Park Pick
SIRMILIK NATIONAL PARK
Between the communities of Pond
Inlet and Arctic Bay on northern Baffi n
Island, Sirmilik National Park's 22,200
sq. km (8,572 sq. mi.) are comprised of
three parts: Borden Peninsula is a
plateau sliced by broad river valleys;
Oliver Sound is a scenic ord for boat-
ing, wilderness hiking and camping;
and Bylot Island is a spectacular and
rugged island of mountains, valleys,
glaciers and seabird colonies. Kayak
iceberg-dotted waters, trek to red rock
hoodoo spires, spot migratory snow
geese at their biggest nesting area and
visit ancient archaeological Thule sites.
Bylot abuts the proposed Tallurutiup
Imanga National Marine Conservation
area called the "Serengeti of the Arctic"
for its abundance of seals, narwhal,
beluga and bowhead whales, as well
as walrus and polar bears (
www.
parkscanada.gc.ca/sirmilik).
National Parks and Historic Sites:
www.parkscanada.gc.ca
1-888-773-8888
Experienced backpackers can traverse the
97-km (60-mi.) Akshayuk Pass through
Auyuittuq National Park, a 10 to 14-day
hike amid glaciers, sheer cliff s and river
crossings. Be sure to travel with one of the
licenced, insured and Park-approved
outfi tters in Pangnirtung and Qikiqtarjuaq.
The less adventurous can glimpse the pass'
spectacular mountain terrain on a day's
boat ride up the ord from Pangnirtung to
hike to the Arctic Circle (
www.parkscanada.
gc.ca/auyuittuq).
FAMILY FUN
Head to Iqaluit from Ottawa on a family-
friendly long weekend in August. Flights,
hotel and a town tour are included (www.
arctickingdom.com/trip/arctic-getaway).
Take the kids to play with Canadian
purebred Inuit dog puppies at Inukpak
Outfi tting's kennel, head out for a dogsled-
ding excursion, build an igloo with your
family then sleep in it, or ride a snow-
mobile and try ice fi shing (
www.inukpak
outfi tting.ca).
THROAT SINGING, IQALUIT • DESTINATION CANADA
Rent your next vehicle with us & enjoy the scenery! Rent your next vehicle with us & enjoy the scenery! Rent your next vehicle with us & enjoy the scenery!
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