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
There are several ways to get to Katannilik Park from Iqaluit. The simplest is to take a scheduled flight with First Air or Kenn Borek to Kimmirut, which both fly regular schedules during the week throughout the year. It is always best to confirm these flight schedules before arrival. Those travelling in larger groups may want to consider chartering a plane to Kimmirut.
- Kenn Borek Air: www.borekair.com
The park is only minutes from Kimmirut, although it is a good three hours hike into the Soper Valley around Soper Lake. Boats can also be hired in Kimmirut to cross Soper Lake to Soper Falls at the south end of the valley. Contact the Katannilik Park Visitor Centre in Kimmirut to co-ordinate these services.
The most popular method of getting into Katannilik and the Soper River is by air charter to one of two designated landing strips in the Soper Valley. Hikers should charter to the strip at Mount Joy. Water based charters can land at Mount Joy, or the strip at the Livingstone River, which is on the west side of the river. The cost varies from year to year but should be around $1,000. Contact the Katannilik Park Visitor Centre in Kimmirut or the Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre in Iqaluit to find out about charters to these strips.
Where To Stay
Kimmirut
There is one hotel in Kimmirut, and the Kimmirut Hunters and Trappers Association can help you arrange accommodations at a local ‘home-stay'. A new campsite at the edge of the community comes equipped with picnic tables, firepit and washrooms.
Kimik Hotel (Inns North)
Ph: 867-939-2093
Mayukalik Hunters and Trappers Association:
Ph 867-939-2355
Iqaluit
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 package tours of Katannilik Park that fly visitors into the park, by boat across Frobisher Bay from Iqaluit to the Itijjagiaq trailhead for hiking southwest to the Soper River Valley and eventually Kimmirut. Local outfitters will also transport visitors to Kimmirut by dogsled in winter and spring. Outfitted trips should be booked well in advance - it's often not possible to book outfitters by the day. Contact the Katannilik Park Visitor Centre in Kimmirut or the Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre in Iqaluit to find out what might be available.
Local Outfitters
Mayukalik Hunters and Trappers Association (Kimmirut)
Phone: 867-939-2355
NorthWinds Arctic Adventures (Iqaluit)
Phone: 867-979-0551
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
Outfitters offering Katannilik Park/Soper Heritage River Trips
Black Feather Wilderness Adventure
Ph: 888-849-7688
Local: 705-746-1372
Email: info@blackfeather.com
Website: www.blackfeather.com
Nahanni River Adventures
Ph: (888) 297-6972
Local: (867) 668-3180
Email: info@nahanni.com
Website: www.canriver.com
Sunrise Expeditions International
Ph: 800-RIVER-30
Local: 860-651-7052
Email: info@SunriseExpeditions.com
Website: sunrise-exp.com
Wanapetei Canoe:
Ph: (888) 781-0411
Local: (705) 652-9461
Website: www.wanapiteicanoe.com
Arts and Crafts
Visit the Soper House Gallery to see vibrant arts and crafts from the community, or watch local carving and printmaking at the gallery or throughout the hamlet.
Ph : 867-939-2168
Travel Information
The Katannilik Park Visitor's Centre is located in the restored Dewey Soper House and provides interpretation for Katannilik Territorial Park, the Soper Heritage River, and the history of whaling in and around Kimmirut. Staff at the centre will also register you in and out of the park (mandatory), and set up home-stays.
Ph: 867-939-2416
Fax: 867-939-2406
Email: katannilik@qiniq.com
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
