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INTRODUCING EVEN MORE SUN DESTINATIONS

From Toronto
Palm Springs, California – December 14
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – December 20

From Montreal
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – November 18
San Jose, Costa Rica – December 22

With Air Canada Rouge’s ever-expanding network of non-stop routes, your clients can now choose from even more destinations so they can get to where they want to go faster.

Flying Air Canada Rouge also comes with a lot of perks. Passengers can tune in to inflight entertainment from the comfort of their own personal devices through the AC app player, and choosing Premium Rouge gets them access to the Maple Leaf Lounge, priority check-in lines and seats with more space and legroom for truly unforgettable inflight experience.

Learn more about all that Air Canada Rouge has to offer at flyrouge.com

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Our Tour Operators

Whether you have just one hour, a whole day or an entire weekend to experience Inuvik and the rest of the Western Arctic, our tour operators will make the most out of whatever time you have to spare!

Arctic Adventure Tours

Dog sledding is the house speciality at Arctic Adventure Tours, but that’s not all you should look forward to! Make sure to enjoy an evening at the secluded Arctic Loon Cabin. Visit them online!

25 Carn Street, Inuvik, NT
1 (800) 685-9417
judi@arcticchalet.com

Parks Canada

Stop by the Parks Canada office in Inuvik to book a base camp trip to a number of national parks or visit to learn more about these locations and the wildlife that lives there. Visit them online!

81 Kingmingya Road, Inuvik, NT
(867) 777-8800
inuvik.info@pc.gc.ca

Touch the Arctic Tours

Everyone should come north and experience this beautiful part of Canada for themselves! Based in Yellowknife, Touch the Arctic Tours have been specializing in northern travel for over 24 years. Visit them online!

5105 – 48th Street, Yellowknife, NT
(867) 446-8828
travel@touchthearctictours.com

Tundra North Tours

No one loves Canada’s Arctic more than Tundra North Tours, and they want to share that with you. Check out their signature Canadian Arctic Reindeer package! Visit them online!

300 Mackenzie Road, Inuvik, NT
1 (800) 420-9652
info@tundranorthtours.com

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Our Hotels

It’s not often you can travel to a town of 3,300 and have a choice between three quality hotels. But that’s the case in Inuvik. We’re pretty certain you’ll be impressed with the multiple options that are available.

MacKenzie Hotel

Rooms at MacKenzie Hotel offer a coffee station with microwave, refrigerator and sink, high speed internet, cable TV and on-demand movies, voicemail, automated wake-up and alarm clocks and air conditioning. Two restaurants, meeting space and a business centre are also available to guests. View it online!

Number of rooms: 97
Room rate: Starting at $199 per night + GST

Capital Suites

Rooms at Capital Suites offer their signature Aurora Bed, flat screen TV, wireless internet, mini-fridge, sink and microwave. Also available to guests is airport transportation, two separate boardrooms and a fitness centre open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day. View it online!

Number of rooms: 82
Room rate: Starting at $184 per night + GST

Nova Inn

Rooms at Nova Inn offer high speed internet, satellite television, refrigerator, fireplace, in-room coffee and tea services, wake-up calls and are pet friendly. There is a complimentary continental breakfast offered every morning and complimentary parking is available. View it online!

Number of rooms: 42
Room rate: Starting at $159 per night + GST

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We Don’t Live In Igloos And Other Myths Of The North

Canada is a big country. You don’t need to tell us twice. We get that Inuvik looks like a long way away from … well, everything! But aside from some minor differences (some may even say benefits!), life in the Arctic is not much different than anywhere else in our beautiful country.

Located 200 km north of the Arctic Circle and less than 100 km south of the Arctic Ocean, many people would look at a map and assume a lot about Inuvik. We have listed five of these myths of the North below. Take a look and learn how many of them are not totally accurate.

It’s always below freezing in the Arctic.

We can’t sugar-coat this myth; it does get very cold in the Arctic. In Inuvik, it is common for temperatures to dip below -40 °C in the winter. It’s nothing you can’t handle if you dress for the weather.

But is it always below freezing? No, that’s not the case.

In the summertime, temperatures usually hit a high of 30°C in June, July and August with the help of the midnight sun. There have been multiple times when Inuvik is the warmest place in all of Canada!

There are no cars – people in the North travel only by dog sled.

In Inuvik, we have a couple dog sled teams but for the most part they are used for recreational purposes.

Those who have a team could easily travel around town to do their grocery shopping, but that’s not something we have seen in a very long time. Most people drive using cars, trucks or even their snowmobiles in the wintertime.

Dog sledding is mainly saved for our visitors who want to experience the Mackenzie Delta in a unique way.

You can’t fly or drive to the Arctic.

While this would be true for many communities that call the Arctic home, it is nowhere near the truth when considering Inuvik.

Located at the end of the Dempster Highway, Inuvik is accessible year-round by any type of vehicle. The highway only closes when the Peel and Mackenzie Rivers freeze in the fall and breakup in the spring.

As for flying, Inuvik welcomes flights daily from Edmonton, Yellowknife and Whitehorse. You can fly to our town from almost anywhere in North America with just a one-night layover.

Everyone in the North lives in an igloo.

The ability to build an igloo has been passed down by the Inuvialuit over many generations. Even though many people living in Inuvik may know how to build one, no one actually lives in an igloo.

Much like a snowman, they are sometimes made for fun or built during one of our winter festivals.

Everyone in Inuvik lives in a house – just like you would anywhere else in Canada. The only difference – ours have to be built on pilings to keep heat away from the permafrost.

It’s always dark in the Arctic.

In Inuvik, we do experience 30 days of complete darkness. But this only means the sun never appears over the horizon. We still see light in the sky during the middle of the day – it just does not last very long.

But on the other hand, in the summer months between June and August, we are blessed with 56 days of continuous daylight. This means the sun never sets below the horizon. The midnight sun makes our summers seem very long!

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Getting Here

Flying to Inuvik is the most popular option and for those visiting from a distance, it is usually the most convenient.

With a one-night layover, Inuvik is reachable from anywhere in North America within two days. There are daily flights from Edmonton, Yellowknife and Whitehorse. And weekly flights from Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa.

*Depending on where you are flying from, you may need to arrange a flight with another airline before reaching a destination where airlines that serve Inuvik are located.

The following airline companies fly to and from Inuvik all year long:

Air North
Connects Inuvik to Vancouver, Whitehorse, Calgary, Edmonton, Yellowknife, Ottawa, Dawson City and Old Crow.

Canadian North
Connects Inuvik to Edmonton, Yellowknife, Iqaluit, Ottawa and Norman Wells.

First Air
Connects Inuvik to Edmonton, Iqaluit, Yellowknife, Whitehorse and Norman Wells.

If you plan to drive to Inuvik, then the Dempster Highway will be part of your plans – and likely the highlight of the trip. After all, some road trips are better than others.

The Dempster Highway, built in 1979 as the only all-weather Canadian road to cross the Arctic Circle, connects Dawson City, Yukon to Inuvik, Northwest Territories.

The unpaved, gravel road is a winding adventure through spectacular scenery. It is common for drivers to see plenty of wildlife, including Dall’s sheep, woodland and barren ground caribou and grizzly bears. Campgrounds, a hotel, a restaurant and a service station can be found along the route.

The highway closes for approximately six to eight weeks in the fall when the Peel and Mackenzie Rivers freeze and again in the spring when they thaw.

*The extension of the Dempster Highway, the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway, is scheduled to open in fall 2017. At that time, vehicles will be able to drive all the way to the Arctic Ocean at any time of the year.

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Winter Itinerary: Wake up to the Northern Lights

Day 1

There’s no point wasting any time this morning – jump right into the winter activities you came to experience 200 km north of the Arctic Circle! Choose the exhilarating power of a snowmobile or the traditional freedom of a dog team and head out on the snow-covered hills and powdered channels of the Mackenzie Delta. Take a break halfway at a rustic cabin heated by a wood stove. Enjoy the peaceful setting with warm tea cupped in your hands and a delicious Eskimo donut. As you return to Inuvik, see the last of what visible light is above you as the darkness of the polar night sets in.

After spending the day “out on the land”, gain an even deeper appreciation of the Western Arctic this evening during a cultural tour and dinner. See and visit the local attractions within the town, including Canada’s most famous building north of the 60th parallel – the Igloo Church. The last stop on the tour will be your guide’s home, where you will receive a warm invitation to enjoy a traditional northern feast! Have you ever tried muktuk, bannock or tuktu? With a full stomach, rest comfortably as your host shares stories about the land and life in Canada’s Arctic.

Day 2

Today, get the best of both worlds as you embark on an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to the Arctic Ocean and the well-known hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk. Take your wheels from frozen pavement to frozen water as you begin the 3-hour drive north on the Mackenzie River Ice Road. Watch as the landscape changes from boreal forest to the treeless Arctic tundra. Drive across the solid Arctic Ocean into Tuktoyaktuk and hear what your GPS has to say. As you arrive, try and spot Ibyuk Pingo amongst the many ice-cored hills. At 49 metres in height, this is Canada’s highest – and it’s still growing! After a short visit, head to the airport to board a plane back to Inuvik. Keep your camera close at hand because there is nothing more spectacular than seeing the Delta from above.

Later this evening, take part in one of the many local festivals that happen in Inuvik. Enjoy a memorable show by the Inuvik Drummers and Dancers. As they share stories through songs and dances, you will fall in love with the mesmerizing beat of the drum. After, admire the beautiful handiwork of the Inuvik Jigger’s mukluks and slippers as they perform for the crowd. Watch closely because you will be stepping a few jigs of your own at this evening’s ‘Old Tyme’ dance.

Day 3

Begin your day by visiting two local aboriginal craft shops – one is operated by the Inuvialuit and the other by the Gwich’in. View stunning carvings made out of soapstone and intricate beadwork on everything from keychains to moose hide vests. Take note of what you really love because a talented local artist will work with you in creating your very own authentic souvenir. Head to their shop and work hand-in-hand, learning the process of their creation.

There will be plenty of options to marvel at the mesmerizing beauty of the Northern Lights later this evening. In order to see them at their finest, you will need to make your way outside the lights of the town. To do this, choose between cross-country skiing, snowshoeing the creeks and rivers of the Delta or ice fishing in one of the many pristine lakes that dot the region. Or if you prefer, learn the traditional art of making igloos. Keep your eyes on the sky above as the colours of the Aurora dance in spectacular fashion.

Day 4

We don’t always save the best for last, but when we do, it involves reindeer. Join your guide early this morning and begin the trip back out to the tundra to visit Canada’s only free-range reindeer herd. Be amazed at the sights and sounds as you get up close and personal to over 4,500 of these distinctive animals. Observe them on the back of a snowmobile and on your own two feet. Help in the herding process, learn about the animal’s history in Canada, help with a harvest and enjoy a traditional local delicacy for lunch – you guessed it, reindeer! Listen to the stories about life as a reindeer herder, as many first-hand experiences of living in the Arctic tundra are shared around an open fire. There’s a reason why they are nicknamed the Tundra Cowboys! Don’t forget to take a picture next to one of the herders in their traditional Sami attire.

Return back to Inuvik after an incredible day full of amazing photo opportunities by both snowmobile and by truck on the ice road. Once again, as you drive back into Inuvik, turn your head to the sky to witness the Northern Lights and reminisce about all the unbelievable memories you now have of Canada’s Arctic.

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Summer Itinerary: The Land of the Midnight Sun

Day 1

Wake up to the warmth of the midnight sun and begin your Arctic adventure in Inuvik with a winding escape down the Dempster Highway. Make stops in both Tsiigehtchic and Fort McPherson, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste some of the best dry fish in the world and visit the famous Tent and Canvas Shop. Continue your leisurely drive into the heart of the stunning Richardson Mountains. Watch the peaks grow as you continually climb the slopes and descend the valleys. Prepare for a lovely picnic lunch as you arrive at your final destination – the Arctic Circle. Be on the lookout as you return to Inuvik for local wildlife, including caribou and grizzly bear!

Conclude your first day 200 km north of the Arctic Circle by visiting two local aboriginal craft shops – one is operated by the Inuvialuit and the other by the Gwich’in. View stunning carvings made out of soapstone and intricate beadwork on everything from keychains to moose hide vests. Take note of what you really love because a talented local artist will work with you tomorrow morning in creating your very own authentic souvenir.

Day 2

Morning probably came much quicker than expected – it’s not easy to go to bed while the sun’s still high in the sky! Start today with a visit to the workshop of a local artist, where you will learn about the traditional methods passed down through generations. Work hand-in-hand with your artistic guide as you carve, paint or bead a masterpiece. You can guarantee that your finished product will make for an amazing conversation starter!

A short flight north on an iconic Twin Otter to Ulukhaktuk is planned for this afternoon. Beautifully located on the coast of Victoria Island, the inlet community is well known for two things – fishing and golfing! Enjoy a welcome reception upon arrival, including a performance by the Western Drummers and Dancers. As they share stories through song and dance, you will fall in love with the mesmerizing beat of the drum. Finish your visit to Ulukhaktuk by choosing to take aim at hooking an Arctic Char or dropping a hole-in-one on the World’s most northern course.

Day 3

Begin your day by flying across the open waters of the Arctic Ocean on your way to Banks Island and the community of Sachs Harbour. Here, you will bear witness to the world’s largest muskox population – numbering over 68,000! Once off the plane, travel with your guide by off-road vehicle to the nearest herd. As survivors of the last ice age, their prehistoric look will take you back in time. Take a moment to enjoy the animals in their natural habitat and the spectacular views out over the ocean. Before you leave to fly back to Inuvik, fill your need for food with a delicious, locally-made muskox burger.

After spending the day in Sachs Harbour, gain an even deeper appreciation of the Western Arctic this evening during a cultural tour and dinner. See and visit the local attractions within Inuvik, including Canada’s most famous building north of the 60th parallel – the Igloo Church. The last stop on the tour will be your guide’s home, where you will receive a warm invitation to enjoy a traditional northern feast! Have you ever tried muktuk, bannock or akpiks? How about mipgu, tuktu or Arctic Char? With a full stomach, rest comfortably as your host shares stories about the land and life in Canada’s Arctic.

Day 4

Expect a bright and early wake-up call this morning. Lots of time is needed to make the most of today’s planned adventure. Once again, hope aboard the North’s favourite mode of transportation, a Twin Otter, and set your sights on Tuktut Nogait National Park. Every year, only a handful of visitors ever set foot within its boundaries. Here, alongside knowledgeable guides, you will be able to choose your summer activity. Hike the banks of the Hornaday River and watch the pristine water run over the magnificent La Roncière Falls. Enjoy a private viewing of the 20,000-strong Bluenose West caribou herd. Or, kayak underneath the arching banks of the Hornaday and the cascading falls that run through them. No matter what decision you make, a trip to Tuktut Nogait is something you will never forget.

Return back to Inuvik after an incredible day full of amazing photo opportunities as you travel above the empty tundra and the swirling maze of the Mackenzie Delta. Don’t be fooled by the midnight sun, your last day in Inuvik is slowly coming to an end. Take the chance to reminisce about all the unbelievable memories you now have of Canada’s Arctic.

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Getting Here   

The journey is part of the experience. Enjoy the scenic drive from Calgary Internation Airport to the front door of the Fairmotn Chateau Lake Louise. With an array of transportation options, we can tailor your ground transfer experience to suit the needs of your group.

Learn more >>