Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/970065
territory, hear stories from Elders and taste specialties such as Arctic char, moose meat, and other Northern delicacies. By night- time, settle down to sleep in an igloo that's lit by fl ickering candlelight. Warm clothing, sleeping bags and all gear are provided. Your adventure will start in Inuvik on a snowmobile tour with local experienced guides along the world-famous Aklavik ice road. Then, on the newly constructed Mackenzie Valley highway to Tuktoyatuk, set out to follow the reindeer, a herd that's some 3,000 strong, as they travel to new grazing territory. To hear the thunder of hooves and clicking of antlers as they are on the move is unforgettable! Visitors who would rather ride than drive can travel on snowmobiles with passenger seats. The next morning, explore further along the world's most remote highway all the way to the Arctic Ocean where you will marvel at the strange geographical land formations of the Canadian Pingo Landmark. Finally, back in Inuvik, discover attractions such as the Igloo Church before saying "Thank You" for a truly extraordinary and memorable experience! HAVING FUN WITH HISTORY In August, why not join the festivities of Québec City's TD New France Festival (Les Fêtes de la Nouvelle-France)? From August 1 to 5, visitors can join costumed "citizens" to re-enact life as it was in the 17 th and 18 th centuries (www.nouvellefrance.qc.ca). With an entertaining parade and hundreds of activities, it's North America's largest historical festival. Dress up as a fi ne lady, a rustic peasant or even a nobleman with lace and ruffl es. Walk the cobblestoned streets, dance to fi ddles and drums, wear a crown of fl owers or a tri-cornered hat, or try trading with a merchant. With the purchase of a $15 Médallion, enjoy some 100 activities including live evening performances; kids under 12 are free. As always, the bustling heart of the festival is the Public Market—or Marché des Saveurs—in Québec's Old City. Taste farm fresh eggs or caribou with jelly, crèpes with maple syrup or ripe strawberries. Or, concoct an entire meal at the Festival Gourmet Market where kiosks display delicious local products from microbrews to barbecue. It is festive, historical and gastronomical! After the Festival, time travel even further back to the town of Wendake, 15 minutes north, to sleep peacefully in the First Nations-operated Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations ( www.hotelpremieres nations.ca ). With its excellent museum, bucolic riverside setting, First Nations- inspired dishes and its Nation Santé-Spa, this special hotel continues the time- honoured traditions of the Huron-Wendat Peoples sharing their Mother Earth. CRUISING THE EASTERN COASTS This July, set sail on one of two unforgetta- ble "Canada's East Coast Fins & Fiddles" cruises through Canada's spectacular Maritime region. Throughout the 10-night/11-day voyage, the One Ocean Navigator Akademik loff e—a spacious well-equipped expedition vessel—will be your welcoming home away from home. For not only is this ship able to navigate the charming small coves and colourful fi shing ports along the coasts but, throughout the voyage, passengers will be able to join friendly, knowledgeable guides and enjoy many activities along the way. Tap your toes to fi ddle music at an East Coast kitchen party. Ask a birding expert to identify birds soaring overhead, or listen to a geologist explaining the Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park. Highlights for many are the islands such as Sable Island, Canada's newest National Park Reserve. Explore with a camera in hand to marvel at the famous wild horses or the world's largest breeding colony of some 50,000 grey seals. And no matter what age, from kids to grandparents, activities can be tailored both on and off the vessel. Zoom by Zodiac to see Atlantic puffi ns, or attend a session on cooking and preparing mussels. Set off LES FÊTES DE LA NOUVELLE-FRANCE/NEW FRANCE FESTIVAL, QUÉBEC CITY • ARMSTRONG PHOTO 21 21