Parks & Special Places From the lush green valleys of Katannilik Park to the wild rapids of the Coppermine River, find out about Nunavut's territorial parks, heritage Rivers and other special places.

Learn about the park's natural and cultural heritage, its history and its facilities.

Read trip reports from other park visitors, or post your own.

Find out how to get to the park, where to stay, local arts and crafts, and find a guide or outfitters who can take you to the park.

Download park plans, maps, interpretive programs, and other park reports.

Traveling

Getting There

No roads lead to Nunavut; our Territory is accessible only by air and sea.

First Air and Canadian North both fly regular daily schedules to Iqaluit from four main southern airline ‘hubs’: Ottawa, Montreal, and Edmonton (via Yellowknife and Rankin Inlet). Flights from Winnipeg (via Churchill and Rankin Inlet) are also available.

First Air: www.firstair.ca
Canadian North: www.canadiannorth.ca

The simplest way is to take a scheduled flight with First Air or Kenn Borek to Pangnirtung, which both fly regular schedules during the week throughout the year. It is always best to confirm these flight schedules before arrival.

Kenn Borek Air: www.borekair.com

In late spring (early May to mid-June) the best way to reach Kekerten from Pangnirtung is by snowmobile, although cross-country skiing is also a great way to get there. Regardless of the mode of transportation, visitors should always prepare for unexpectedly cold temperatures and winds that eat through several layers of clothing. Visitors should also be aware that ice conditions can be very uncertain during the latter weeks of June and early July, and are best left to Inuit who are well versed in pre-breakup travel.

Summer travel to Kekerten is usually by Lake Winnipeg boat or freighter canoe, but should not be planned for earlier than July 15 since ice often lingers this late in the year. Once the ice clears, boat trips to the park are possible until late September, when the waters slowly begin to ice up again. Even on the warmest of summer days, warm and waterproof clothing, including rubber boots should be carried. Local licensed guides or outfitters will provide a survival suit for boat travel, and carry proper survival gear.

If travelling without an outfitter, rent a survival suit somewhere in town. Check with the local Angmarlik Visitor Centre in Pangnirtung for information on the tides in Pangnirtung Fiord which are tremendous and will dictate your departure and arrival times.

Aside from ski excursions, which will take more time, a round-trip to Kekerten - with time out to enjoy the park - takes about 12 hours. Camping is not permitted in the historic site, but there is camping available outside the historic size area. There is also a cabin at the park for shelter in an emergency.

In Pangnirtung, you can camp at the Pisuktinu Tunngavik Territorial Park which offers tent platforms, outhouse and other facilities. Check with the Angmarlik Visitor Centre in Pangnirtung for information.

Where to Stay

There is a couple options for staying in Pangnirtung. Pisuktinu Tunngavik Territorial Park also provides new campsite facilities including picnic tables, firepit and washrooms.

Auyuittuq Lodge
Ph: (867) 473-8955
Fax: (867) 473-8611

Kilabuk Lodge
Ph: (867) 473-8229

Outfitters/Guides

Trips to Kekerten are best arranged in Pangnirtung through the Angmarlik Visitor Centre in Pangnirtung - the best source of information to help you make the most of your visit. The Centre will also direct you to the different outfitters and services offered.

Alivaktuk’s Outfitting
Ph: (867) 473-8721
Fax: (867) 473-8721

Qaqasiq Outfitting
Ph: (867) 473-8055

Kullualik Outfitting and Fishing Camp
Ph: (867) 473-8653

Peter's Expediting & Outfitting Services
Ph: (867) 473-4060
Fax: (867) 473-4060

Arts and Crafts

Visit the Uqqurmiut Centre to see vibrant arts and crafts from the community, or watch local carving and printmaking at the gallery or throughout the hamlet.

Ph: (867) 473-8870
Fax: (867) 473-8669
Email: inuitart@nunanet.com
Website: www.uqqurmiut.com

Travel Information

Angmarlik Visitor's Centre
The Angmarlik Visitor’s Centre provides interpretation for Kekerten Territorial Park, the HBC Blubber Station, and the history of whaling in and around Kimmirut. Staff at the centre will also direct you to guides/outfitters, arrange walking tours of the town, and set up home-stays.

Ph: (867) 473-8737

Nunavut Tourism
Nunavut Tourism can provide detailed information on your trip to Nunavut. Visit their website to request your copy of the Nunavut Travel Planner.

Ph: 1-866-NUNAVUT (686-2888)
Email: info@nunavuttouris.com
Website: www.nunavuttourism.com