Introduction
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 Eskimo,
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. 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.