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.
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.
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
Qaummaarviit is accessible by ski, dogsled or snowmobile in the winter months, and by boat during the open-water season. However, since the park is approximately 12 kilometres from Iqaluit, it is recommended that visitors take advantage of local outfitting services, many of which provide on-site interpretation and a snack. Arrangements can be made through the Unikkaarvik Visitors Centre.
Travel by snowmobile and qamutik is also available through outfitters; and is much quicker thereby significantly decreasing the length of your trip. Skiing to the park takes a good day, depending on experience and ability. Remember that Frobisher Bay is subject to tides of up to 15 metres, which can affect travel in any season. Earlier in the season this simply means there is a greater expanse of rough ice to climb to get to the island. Later in the season, tides affect both the amount of surface water on the ice and the amount and location of open water near the shore.
Breakup in the north end of Frobisher Bay usually takes place around mid-July; but ice is still floating in the bay in the early open-water season. Strong onshore winds can trap even the most experienced boaters. Most local outfitters use 22- or 24-foot freighter canoes or Lake Winnipeg boats designed to transport heavy loads over long distances and are powered by outboard motors. Boat travel to Qaummaarviit takes from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on tidal conditions and wind. Camping is not permitted
Where To Stay
There are several options in Iqaluit including hotels and bed and breakfasts.
Frobisher Inn
Ph: 867-979-2222
Website: www.frobisherinn.com
Discovery Lodge Hotel
Ph: 867-979-4433
Email: disclodg@nunanet.com
Navigator Inn:
867-979-6201
Email: navinn@nunanet.com
Rannva's Bed and Breakfast
Ph: 867-979-0551
Website: www.rannva.com
Crazy Caribou Bed and Breakfast
Ph: 867-979-2449
Website: www.crazycariboubedandbreakfast.com
Beaches Bed and Breakfast
Ph: 867-979-3034
Accommodations by the Sea Bed and Breakfast
Ph: 867-979-xxxx
Outfitters/Guides
Outfitted trips from Iqaluit offer boat or dogled trips to Qaummaarviit Territorial Park from Iqaluit.
Mayukalik Hunters and Trappers Association (Kimmirut)
Phone: 867-939-2355
NorthWinds Arctic Adventures (Iqaluit)
Phone: 867-979-0551
E-mail:
Website: www.northwinds-arctic.com
Association des francophones du Nunavut (Iqaluit)
Phone: 1-867-979-2801
E-mail: odyssee@nunafranc.ca
Website: www.destinationnunavut.com
Inuksuk Adventures Ltd.
Phone: 1-867-979-2113
Fax: 1-867-979-2750
E-mail: njoblejr@qiniq.com
Website: www.inuksukadventures.ca
Allen Island Outiftting
Ph : 867-979-0107
Email: joehess@nunanet.com
Arts and Crafts
The Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum features Inuit artifacts and art, interpretive displays and hosts travelling exhibits and other local and territorial events. The Museum also houses a retail outlet for Inuit art and related items.
h: 867-979-5537
Fax: 867-979-4533
Email: museum@qiniq.com
Travel Information
The Unikaarvik Visitor Centre in Iqaluit is a great place to start your trip to Qaummaarviit. The Centre provides interpretation for the Territory, local attractions including Katannilik, Sylvia Grinnell and Qaummaarviit Territorial Parks.
Ph: 867-979-4636
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)
Website: www.nunavuttourism.com
