The Inuvik Sunrise Festival has been a staple celebration in Canada’s Western Arctic for many years (2017 will be the 30th anniversary), yet very few people outside of the territory know of its existence.
But you’ve heard of the Sunrise Festival, right? No? Not a problem. Let us fill you in!
The Town of Inuvik, located 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, sees the sun fall below the horizon for a continuous stretch of 30 days beginning in early December. The Sunrise Festival (hence the name) celebrates its return from January 6 to 8, 2017.
But there is so much more happening over this joyous weekend than just watching spectacular sunrises and sunsets in back-to-back fashion.
Visit our Inuvik Sunrise Festival page to view available packages
This year, the festival begins on Friday, January 6 - the same day the sun first appears after its winter hiatus. That evening, fill your stomach with a delicious assortment of food served by local vendors and take in a truly amazing performance consisting of drum dancing and jigging. Watch closely, because you will be expected to replicate some of their moves during the old tyme dance (and perhaps when you enter the jigging contest!).
Saturday is the heart and soul of the Inuvik Sunrise Festival – so hopefully you are well rested for a busy day and night! Enjoy the free pancake breakfast at the Legion and a stroll through the indoor Arctic Market in the morning. In the afternoon, head down to the Ice Village and enjoy the ice- and snow-inspired furnishings, igloos and quinzees. Grab a snack inside a warm McPherson Tent and get ready to witness the biggest bonfire and fireworks this side of the Arctic Circle! Finish the day with a special concert inside the Igloo Church.
For many, Sunday morning provides an opportunity to take part in a dog sledding excursion with Arctic Adventure Tours. Upon conclusion, they will bring you back to the Ice Village for one more afternoon of festival activities. If you didn't choose to dog sled this morning, the four-legged marvels and their trainers will be on hand to answer your questions and model for photos. But save some memory on your camera for when our local herders bring their reindeer down for a visit!
There are lots of other activities planned and scheduled over the course of the festival, as well. You can expect to participate in, or watch, snow carving, sunrise photo opportunities, sunset 'parka' yoga, outdoor ice skating, cross-country skiing and sno-pitch!
As you can see, the Inuvik Sunrise Festival is a one-of-a-kind event. And while it may not have the same wide-spread popularity as some other winter festivals throughout Canada, it is certainly not short on providing opportunities to create life-long memories. After all, bigger is not always better. And when it comes to the Sunrise Festival, that statement is more than true!
Join us 200 km north of the Arctic Circle and experience a winter festival like no other – one where you can party ‘til the break of day!
Have you been to the Inuvik Sunrise Festival before? What was your favourite part? SHARE below!