Country Gees

Iqaluit is the capital of the Territory of Nunavut. The city is located on the southeast coast of Baffin Island in Frobisher Bay. The island itself is located in the eastern part of the Territory of Nunavut, it is the largest island in Canada (its area is 507.5 thousand square kilometers). Iqaluit has an airport, because the city was built in 1942 as a US Air Force base. Traveling from Iqaluitaround the island: visit coastal areas abounding with fjords inhabited by whales, walruses and seals, visit the island’s protected areas, which offer hiking, skiing, snowmobile or dog sledding trips, visit cultural centers where the life and culture of the Innuit are represented, as well as explore archaeological sites with the remains of settlements of ancient cultures. The Sylvia Grinnell River flows 1 km from Iqaluit. On its banks are archaeological sites from the Thule culture, which flourished from 900 to 1700 AD. This is a great picnic spot with picturesque waterfalls and fishing opportunities.

According to CITYPOPULATIONREVIEW, southwest of Iqaluit on the west coast of the Meta Incognita Peninsula is the city of Kimmirut.. From Kimmirut to Iqaluit, an old 120 km long hiking trail runs through the peninsula. In March, snowmobile races take place on it. The trail lies within the Katannilik nature reserve, whose information center is located in Kimmirut. Translated from the Eskimo name of the reserve means “land of waterfalls”. The most beautiful waterfalls of the reserve are located on the river Soper. To the north of Kimmirut, on the coast, the city of Cape Dorset is interesting. The city is known for its sculptors, painters and craftsmen. Their work can be found in many museums in Canada, the United States and even Europe. In the vicinity of Cape Dorset is the Maliquac Historical Park.

Cultural village is located 112 km southeast of the capital of Nunavut Territory. Illaulitiukwhere you can get acquainted with the culture and way of life of the local population. To the north on the Cumberland Peninsula, surrounded by fjords, is the city of Pannirtuuk. It houses the Ukkurmiut Cultural Center, which displays Innuit art. Pannirtuuk is the starting point for a trip to Auyuittuuk National Park. The park was founded in 1976, 28 km north of Pannirtuuk. Its area is 19089 sq. km. The park contains some of the highest points in Nunavut, ice fields, the largest of which – Penny – covers an area of ​​6000 square meters. km., coastal fjords rising up to 900 m, the ancient Innuit route – Akshayuk – and archaeological sites with the remains of stone dwellings from the Thule culture. The Arctic Circle passes through the park. Only 12 species of mammals live here. The most common are lemmings, stoats, red and arctic foxes. From the end of summer until the beginning of November, polar bears can be seen in coastal areas. About 30 species of birds are recorded in the park from June to August, including the ptarmigan, snowy owl, eider, peregrine falcon, gyrfalcon, snow bunting, plantain, mountain horse, Canada goose and burgomaster.

North of Pannirtuuk, off the coast, in the Davis Strait, is Broughton Island, which is known for its wildlife diversity. Large mammals such as polar bears, walruses and seals live here. From the island depart excursions to the Davis Strait, where you can watch whales. Icebergs can be seen off the northern cape of Broughton Island, drifting south from Greenland through the Davis Strait.

Further north along the coast of Baffin Island is the settlement of Clyde River. It is known among rock climbers and ice climbers. On the northern coast of the island is the settlement of Pond Inlet, from where excursions to Sirmilik National Park depart. In the period from mid-June to the end of July and from mid-October to early November, the park is closed to the public. The park is divided into three parts: Bylot Island, Oliver Sound Fjord and Borden Peninsula. Bylot Island is occupied by mountains, glaciers and ice fields. Numerous bird colonies settle along its coasts, ornithological tours are arranged here. Oliver Sound is a long narrow fjord. On its shores, you can swim in a sea kayak or canoe, but such trips are suitable only for trained tourists. The Borden Peninsula is ideal for glacier skiing or hiking. Winter sports in Sirmilik Park are best practiced in spring from late April to early June, and hiking in summer from late July to early September.

From Baffin Island you can go to travel to Ellesmere Island, which is called “the end of the world.” This is the tenth largest island in the world, its northeastern shores are only 25 km from Greenland. The island has the highest point of the Territory of Nunavut – Mount Barbo (2616 m). Much of Ellesmere Island is covered in ice fields. Kuttinirpaak National Park is located in the north of the island.. This is the second largest national park in the country. Extensive glaciers stretch here, and off the coast there are fjords and ice shelves. The park is home to musk oxen, polar bears, Pirie caribou deer, arctic wolves, stoats and lemmings. Walruses, beluga whales and narwhals live in the coastal waters of the park. Nearly 30 bird species have been recorded off the coast, including Long-tailed Skua, Tern, Goose, Snowy Owl, Loons and Ducks. The park offers hiking, skiing, dog sledding and snowmobiling, recreation at the largest lake beyond the Arctic Circle – Lake Khazen, icebreaker cruises, as well as expeditions to the North Pole, which start in March and April from a nearby island Ward Hunt.