With miles of uninhabitable land, freezing cold
temperatures, and snow-capped mountains, the pristine and exquisite
Canadian province of Nunavut is somewhat of an untapped tourist
destination which lies way off the beaten track.
Nunavut is located in the Arctic Circle, priding
itself on its distinctive natural beauty, great outdoors, and ideal
position from which to view the Aurora Borealis. It offers visitors
a breath of the cleanest, coldest air and a taste of adventure.
Nunavut has strong historical ties to the Norse, and
the Vikings are 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 also for its
outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing, sea kayaking,
Arctic fishing, whale watching, and the 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.