Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Although it is one of the most isolated places in the world, Nunavut has a lot to offer a traveler. Nunavut, meaning Our Land in the Inuktitut language, was first founded over 5,000 years ago. The native Iniut people traveled from Asia, across the Bering Strait and into the Arctic regions of eastern Canada. In April 1999, the Nunavut region became the largest Canadian territory.
Because of the harsh climate, there are only twenty-eight sparsely populated communities located throughout Nunavut. However, the region offers a number of places for a person to visit.
Iqaluit. Nunavuts capital is also the territorys only established city. A person to traveling to Iqaluit can enjoy the natural beauty of the city by visiting the parks and museum located in the vicinity.
Iqaluits Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum is the best place for a person to start his or her journey. The museum has many artifacts and a description of the history of the region. The sculptures on display are of particular interest. Many were created by the Iniut people of Nunavut.
Qaummaarviit Historic Park is located just off the coast of Iqaluit. This small island is the site of an ancient settlement dating prior to 1200. A visitor to Qaummaarviit also has the opportunity to view whales, seals and caribou in their natural habitat.
A trip to Iqaluit is not complete without visiting St. Judes Cathedral. The igloo shaped church is decorated with a variety of homemade crafts, animal skins and wall hangings that showcase the life of the Inuit people. A qamutik sled serves as the cathedrals pulpit.
Grise Fiord. This is the Nunavuts northernmost community. The small town is surrounded by a number of mountains and glaciers. Between the months of May and August, Grise Fiord experiences continuous daylight. What does Grise Fiord have to offer a traveler?
Located west of Grise Fiord, a person can visit South Cape Fiord. The sea in this area is frozen for over ten months of the year. A visitor will be able to view a number of the icebergs that develop in this region.
Nirjutiqavvik is one of the more popular places to visit in Grise Fiord. This national wildlife area is home to many animals found in the region. A person will be able to view a variety of seabirds, musk oxen and caribou.
Resolute Bay. The small community of Resolute Bay was established in the 1950s. Situated in northern Nunavut, Resolute Bay is only miles away from the border of Greenland and the North Pole. The community is home to the largest Arctic lake in the world, Lake Hazen. A visitor to Lake Hazen will be awed by the vegetation, particularly the famed Arctic flowers.
A person can also visit the Polar Bear Pass while in Resolute Bay. This area is especially pleasing to nature enthusiasts. A variety of the regions wildlife, including polar bears, can be found here.
Arviat. This small community is a favorite destination for travelers wishing to take a fishing trip in Nunavut. The local residents of Arviat survive by using the natural resources available in the area. Besides fishing, hunting and sewing are popular trades in the region. The most notable landmark in Arviat is the Whales Tail Monument. Constructed in 1967, the monument also offers visitors extraordinary views of Arviat and the surrounding areas.
Kugluktuk. Kugluktuk is one of Nunavuts most popular communities. Located between two rivers, the town is home to the Kuklok Territorial Park and Nattie Frolics.
The Kuklok Territorial Park is the site of the 1771 uprising between the Dene Indians and the Inuit people. After the occurrence, the waterfall in the vicinity was renamed the Bloody Falls to commemorate the deadly battle. Kuklok Territorial Park is almost nine kilometers in size and visitors can view the areas natural beauty and wildlife.
Nattie Frolics is the annual celebration held in Kugluktuk. People from other communities descend upon Kugluktuk to take part in a variety of fun filled games, contests and feasts.
Although Nunavut is not an easily accessible region, it still offers a traveler a chance to experience the way of life of the Inuit people. A person vacationing in Nunavut will be inspired by the territorys beauty and habitat.
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