Destination:
Nunavut

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 that lies way off the beaten track. Priding itself on its distinctive natural beauty, great outdoors and ideal position to view the Aurora Borealis, Nunavut is located in the Arctic circle and offers visitors a breath of the cleanest (and coldest) air, a taste of adventure, the opportunity to come face-to-face with a real Inuit, and an experience of a lifetime. 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 - a bird-watching paradise. Baffin Island is a popular attraction, especially in winter when the Aurora Borealis is best viewed from here, 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.

Nunavut is also the land of the Midnight Sun, where visitors can experience 24-hour sunshine during the summer months. 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, unusual wildlife and images of hospitable people surviving in an inhospitable climate will last forever.