guided by age-old timetables and
traditions. Though snowmobiles, boats
and guns have largely replaced dogsleds,
kayaks and harpoons, many Inuit continue
to hunt and fish to support their extended
families. Going out "on the land," camping
throughout summer, collecting bird eggs
and picking berries are all traditions still
carried out. Women wear homemade
amauti jackets that keep their babies
tucked against their backs.
Drum dancing, throat singing, carving,
storytelling and sewing traditional clothes
are still practiced throughout Nunavut and
locals are happy to share the experiences.
OUT ON THE LAND
While the communities are cultural outposts,
most visitors also want to experience the
mystical Arctic wilderness with its dramatic
scenery and wealth of wildlife. Always choose
licenced and insured operators. Reservations
are required with many operators as most trips
are booked well in advance.
An increasingly popular way to explore
Canada's Arctic is via cruise ships that
hopscotch along the coast, stopping at
several communities where guests are
welcomed with performances, feasts and
handmade artwork and souvenirs. Often,
Inuit elders, artists and cultural experts will
travel on-board to enhance the experience.
EXTREME TERRITORY
Temperatures range from +30°C (86°F) in
summer to -50°C (-58°F) in winter when
much of the territory lies in almost 24-hour
darkness as skies shimmer with the
magical colours of the aurora borealis. So
most visitors come during the short
summers, when pleasantly cool days are lit
around the clock by the midnight sun and
the tundra comes to life with wildflowers
and wildlife and the waters teem with
whales, walrus and seals.
WHAT'S NEW?
Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conser-
vation Area, an area rich in biodiversity, was
established north of Baffin Island. At approx-
imately 108,000 square kilometres (41,699
sq. mi.), this breathtaking Arctic landscape,
where narwhals and thousands of seabirds
reside, is rich with majestic fjords and
glaciers (www.pc.gc.ca/en/amnc-nmca/
cnamnc-cnnmca/tallurutiup-imanga).
The Agguttinni Territorial Park is north of
Clyde River and will be the largest park in
Nunavut. It offers amazing flora and stunning
landscapes of mountains fjords, ice caps and
coastal sites. The area includes significant
Inuit cultural sites, important bird areas and
essential habitat for polar bears and caribou.
CITY LIGHTS
Nunavut's capital of Iqaluit can easily be
strolled on foot. Visit the igloo-shaped
Anglican church and the Nunatta Sunakku-
taangit Museum with its Inuit artefacts, as
well as carvings and prints for purchase in
the gift shop. The Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre
features wildlife and cultural exhibits, while
the Nunavut Legislative Assembly building
displays temporary art shows alongside their
permanent northern art collection including
the Legislative Mace carved from a narwhal
tusk. Check the Iqaluit Visitors Guide for
local events and places to stay, eat and shop
(www.iqaluit.ca/visitors).
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SINGERS, IQALUIT • ©DESTINATION CANADA/MARLIN OLYNYK
