After an amazing couple of days in Tuktoyaktuk, I headed back down the Inuvik ~ Tuktoyaktuk Highway (ITH) to return to Inuvik for a few days. Located 200 kms north of the Arctic Circle, Inuvik was established in 1955 and has a population of about 3,400. Inuvik is the only town in the Inuvik Region and the third largest community in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
Welcome to the Town of Inuvik!
Land of the Midnight Sun and gateway to the Beaufort-Delta, we look forward to having you make Inuvik a part of your Arctic adventure.
Located 2 degrees above the Arctic Circle on the scenic Mackenzie River and Delta, Inuvik offers you a wide range of services and experiences to make your visit, whether for business or pleasure, enjoyable and memorable.
Inuvik (Place of People) is the homeland of the Inuvialuit and Gwich’in peoples as well as the residence for a wide variety of other people and cultures. A place of rich diversity, Inuvik is located on the Mackenzie Delta – Canada’s largest fresh water delta, close to the Arctic Ocean, with a spectacular view of the Richardson Mountains.
Inuvik is nestled between the treeless tundra and the northern boreal forest, and overlooks the incredible maze of lakes and streams of the Delta. Whether you are looking for northern arts and culture, remote rivers and wilderness, a chance to see arctic wildlife, a place to do business or just to relax and enjoy the Midnight Sun – Inuvik is your destination.
Inuvik has a lot to offer and is also the starting point to other northern communities and adventures. With air and road transportation, access to Inuvik is convenient and offers adventure and great scenery. The Dempster Highway is an unforgettable driving experience that crosses the Arctic Circle and traverses mountain ranges and river crossings.
Inuvik Airport
I arrived at Mike Zubko airport and picked up my rental ~ a full size Yukon.
Within the airport there is a stuffed polar bear!
A map of the northern hemisphere was on the floor with the North Pole at the centre ~ I was obsessed.
Road Signs!
Inuvik Sign
Capital Suites
This room had everything and would be very convenient for longer stays.
North Mart
I was in and out of here a few times – I found a Diet Coke with “Jacqueline” on it. It’s the little things that thrill me! Groceries were expensive ~ the same peanut butter at home is $5.97 and it was $12.99 in Inuvik.
Outisde there are many murals that were drawn by people from different communites. They were fantastic!
Community Greenhouse
Inuvik has a summer only greenhouse that takes advantage of the 24-hour summer sunlight to grow fruits, vegetables, and plants.
Gwich’in Tribal Council
Western Arctic Regional Visitor Center
The Centre is open from June 1 to September 1 and hosts weekly events based around northern culture. They also give you the “I crossed the Arctic Circle” certificate. I was a couple weeks too early and bummed that I didn’t get to enjoy this place.
Out front there is a rock carving of Sedna, the Sea Goddess of the Arctic. The legend of Sedna is a young woman becomes the mother of all sea creatures and has dominion over her creatures and controls the availability of seal, walrus, fish, whale, and other sea animals to Inuit hunters.
Roads End Golf Club
The Roads End Golf Club is a six hole, 250 yard golf course with both a Mens and Ladies League.
Our Lady of Victory (Igloo Church)
Our Lady of Victory Church is a Catholic church that is called the “Igloo Church” and was consecrated in 1960.
Moe’s Stationary And Gifts
I shopped (was there any doubt?).
While here I inquired about other open places where I might get local crafts and was given a business card for Mavis Jacobson (Northern Arts & Crafts). I called and was invited to her home to look at items she had available. I shopped again. Thank you Mavis for the warm welcome and hospitality.
Alestine’s
Arrive by 5, bring cash and share a table with a stranger. Alestine’s seats 20 customers and the kitchen is in an adjacent school bus. They were closed and I was disappointed.
The Roost
Great burgers and they are Oilers fans!
Midnight Sun Mosque (Inuvik Masjid)
Inuvik is home to the world’s northernmost mosque. The Midnight Sun Mosque, affectionately called the Little Mosque on the Tundra, was built in Winnipeg before setting off on its 4000 km journey to Inuvik in August 2010. Travelling on both road and river, the building made it into town safe and sound, settling in its permanent location on Wolverine Road.
Out & About in Inuvik
Garbage bins are across the streets or off by themselves and not close to the houses ~ my assumption is this is because of the bears.
The sewer lines are above ground because of the permafrost.
My adventure was over too soon and I was on my way back home.
Happy Travels!
Adventures in Canada’s Arctic
Jackie is “Mom” to one amazing son, an IT professional and an obsessed traveller. She spends her time reading, golfing at Ladies League and implementing software projects. Jackie has travelled to 7 continents, 5 oceans and 103 countries and she is always planning the next destination and adventure!