Nunavut, Canada

By | May 10, 2022

Overview

According to Topschoolsintheusa, the Nunavut wilderness covers one-fifth of Canada’s total area. Here you’ll find polar bears and whales and all the things associated with a visit to the Arctic: dog sledding, igloo visits and the wonderful Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) illuminating the impenetrable darkness. Nunavut was named Canada’s largest and youngest province in 1999. Previously it was part of the Northwest Territories. It was created after 20 years of government negotiations with the Inuit tribes who make up 80% of the population of this arctic region.Nunavut means “our country” in the Inuit language Inuktitut and while it is part of Canada,

Getting there

Arriving by plane

The settlements in the region can only be reached by plane. Seaplanes are the usual mode of transportation to the northern lake districts. Visitors to the western Kitikmeot region arrive via Calgary or Edmonton (Alberta) International Airports, and from there via Yellowknife to Cambridge Bay. Paddlers, anglers and others drawn to the central Kivalliq region fly direct from Winnipeg, Manitoba to Rankin Inlet. Those wishing to visit Baffin Island can fly directly to Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, from either Ottawa, Ontario or Montréal, Quebec, or via the east-west route connecting Yellowknife, Rankin Inlet and Iqaluit. airlines,

Flight times

Edmonton – Cambridge Bay: 6 hrs 35 mins; Winnipeg – Rankin Inlet: 2 hrs 30 mins; Ottawa – Iqaluit: 3 hrs 10 mins; Montreal – Iqaluit: 4 hrs 15 mins

Arrival by car

There are no roads into Nunavut. The longest road in the province is 21 km long and connects the settlements of Nanisivik and Arctic Bay.

Arrival by train

Nunavut has no rail connections to surrounding provinces.

Arrival by ship

Nunavut is accessible to visitors by water only on July-September cruises.

Cruise ships

A number of tour operators offer cruises in the Northwest Passage, Hudson Bay and the Arctic Islands each year. Among others, Polar Cruises, Hurtigruten and Silversea call at Nunavut on their cruises.

Passport and visa regulations

Entry with children

Since June 27, 2012, children need their own travel document (passport / children’s passport) for trips abroad (also within the EU). Entries of children in the parental passport are no longer possible.

Language

Overview

In addition to English and French, Inuktitut is also an official language in Nunavut. English is spoken throughout the region.

Public Holidays

Overview

As in the rest of Canada.

Contact addresses

Nunavut Tourism

Note
On July 9, 1993, the Canadian government and Inuit officials signed the Nunavut Convention in Kugluktuk (Coppermine), Northwest Territories. Since April 1, 1999, the entire Nunavut region has been under the administration of the Inuit. “Nunavut” means “our country” in the Inuktitut language.

PO Box 1450
Iqaluit, Nunavut Territory
Canada
+1 (800) 491.79.10, +1 (866) 686.28.88 (toll free in Canada/USA).
http://www.nunavuttourism.com
http://www.nunavuttourism.com Nunavut Tourism

c/o Denkzauber GmbH (In-Market Representation)

Neustadt 13
Krefeld
Germany
+49 (2151) 512 46 69.
http://www.nunavuttourism.com
http://www.nunavuttourism.com

Business

Business contacts

Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce PO Box 59, Iqaluit X0A 0H0 Tel: (867) 979 4653. Fax: (867) 979 29 29.Email: brcc@nunanet.comInternet: www.nunanet.com/~brcc Further information also by Nunavut Tourism (see addresses).

Attractions

Iqaluit

Dog sled tours with an Inuit guide and overnight stays in an igloo can be booked from Iqaluit. Pond Inlet or Arctic Bay are particularly popular excursion destinations, where arctic mammals can be observed at the pack ice border.

baffin

From the Auyuittuq National Park you can reach the island of Baffin,
where the rugged landscape can be admired at its finest.
For tours in the rough and sometimes very inhospitable country, it is
best to hire an outfitter (offers a hiking guide and the necessary equipment) or book a package tour.

Victoria

Visit Cambridge Bay on the island of Victoria to see musk oxen and tundra swans in their natural habitat or take an arctic cruise into the Northwest Passage. Sila Lodge hosts a polar bear summer sanctuary and beluga whales can be seen near Arctic Watch. Further information from Nunavut Tourism (see Addresses ).

Shopping

Overview

Shops can be found in all settlements in Nunavut, some specializing in handicrafts, furs, fishery products or Inuit handicrafts. The often higher price of the goods (50% surcharge compared to the rest of Canada) is due to the higher expenses due to the long distances. Opening times: Mon-Fri 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., regionally different.)

Culinary

Overview

Arctic char, scallops, shrimp, musk ox and caribou are local specialties. Local bannick (a mixture of flour and water) dates back to the days when miners’ rations needed to last for weeks and be easily transportable. Another unusual specialty is mutuk (whale blubber dipped in whale oil). Beverages: Alcohol sales are strictly controlled in Nunavut, with some settlements banning alcohol. Iqaluit’s hotels and restaurants are licensed for alcohol.

Accommodation

Hotels

In all settlements there are accommodation options, such as hotels, youth hostels or B&Bs (bed and breakfasts), which are open all year round. Many accommodations consist of dormitory rooms with shared bathrooms. However, in the larger settlements there are also comfortable hotels, often with conference facilities. In some areas there are so-called lodges, which are ideal starting points for off-road tours and hikes. Annually, Nunavut Tourism publishes a Vacation Planner detailing accommodation and other tourism information in Nunavut (see Addresses).

Camping

Camping and camping is very popular in summer. Ellesmere Island National Park, Auyuittuq National Park and Katannilik Territorial Park are extremely popular hiking destinations.

Climate

Best travel time

Due to the enormous size of the country, the weather varies depending on the area. Winters can be severe – the northernmost settlement of Grise Fiord has an average temperature of -35°C in January and 10°C in July. Summers are milder, but temperatures can drop very quickly.

Weather conditions can become very inhospitable in all parts of the region when strong winds pick up along with extremely low temperatures. Advice from locals regarding weather conditions should be taken seriously. However, the summer months are ideal for all kinds of leisure activities.
clothing : Winter weather requires polar-ready gear, and adventure touring requires specialized clothing. Regardless of the season, windproof and waterproof clothing, gloves, warm sweaters and shoes with soles are recommended. In summer, sunglasses and sunscreen with a high sun protection factor are essential. Due to regional mosquito plagues in July and August, a mosquito net and mosquito repellent should be carried.

Country data

Area (sq km)

2093190

Population

38,873

Population density (per square km)

0

Population statistics year

2019

Nunavut, Canada