide at any of the major towns and set out into the wilderness on foot, sled, or snowmobile to see how settlers have traveled in the arctic for thousands of years.
- The first settlers of Nunavut, the Dorsets, are estimated to have arrived there over 4,500 years ago
Wildlife safaris are almost exclusively conducted as hikes, on boats, or dog sleds and snowmobiles.
Inuit Culture And Art
There are about 30,000 people inhabiting Nunavut. By far, the majority of settlers are Inuit. Having lived there for thousands of years, the Inuit have a rich culture and are generally happy to share their traditions and way of life with respectful visitors.
- Inuit settlements are concentrated along the coasts of the southern islands
Music is a big part of indigenous culture and includes throat singing and drum-led dancing. Since European settlement, the locals have syncretized various styles of music and dancing. Visitors can attend concerts featuring one-of-a-kind versions of country and bluegrass music, which incorporate a blend of indigenous and European instruments like the button accordion and fiddle.
Nunavut even has its own homegrown circus collective of international renown. Artcirq is a group of Inuit circus performers based in Igloolik. The group has performed around the world and was even featured in the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. They regularly put on shows around Nunavut, especially during summer festivals in the capital.
- Refer to the official Nunavut tourism website for information regarding tourist activities
Shopping
Shopping, a universal activity, is special in Nunavut. The Inuit are skilled artisans, hunters, and chefs. At one of the many markets in almost every community in Nunavut, visitors can shop for one-of-a-kind goods such as furs, pelts, handicrafts, and art.
- Nunavut holds the title as the world's largest high-Arctic land area
Inuit art is world-renowned, and locals are famously decent. They will seldom charge more than what they believe an item is worth, so prices are almost always fair. Inuits strongly believe in maintaining peace and avoiding unpleasant confrontations, so they might be compelled to sell their goods below cost if tourists give them a hard time by haggling. It's indecent to put them in these situations, so, as a tourist, avoid bargaining and return their grace by paying what they charge.
This has been a short introduction to the unique activities available in Nunavut. It's not particularly expensive to get there, and more than worth the time and effort to make the trip. Make the most of this stunning pocket of the world by being open-minded, well prepared, and respectful.