Western Arctic - Land of the Midnight Sun

Soak up the spectacular marvels of the Mackenzie Delta, the Beaufort Coast and the Richardson Mountains in the land of the Midnight Sun.

At Inuvik, destination of the famed Dempster Highway, Aboriginal traditions are part of everyday life. There are festivals of art and music to draw you in. For an introduction, visit the Western Arctic Regional Visitor Centre to learn about the people, wildlife and the landscapes. Inuvik has modern hotels, campgrounds with scenic vistas and a choice of restaurants and retail outlets. There are hiking trails and a fascinating church in the shape of an igloo.

Travel by air to other Western Arctic communities. Head to Paulatuk, gateway to Tuktut Nogait National Park, home of caribou. Sachs Harbour on Banks Island is an outstanding destination for nature lovers. Ulukhaktok is famous for its art and golf on a rugged course overlooking the Beaufort Sea. A half hour flight to Tuktoyaktuk provides an aerial view of the pingos and visitors can dip a toe in the Arctic ocean on local tours. Explore Aklavik, the town that wouldn't die.

Don't miss a flight over the spectacular Mackenzie Delta. Delta boat tours cruise the sinuous waterways of one of the world’s great river deltas and offer wildlife viewing and fishing.

To see more of the Western Arctic, drive the Dempster Highway south to the Arctic Circle and back, stopping in historic Fort McPherson and taking a side trip to tiny, scenic Tsiigehtchic at the mouth of the Arctic Red River.