Clyde River, Nunavut

(I’ve joined 100 passengers on board a small cruise ship to explore the Eastern coast of Baffin Island in Nunavut, Canada. Join me as I see wildlife, phenomenal landscapes and meet friendly locals with Adventure Canada.)

Family in Clyde River, Nunavut

To finish off an already fantastic morning (see polar bear post), the whole ship of us paid a visit to the small community of Clyde River, just north of Isabella Bay. We pulled up in our zodiacs and were welcomed by locals and their children (60% of the population is under 25 years old).

Eric was the first to befriend me, a 5th grader with boundless energy and a toothy smile. I raced him all the way to the community hall, where we entered breathless and giddy from the cold northern air.

Inside, there was a gymnasium full of Inuit, some with gorgeous art for sale, others just enjoying the company of so many people, both familiar and camera-clad strangers.

Grins were wide on both sides as we took many-a-photo of the bright-faced kids and their quietly welcoming parents. The hall was abuzz in energy and we soaked in every minute of it. Then the party began.

Eric and I in Clyde River, Nunavut

The local hip hop group showed us their moves to original Inuktitut beats, followed by the local band as they played their own tunes. Their show ended with some Inuit games, where competitors had to kick a hanging piece of cloth at higher levels; guys punched each other in the arm to prove their strength; and more guys hopped on their knuckles and feet to see who could get the farthest.

In a farewell, us “southerners” sang the community two songs in Inuktitut that we had learned, which were a hit: the locals sang along too and took our photos.

I knew I had a long way back to the zodiac launch site when Eric showed up just as I was leaving. He had a friend in tow and they both challenged me to one last race. After four breaks (and all of the onlookers laughing at our silliness), I think everyone else was glad that it was me running around after the boys!

It was quite sad to sail away from them, though, watching them wave frantically at the dock, grinning from ear to ear.

Tags: adventure canada, baffin island, canada, canadian arctic, clyde river, Nunavut, small cruise ship