As July 9th rolls around, it’s time to celebrate Nunavut Day! The holiday celebrates the official establishment of Canada’s youngest territory, after the passing of the Nunavut Act, which distinguished Nunavut from the Northwest Territories in 1993. It’s the perfect day to celebrate everything that makes Nunavut’s land, culture, and history unique.
Top 6 Unique Experiences You Can Only Have in Nunavut
1. Be Mesmerized by ArtCirq
High-flying acrobats, talented throat singers, and magnetic actors fill the stage – this is ArtCirq! Born out of great loss and tragedy, the Inuit performing arts collective is a powerful vehicle for creativity and wellness among Nunavut’s youth and a platform for raising awareness about the environmental issues affecting Arctic communities. While ArtCirq’s brilliant troupe tours their expressive productions throughout Canada and the world, Igloolik, Nunavut is home.
2. Try Kite Skiing
Take cross-country skiing, add a dash of parasailing, now turn it up to “full-tilt”. The exhilarating sport makes good use of crisp, windy days (which are not in short supply across Canada’s arctic). You can watch the Iqaluit Paraski Club careen across the snow or better yet, hire a licensed outfitter to show you the ropes in beautiful Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park or Katannilik Park.
3. Experience Life on The Edge
Every spring, life returns to sinaaq (Inuktitut for ‘Floe edge’). Polar bears, walruses, narwhals, beluga whales, seals, and birds upon birds upon birds gather at the edge of the frozen sea. For any wildlife enthusiast, this scene is a dream. Hiring a local guide is a must for a safe and enjoyable adventure – luckily, Nunavut has so many licensed outfitters and tour groups to choose from.
4. Float Above the Arctic
Nunavut knows the true meaning of ‘spectacular’. For an unimaginable, unforgettable, unparalleled travel experience, book a Baffin Safari with our Travel Experts. Your exclusive journey by qamutiik (snowmobile or dog pulled sled) and hot air balloon will give you the best perspective of Auyuittuq National Park and its gorgeous surroundings on Baffin Island.
5. Sample Country Food
Caribou, arctic char, seal, mussels, snow goose, musk ox, Baffin berries – Nunavut’s cuisine is all about eating truly local. Of course, you can have your fill of inventive (and more vegetarian friendly) menus in Iqaluit, but adventurous foodies shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to dig into fresh-caught country food, too.
6. Take Part in Toonik Tyme Festival
The Toonik Tyme Festival in Iqaluit has been gathering people from far and wide to celebrate Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (traditional knowledge) since 1965. After a long winter, the April festival is the perfect time for traditional games, live music, dancing, art exhibits, and great food. With celebrations hosted in Inuktitut, English, and French, Toonik Tyme Festival gladly welcomes visitors who wish to join in for the first time (so it’s best to book your hotel room before they’re all sold out!).
Keep “home” at the top of your travel wish list! For tips on how to scratch your travel itch as Canada and the world re-opens, ask an Expert or stay tuned for more inspiration.
