4 AWE places in Canada - off the beaten path
By: George
Whitehorse, Yukon
Photo by Yukon Charter Bug
The community of Whitehorse in Yukon has it all―wilderness out the back door as well as all the modern conveniences and amenities of downtown. A network of hiking trails surrounds what's known as the Wilderness City, and the Yukon River flows right through town, with trails and parks on its banks. The city of Whitehorse lies in the traditional territory of two First Nations―the Kwanlin Dun and the Ta’an Kwach’an―and boasts a vibrant arts and cultural community. Can't miss: To tour Parks Canada’s restored sternwheeler, the S.S. Klondike, and explore the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre and MacBride Museum. Info: http://travelyukon.com/
Iqaluit in Nunavut
Photoby qsharp >Flickr
Photo The city is also the location of the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, which houses a large collection of Inuit and Arctic objects. The museum is housed in a restored and extended Hudson's Bay Company building, clad in the HBC signature red and white, transported to Iqaluit from its original site on the Apex Beach.
Just west of Iqaluit is the Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park Reserve. This park is dominated by the valley of the Sylvia Grinnell River. A small visitor's centre with viewing platform is located on top of a hill overlooking scenic waterfalls, tidal flats and traditional fishing sites.
Nearby on an island near Peterhead Inlet, is the Qaummaarviit Territorial Historic Park. It is a site with a long Inuit history and numerous artifacts have been recovered, including the remains of 11 semi-buried sod houses.
A little farther, across Frobisher Bay, are the Katannilik Territorial Park Reserve and the Soper Heritage River Park forming a park corridor linking Iqaluit along traditional overland travel routes with (formerly Lake Harbour). Frobisher Bay extends for almost 70 miles to the east, with moderate hills, glaciers and traditional and summer camp sites, opening into the Davis Straits which divide Nunavut from Greenland.
Toonik Tyme is Iqaluit’s annual spring festival which has been a community tradition since 1965. It is a way for local residents to celebrate the return of spring as a community and is also an opportunity for visitors to experience the unique culture of the Canadian Arctic. A jam-packed, week-long schedule includes traditional Inuit activities such as igloo building, dog team races, Inuit games, and a seal skinning contest. Other activities you won’t want to miss are the snowmobile races, Iqaluit Fear Factor, the craft fair, scavenger hunts and much more. No matter what age, you’ll find lots to see and do during Toonik Tyme! The festival is run by the Toonik Tyme Society, a non-profit, volunteer group. Toonik Tyme is usually held in mid-April.
Source and more info: Wikipedia
Yellowknife, NWT
Photo At the edge of the Arctic, in the heart of the wilderness, lies a city of youth, energy, adventure and prosperity. Yellowknife is a culturally rich capital thriving with diversity, and home to about 20,000 people. Located on the shores of the beautiful Great Slave Lake, only 512 km south of the Arctic Circle, we are known for our outdoor recreation, midnight sun, aurora borealis and an unusual blend of northern culture... a City where history is found throughout a modern, bustling metropolis.
Check the visitors top 10 here: http://www.northernfrontier.com/08_Thingstodo/TopTen.html
Newfoundland and Labrador
Photo Newfoundland and Labrador is one of those places you call magical where you can catch a glimpse of icebergs, whales, birds and wildlife or find hiking trails, parks, historic sites and scenic driving routes. Great accommodations, tours, festivals and events, outfitters and places to shop. If your sea legs are out of practice, you can see pods of whales while hiking, walking, or sightseeing along seaside trails, rugged cliffs, and sandy beaches. It’s not uncommon to look out from a cliff side peak and see the tails of humpbacks splashing in the sea. While you’re picnicking alongside the ocean or investigating a lighthouse tower, it is possible to get a fine view of whales and porpoises swimming nearby – no binoculars needed. Whales can be seen in all bays along the coastline. Some spectacular viewing sites are Signal Hill, Cape Spear, Cape St. Francis, Trinity, Cape Bonavista, Twillingate, White Bay, Strait of Belle Isle, St. Vincent’s, Cape St. Mary’s, Cape Race, Witless Bay, and Groswater Bay. More info: http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/ |
| Meet travelers |
Join GotSaga for free! You can share your sagas and much more with millions and are offered a wide variety of tools to enhance your travel experiences for sagas yet to come.
