Huge territory has a smallish population
IAN STALKER
Those visiting Nunavut can be certain of having plenty of elbow room.
Kevin Kelly, CEO of Nunavut Tourism, told delegates to Rendez-vous Canada 2023 in Quebec City that sparsely populated Nunavut actually accounts for a fifth of this country’s land mass, and is home to some 25 communities, which can be reached by air in a part of the world that has a very limited road network.
Those roads that do exist “totally just end,” he said during his late May presentation.
“I leave my house and within minutes I don’t see or hear another human. To me that is golden,” said the Iqaluit-based Kelly.
Kelly said Nunavut tourists can meet territory elders, sharing the likes of tea and bannock — with bannock being a common food in the North — while discussing such issues as residential schools.
Territorial tour operators are eager to showcase Indigenous culture in overwhelmingly Inuit Nunavut.
But Kelly said nature is also a strong selling point for Nunavut, part of which is located just below the Arctic Circle, while other parts reach into the High Arctic.
He said Baffin Island “is blessed with amazing waterfalls” and its dramatic Auyuittuq National Park was featured in the opening of the James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me.
As well, Nunavut offers great opportunities to view the Aurora Borealis.
Geology enthusiasts may also be intrigued by a “pants-like” rock formation on northern Baffin Island estimated to be over 50 meters tall.
“It is a very diverse territory,” Kelly stated.
Kelly said Nunavut has a healthy polar bear population and caribou, narwhals, musk-ox, seals and walruses are among other creatures that may be spotted.
The territory is also home to many bird species, particularly during the summer.
Nunavut temperatures fluctuate, with Kelly reporting that those visiting in April, May or June may encounter temperatures ranging from -15C to +15C.
Nunavut sees 30,000 to 40,000 tourists a year, and the summer has it welcoming cruise ships from numerous companies.
Kelly said Iqaluit has 3-star hotels and Cape Dorset has one verging on 4 stars but hotels in other parts of Nunavut may be basic.
