Nunavut travel guide

With miles of uninhabitable land, freezing cold temperatures and snow-capped mountains, the pristine and exquisite Canadian province of Nunavut is something of an untapped tourist destination decidedly off the beaten track.

Nunavut sits in the Arctic Circle, priding itself on its distinctive natural beauty and ideal location from which to view the Aurora Borealis. It offers visitors a breath of the cleanest, coldest air and a taste of adventure.

It has strong historical ties to the Norse, with the Vikings thought to have been regular visitors to this part of the world. Official languages here, besides English and French, include Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun, which are spoken by the native Inuit people.

In Nunavut, outdoor activities abound and wildlife such as polar bears, walruses and beluga whales are regularly sighted. Couple that with a few icebergs drifting by and you've got a winning recipe for outstanding wildlife photography opportunities.

The rugged cliffs and tundra also provide perfect conditions for thousands of nesting birds, such as snowy owls, sandhill cranes, gyrfalcons, jaegers, loons and plovers, making Nunavut a glorious birdwatching destination. Nunavut is also the land of the Midnight Sun, where visitors can experience 24-hour daylight during the summer months.

Baffin Island is a popular attraction, especially in winter, when the Aurora Borealis is best viewed. But it also offers outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing, sea kayaking, Arctic fishing and whale watching, as well as exciting trails in the stunning Sirmilik National Park.

Taking a holiday in Nunavut is not something many people get to do in their lifetime. But for those who do, the memories of breathtaking scenery and unusual wildlife, and images of hospitable people surviving in an inhospitable climate will last forever.