Camping
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Welcome to the special solace found only at the top of the world!
When Inuit families go camping — for fishing, hunting or berry picking reasons — it is something quite special and deeply cultural that they have always done.
The solid ground of Nunavut resists pegging, so tent ropes must be tied to rocks instead. In prime camping locations, found all across the territory, Inuit ancestors have left behind circles of tent stones for centuries of seasonal reuse. The traditional Inuit technique of constructing tents from animal skins for summer, like their ingenious building of igloos in winter, is a living art. However, most Inuit families today prefer to use a large, durable tent made of canvas that is easily transported by snowmobile, boat, ATV, airplane or dogsled. Whether supported by poles or freestanding, any tent pitched in Nunavut must be secured with guy ropes to resist the powerful arctic winds.
There are few designated camping areas in Nunavut. Some communities have special designated campgrounds with outhouses, tent platforms, fire pits and windbreaks, but most do not. However, most communities do have a spot where they prefer campers to pitch their tents. This preference is usually based on protecting the hamlet’s water supply, so inquire at the hamlet office before setting up in any community. The national parks in Nunavut all have specially designated camping sites which campers are advised to use.
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Generally, campers are free to pitch their tent almost anywhere on the open tundra.
It’s important to remember that the land you are camping on is part of the traditional territory of local Inuit families. Though you are welcome to use it, always treat it with respect!
Camping 'on the land' is a big component of the traditional Inuit way of life.
Campers in Nunavut must be thoroughly self-sufficient. For the most part, when you are camping you will be left on your own, so hiring an experienced guide or outfitter is highly recommended. These experts know the best campsites, chosen long ago for good reasons such as shelter, abundant fresh water, quality of fishing or excellent lookout views of passing wildlife. Bring high-energy food and proper arctic clothing. Never leave garbage behind and always keep your sleeping bag dry!
Summertime camping opportunities in Nunavut include the migratory bird wetlands of Polar Bear Pass near Resolute, along the shores of Whale Cove to watch chattering beluga whales, at spectacular Akshayuk Pass in mountainous Auyuittuq National Park near Pangnirtung, in Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park near Iqaluit, and close to caribou calving grounds located near the communities of Baker Lake, Rankin Inlet and Chesterfield Inlet.
Please note that any direct interaction with caribou during their calving period in late springtime (mid-May to mid-June) is severely restricted!
With expert local guidance, wintertime igloo camping can also be done safely near any community in Nunavut — from southernmost Sanikiluaq to northernmost Grise Fiord.
Although mostly settled into permanent communities nowadays, the Inuit have traditionally been a nomadic people who moved between winter and summer camps to take advantage of wildlife resources as they migrated seasonally. Camping ‘on the land’ is a big component of the traditional Inuit way of life. Most families in every community spend at least part of the year enjoying this fun outdoor activity.
