Calgary is the natural base for those exploring Western Canada and the Canadian Rockies. But beyond the region's famed western flair and spectacular natural beauty, Calgary is emerging as a popular urban destination for its own sake – thanks in part to a young, educated population of over one million. The eco-friendly city is home to world-class attractions and festivals, and a culture of hospitality that welcomes visitors from all backgrounds. The Calgary Stampede, which draws a million visitors a year, is just one of many outstanding attractions. The region offers a striking variety of natural landscapes within easy day-tripping distance: Banff and Kananaskis are less than 90 minutes by bus, while the famed badlands and dinosaur beds of Drumheller are less than two hours away.
This High Arctic hamlet, with a strong Inuit presence, is known as 'Qausuittuq' in Inuktitut, meaning the 'place with no dawn' due to its long winter nights. Often referred to as Resolute Bay after its bay, it offers thrilling activities like sledding, with local guides leading excursions onto the sea ice to witness seals, walruses, and occasionally polar bears. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe polar bears frequenting both the community and surrounding area, as well as beluga whales, seals, and walruses in the nearby waters, alongside migratory birds. The town's local arts and crafts scene showcases unique stone and ivory carvings by skilled artists alongside beautiful handmade traditional clothing. It also serves as a gateway to explore Tupirvik Territorial Park and Quttinirpaaq National Park, adding to the allure of this extraordinary Arctic destination.
Located in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, Beechey Island holds historical significance as a site of great exploration. It became renowned due to the tragic Franklin Expedition of 1845. The island's desolate landscape features rugged cliffs and icy shores, creating an eerie and haunting atmosphere. Franklin's crew members, who perished during their attempt to find the Northwest Passage, are buried here. Their graves, marked by poignant memorials, stand as solemn reminders of the perils faced by early Arctic explorers. Today, wildlife enthusiasts can spot Arctic species, and historians can immerse themselves in the narratives of exploration that still echo across this frozen frontier.
At the northern tip of Baffin Island, Arctic Bay lies embraced by majestic hills. Its sheltered shores and steep cliffs create an ideal nesting habitat for unique species of High Arctic birds, while its sea waters provide a home to narwhals and bowhead whales. This vibrant Inuit community, also known as 'Ikpiarjuk' in Inuktitut, meaning 'The Pocket,' hosts an annual dog sledding race that attracts the best teams from across Nunavut. Positioned at the entrance to Sirmilik National Park, Arctic Bay offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing in the nearby park. Residents and visitors alike revel in snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and dog sledding tours, adding to the town's charm as a true Arctic gem.
Lancaster sound, also known as Tallurutiup Imanga is a marine protected area located in the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut, Canada. The marine conservation area is protected in conjunction with the local Inuit community to conserve the rich biodiversity of Lancaster Sound and its connected waterways, as it is one of the Arctic’s most biologically productive marine ecosystems. Lancaster Sound is an area of stunning coastal beauty. It is surrounded by ice-covered mountains, deep fjords, tidewater glaciers, river valleys, and lush plains. Visit the Franklin Expedition graves at Beechey Island, hike on Devon Island, the largest uninhabited island on Earth, and cruise among icebergs at Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nunavut is Canada’s largest and most sparsely populated region, comprising a major part of Northern Canada and most of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. So, if you’re an ‘into the wild’ kind of adventurer, this is for you. Expect an ice-encrusted wilderness, however, and extreme cold, but the plunge is worth it. Diverse and unique animal species, welcoming Inuit communities, a variety of accommodation (from hotels in the larger centres to B&Bs and camping), and plenty of excellent guided-tour options (snowmobile and dogsled excursions, and small-aircraft and boat tours) await. All you have to do is step out of your comfort zone…
In the heart of Greenland, Qeqqata reveals a tapestry of Arctic beauty and cultural heritage. This vast region, characterised by its diverse landscapes, unfolds with towering mountains, glacial valleys, and coastal wonders. Qeqqata's icy landscapes are home to colossal glaciers that sculpt the terrain and give rise to magnificent icebergs that dot the seascape. Amidst this rugged beauty, Inuit communities flourish, their lives intricately intertwined with the land and its resources. Traditional practices and customs continue to thrive, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural fabric that defines Qeqqata. The region's allure lies not only in its breathtaking landscapes but also in the warmth of its people, creating a compelling invitation to explore the Arctic's unique blend of nature and human history.
