Wildlife Viewing
ᓂᕐᔪᑎᓂᑦ ᕿᒥᕐᕈᓂᖅ
We're very fond of our fauna!
Respect and admiration for the many beloved arctic creatures is a deeply rooted part of Inuit culture. Nunavummiut feel lucky that they live next to such species and they know that you will love to see them too! They welcome you here and will happily and safely guide you to pristine places where you can share in the thrilling experience of viewing some of the most exotic wild animals on the planet. Whether by dog sled or snowmobile excursion, by boat, ATV or small aircraft, on cross-country skis or by trekking on foot, experienced outfitters and guides in every part of Nunavut are proud to introduce you to the wonderful local wildlife!
The extraordinary diversity of unique animal species native to Nunavut is one of the prime attractions for people to this part of the world. It is believed that the very first human beings to ever visit this beautiful, severe wilderness territory arrived here to hunt big game animals sometime after the Pleistocene period of global glaciations that ended around 9000 BC. Those intrepid early people immigrated to these lands in pursuit of abundant wildlife resources such as caribou, muskoxen, geese, ptarmigan, fish, walrus, seals and whales.
The ancient, nomadic Inuit hunter-gatherer people recognized their own responsibility to conserve wildlife and protect their ecosystem. This traditional Inuit value is called ‘Avatittinnik Kamatsiarniq’ in Inuktitut, which means ‘respect and care for the land, animals and the environment.’ This longstanding cultural concept of living in harmony with nature and wildlife is still taught by Inuit elders to their children and grandchildren today.