Nunavut is immense. Seeing all of it in one visit is not practical for most travellers. It took thousands of years for the indigenous peoples of Nunavut to explore its vast expanses and there are still many corners of this beautiful territory that have never been visited by human beings at all. You could be the first person to ever set foot in some of these places. Activities Imagine yourself in Nunavut. Picture the activities and arctic adventures that would most please you.
This travel planner outlines the exciting range of experiences available and describes the Nunavut communities that specialize in providing those things. Choose from the listings of companies, tour operators and outfitters to get more detailed information about the specific activities that interest you. Check their websites and contact them.
Ask questions and demand references. If you prefer to use a travel agency, show them the sections of this planner that you would like to learn more about. Celebrations During the springtime in Nunavut, pods of whales gather and herds of walrus bask in the sunshine along the floe edge, muskox calves and caribou fawns will take their first tentative baby steps onto the tundra. The land is reborn – unspoiled and eternal – so entire communities head out with their snowmobiles, ATVs, dogsleds and camping equipment to celebrate the new season with traditional Inuit games, dogsledding competitions,
snowmobile races and community feasts. In Gjoa Haven, this spring celebration is known as the Qavvarrvik Carnival. In Iqaluit, it is called the Toonik Tyme Festival. In Rankin Inlet they stage the popular Pakallak Tyme Festival, while in Taloyoak on Boothia Peninsula, it’s time for the Taloyoak Spring Games. Visitors are always warmly invited to participate and share in these happy festivities! Visitor Information Nunavut Tourism is very happy to help you plan your trip. Call our toll-free number (1-866-686-2888 in North America and 1-800-491-7910 from the rest of the world) and an information counsellor will be pleased to assist you. Detailed visitor information about Nunavut is also available on these websites: www.nunavuttourism.com and
www.nunavutparks.com. In addition, most communities of Nunavut have websites to check, with Visitor Centres to contact regarding their local attractions, arts, tours, expeditions, cultural activities and full range of accommodations. Contact Canada Contact the Canadian High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate General in your home country for information about passport and visa requirements needed for entering Canada. For information about what you can bring into Canada, contact the Canada Border Services Agency. Their website (www.cbsa.gc.ca) answers most questions that people have about what can be brought into the country and provides phone numbers to reach an agent for more specific information. Access Restrictions in Nunavut There is a significant amount of private Inuit-owned land in Nunavut.
However, boundaries are rarely marked. Access restrictions apply to travel inside the Nunavut Settlement Area, while fishing is also restricted in certain places. Visitors are responsible for learning the restrictions that apply to the specific areas they wish to enter. Licensed operators know the rules and, when contracted, are responsible for obtaining all the proper permits.
If you are going wilderness camping without a guide, you should contact the Inuit Land Administration Office for permit requirements in that area, at one of these numbers: Qikiqtaaluk Region (867) 979-5391 Kivalliq Region (867) 645-2810 Kitikmeot Region (867) 982-3310 Toll-free: 1-800-220-6581 Wilderness Expeditions If you are planning a wilderness expedition on your own, then register your plan with the RCMP detachment located nearest to your departure point – and check in with them when you return. This will make your trip much safer.
If your expedition plans to enter a National Park, then you are required to register beforehand with Parks Canada, pay a fee and take part in an orientation program. While out on the land, please respect all camps, cabins and fuel caches that you may come across. Do not camp, or disturb anything, in archeological sites.
The Visitor Centre in the nearest community will advise you of the best places to make camp and gear, top and bottom, is desirable. For hiking on rocky trails, or across the tundra, good quality footwear with ankle support is best. Some summer days can be warm in the land of the midnight sun, so be prepared with layers of clothing.
The average temperature in Iqaluit, the capital city of Nunavut, ranges from -33°C (-27°F) in January to 11°C (52°F) in July. Export Permits Export permits are required for the removal of any animal part from Nunavut, including frozen wild meats purchased from a store. For more information, contact the Nunavut Department of Environment at (867) 975- 5900. Ask for the pamphlet entitled ‘Are You Exporting Wildlife from Nunavut?’ which explains the correct procedures for exporting land animals, birds, marine mammals and fish from Nunavut. Be aware of all the import regulations of your home country before buying any animal products in Nunavut. Some countries, including USA and much of Europe, have severe restrictions on marine mammal products like sealskin and ivory, including arts and crafts made from these materials. Fishing Permits Fishing permits are required by visitors and all non Inuit people. Permits are available in all communities and quota's are also enforced. For more information see our Fishing Guide available at www.nunavuttourism.com.
