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Exploring Iqaluit, Nunavut

I have been very fortunate to have visited every province and territory in Canada.  Well, it's more than good fortune - it's determination.  I made it happen.  Priorities folks, priorities.

Anyway...in June of 2008 I flew into Ottawa for a brief visit as I hadn't been there in 13 years....however it was an excuse to use a short haul Aeroplan airmiles flight from Ottawa to visit the remote capital of Iqaluit, Nunavut which is Canada's newest territory. (once the eastern part of the North West Territories) I could never have afforded to pay the airfare otherwise.  Nunavut became a separate territory on April 1st, 1999.  Frobisher Bay was renamed Iqaluit.

I stayed at the Beaches Bed and Breakfast on the shores of Frobisher Bay.  It was a lovely place with delicious breakfasts.  I could look out to the bay which was still frozen over in most places.  The local kids' favourite pastime was jumping from one piece of ice to the other.  I preferred not to watch that.

I did the 10km walk around town which I was newly in charge of having just accepted the job of Director of Prairies/North of the Canadian Volkssport Federation. 

Anyway here are some of the highlights of my short stay:

Iqaluit taken from a jetty out on the bay.  My B and B was the navy blue house on the water front.




I loved the sculptures everywhere!




These sculptures were scattered around the main area of the town.

Frobisher Bay

Gas station - lots of ATV's everywhere!!!

Don't you love the signs for the toilet? 

Love her coat

Yep, it doesn't go anywhere...ships filled with supplies sail in during the short summer sesason and the only other option is flying in. 

Typical neighbourhood in central Iqaluit.  Well actually this is the main drag!


One little two little three little Inukshuks...I loved this.

This proud papa was happy to pose for me.

Cemetery in Iqaluit - I can't imagine the burials are too deep with the permafrost.

You knew there had to be a dog somewhere!!!

Typical home...they are all on "stilts" due to the permafrost.
This is the Territorial Legislative building 

Kids playing - I must say I was disappointed with all the garbage everywhere. 
I then walked over to Sylvia Grinnell park which took me about half an hour if I recall.  Oh oh...possiblity of polar bears?  I was told that none had been seen in the park ever - I am so gullible! I had wanted to walk to Apex which was about 5 km SE of Iqaluit but I was told that bears were definitely roaming around there frequently.  I quickly changed my mind!





I found the landscape harsh yet beautiful.






It was a bit overwhelming to be in a place of such stark beauty and so wild. 


Arctic char and caribou medallions with wine and followed by dessert.  The most expensive meal I have ever eaten but worth every penny! 
Then it was time to say goodbye to Nunavut...


I love you  Canadian North - you get a  complimentary hot meal with alcohol - love the Frobisher  (booze added) coffee!  I hope our paths cross again (but only if I can use airmiles!!!) 

The Iqaluit airport - known locally as The Yellow Submarine!
I am so happy I got to explore this unique and remote part of Canada.  Would I go back?  I highly doubt it but I have learned to never say never!

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