I’m told there is only one place in Nunavut where trees grow. Except, now I forget and all the information I have found states otherwise. The land is treeless tundra that covers endless ground over mountains and around communities, only taking a break to give way to lakes and the ocean. Life is just different [...]
River Fishing in Sylvia Grinnell Park, Nunavut, Canada
I stood looking out across the Sylvia Grinnell River in the park of the same name. I was about one kilometre from Iqaluit, Nunavut on my last night in the arctic. The tide was high at 7:30 pm, the sun shining just as brightly as it did at noon, and the mountain ranges still painted [...]
Restaurants and Inuit Art in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
I know that food is expensive up north. It has to be: a sealift brings in dry goods once a year for those who want to order direct (I’m told it’s about $10,000 per year), or you can buy from the grocery store. Prices are about double, although there are the exceptions like the 2L [...]
Alianait Arts Festival in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
It’s expensive to make the trip up to Canada’s arctic, but when an annul event like the Alianait Arts Festival happens, I do my best to be there. This year, with the help of Nunavut Tourism, the Canadian Tourism Commission, Canadian North airline and the festival itself, I was able to spend almost a week [...]
The Children of Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
Although the scenery is breathtaking up north, it’s the children in Iqaluit, Nunavut who made the most lasting impression on me. I’ve travelled across the country from Vancouver to Iqaluit for the Alianait Arts Festival, which the local kids are a big part of. I first met Inuit children in Clyde River two years ago [...]
First Day in Iqaluit: Flight from Ottawa and Nunavut Weather
The day starts out less than stellar. My flight is delayed from the Ottawa airport because of heavy winds in Iqaluit, my destination for the next week. When we finally do get going, the pilot announces that the temperature is 2°C but the wind is making it feel like -10°C. But isn’t it summer?? Flight [...]
