Chances are, once you take the time to think about it, your bucket list will need an index if you want to sort through all the fabulous locations and attractions you wish to visit. That’s a good thing, though. Imagine a bucket list that only listed two or three items? Accomplishing that is way too easy. You need to dream big!
Now, just in case you have yet to add Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada into that ever-expanding index, we are going to share nine reasons why this small Western Arctic town needs to be on your bucket list. It would not surprise us if, after reading this, Inuvik surpasses many of those other destinations you hope to one day see.
Get your eraser ready, because we are going to convince you that Inuvik should hold the top spot on everyone’s bucket list!
1. See the Aurora Borealis (the Northern Lights)
There is something magical about the Aurora Borealis. No matter how many times you see them in your life, they still bring a sense of wonder each and every time you look up and watch them dance across the sky. On a clear night, the sky above Inuvik is home to breathtaking displays of the Northern Lights.
2. Dip a Toe in the Arctic Ocean
Most of us have either swum in the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans. Perhaps some us can even say they have took a dip in the Indian Ocean. But very few will ever be able to say they have felt the water of the Arctic Ocean. When the water is unfrozen in the summer, take a short plane ride or a scenic boat tour from Inuvik up the Mackenzie River to Tuktoyaktuk. There, you can dip your toe in the Arctic Ocean and hold bragging rights over all your friends. If you are brave enough, take the plunge and jump right in.
3. Drive the Dempster Highway
You can either fly or drive to Inuvik. But if you can manage the latter, then we highly suggest a slow pace up the Dempster Highway from Dawson City, Yukon. The gravel road is an once-in-a-lifetime adventure and is Canada’s only all-weather road to cross the Arctic Circle, which leads into reason number four …
4. Cross the Arctic Circle
If you are travelling to Inuvik, then this a definite must for an excellent photo opportunity. Because, honestly, how many times do you get the chance to cross the Arctic Circle? While you can’t spend an entire day at the sign that marks the location, you can make a day out of it and drive from Inuvik and back in time for supper if you leave early enough.
5. Explore Aulavik or Tuktut Nogait National Park
Inuvik is the starting point for all adventurers who want to explore Aulavik or Tuktut Nogait National Park. Parks Canada’s Western Arctic Field Unit cooperatively manages these fabulous fly-in wilderness locations and is based in Inuvik. Tuktut Nogait is Canada’s least visited National Park, due in part to its solitude in the Western Arctic. But those who do decide to visit are left with memories that last a lifetime.
6. Travel the Ice Roads
Made popular by the TV show Ice Road Truckers, these natural roadways have long been used as a way of moving about. Once the temperature gets cold enough and the water that makes up the Mackenzie Delta freezes, you can travel just about anywhere in the Western Arctic. From Inuvik, drive a truck up to Tuktoyaktuk and continue over the Arctic Ocean for a ways, or head west to the community of Aklavik.
7. Watch the Reindeer Cross
While not ‘technically’ wild, seeing the herded reindeer cross just outside Inuvik on their way to their calving grounds is an experience like no other. Make sure you have your battery charged and your camera ready because the photos you will be able to capture will have everyone on your Facebook extremely jealous. Just imagine, 3000 reindeer right in front of you walking the tundra.
8. Purchase that Perfect Piece of Art
While many forms of art are prevalent in Inuvik throughout the year, it is the Great Northern Arts Festival that brings all of it together every July. Artists from all across the northern regions of Canada and the world come to display their works, but also to lead workshops that the public can take part in. If you ever wanted to create your own stone carving, caribou rawhide rattle or custom-fitted moccasins then this is a must-attend event.
8. View the Sun Rise for the First Time
There are two extremes when it comes to the sun in Inuvik. In the summer, the place is recognized as the Land of the Midnight Sun. In the winter, well, it’s dark for basically 24 hours. However, a special moment occurs around the first week of January. The sun returns for the first time over the horizon after being completely hidden for about 30 days. You can see this happen and also take part in the Inuvik Sunrise Festival, which celebrates the joyous occasion.