NUNAVUT, "OUR LAND, OUR STRENGTH"

BY Clay Larroy

Regardless of whether you are traveling to a nearby location for the weekend or taking a week-long destination vacation, you are always going to benefit from some tips and ideas on how to make the whole process, more fun and less stressful. Take time each day to alleviate stress while traveling or vacationing and you will thank yourself for it when you get back home. With all the chaos, jet-lag, partying and other excitement of travel comes a whole lot of stress on your mind and body. By the time most vacations are over, another one is needed to recover so taking a few minutes each day to rejuvenate will make it easier for you to resume your normal life when it's all over. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

The article below offers an enchanting viewpoint on Nunavut.

Commune With Nature in Nunavut on a Dog Sledding Expedition

by Philippa Westwood

Anyone seeing Nunavut's landscape (magical and otherworldly in turns) for the first time usually drops their jaw in sheer awe. The sights and sounds of Nunavut are delightfully unique. Indeed, "Nunavut" simply means "our land" in the Inuktiktut language, indicating the simple yet dignified pride of the Nunavummiut in their native land. Here is a place that can best be explored via a dog sledding expedition or snowmobile tour, because paved highways are largely nonexistent here. But the very challenge of accessing it only adds further to its charm--that's why it has become one of the most preferred destinations by those with an uncompromising taste in personal adventure.

The Dogs

A dog sledding expedition would not be called such without its most important component: the dogs. In Nunavut, sleds are typically pulled by a husky breed called the "Qimmiq", or the Canadian Inuit dog. The Qimmiq is, in fact, North America's oldest and rarest purebred domestic dog species, believed to have been first tamed by the ancient Thule people. Hence, the dogs are highly respected and sometimes revered--although that does not spare them from pulling sleds. If you're going on an expedition, keep in mind that the Qimmiq are no poodle or labrador--while faithful and tenacious, they are not exactly one you would cuddle or allow to sleep with the baby. The Qimmiq are formidable animals that can withstand even powerful blizzards and survive without eating for days, and these qualities are most valued in the context of the Nunavut's icy landscape. Knowing this dog's character can go a long way when working with them on a sled.

Watching the Springtime Coastal Action

In spring, as the sheets of ice covering the sea slowly break up, the Inuit would typically get on their dog sleds and head toward what they call the "Sinaaq"--the Inuktitut term for the edge of the floe. Why do they want to be on the floe's edge, you may ask? A floe is a flat sheet of ice floating on the sea, and during spring as the ice thaws, a floe's edge teems with wildlife. You too can follow in their footsteps to the edge of the floe. By embarking on a full-day dog sledding tour you can go to the very edge of the melting ice floes and be in the front seat of the action. Watch as countless species of birds and marine mammals feast on the feeding opportunity offered by the thawing ice. From seals, walruses and beluga whales, to an amazing diversity of birds, there is so much to see from the floe's vantage point. The fun is fully guaranteed.

The View from the Icebergs

Alternatively, as part of your dog sledding tour you can admire the spectacle of the floating icebergs--gigantic masses of floating ice formed from snowflakes that have accumulated in the past thousands of years. Every iceberg is ancient, and, thanks to nature, most of them are sculptured into wonderful forms and shapes. The coastline on the northern part of Baffin Islandis world-renowned as a must-see "iceberg gallery".

About the Author

Philippa Westwood is Marketing Manager at Windows on the Wild, a specialist of wildlife watching tours and dog sledding holidays. Destinations include Canada, Lapland and Sweden where dog sledding holidays can take you on adventurous experiences across the world.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://goarticles.com/

I used to live in Canada. It's a beautiful country with a lot of 

different kind of topographic regions.

 Sebastian Bach

Enjoy life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!

NUNAVUT, "OUR LAND, OUR STRENGTH"

BY Clay Larroy

Traveling can be an important part of your life, whether for business or for pleasure. You need to do all of your research so that you don't forget to pack something important, see what the best methods of transportation are, etc. Avoid crowds and save money by visiting in the off-season. If you want to be able to enjoy your vacation without having to battle a crowd of people everywhere you go, learn when the popular months are for the location and plan your vacation for the less popular time. Be aware, while it can save you money, in some locations you may have to contend with less than ideal weather. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Things to see and do in Nunavut

Arctic animals

You can seek out musk ox or tundra swans near Cambridge Bay or take a boat trip to Coats Island in Hudson Bay to see walrus and polar bears. Nunavut's herd of 500,000 caribou is the world's largest. Many species roam the tundra in the Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary, which straddles the Kivalliq and Kitikmeot regions.

Art tours

Inuit art tours offer visitors an opportunity to learn about native carving, tool-fashioning, weaving, print-making, jewelry-crafting and hat-making.

Authentic tours

Nunavut's fauna, flora, culture and history come alive on one of the territory's nature and cultural tours.

Dog sleds and igloos

You can take a trip across the frozen tundra by dog sled with an Inuit guide in Iqaluit, or bed down for a night in a bona fide igloo.

Fishing

The catch of the day includes Arctic char and lake trout. Enthusiasts should note that catch-and-release is practiced in all areas and that possession limits are based on regular and seasonal evaluation of stock.

Go with the floe

Wildlife is particularly abundant in spring (April to July) at the 'floe edge', where the land ice meets the sea. Plankton, shrimp and fish attract seals, whales and polar bears, making for excellent wildlife viewing. Bring your binoculars, as this is the time of year when migrating birds fly north by the millions. Good wildlife-spotting locations include Pond Inlet and Arctic Bay.

Hiking and rafting

Utter wilderness greets those who hike around amazing destinations such as Auyuittuq National Park's mountains, the waterfalls of Katannilik Territorial Park, wildlife-rich Quttinirpaaq National Park, or Sirmilik National Park (a haven for polar bears, walrus and migrating birds). If you have excellent white-water paddling skills, challenge yourself to the heart-stopping waters of the Coppermine River in Kugluk (Bloody Falls) Territorial Park.

Photography

Dramatic scenery and seasonal variations in light and temperature provide rewarding conditions for photography. One of the best times is during the sunlit nights (between 2000 and 0300 in spring and summer), when shadows are long and colors and textures particularly well defined.

Spring frolics

Not surprisingly, in a land where winters are long and harsh, spring is a traditional time for celebration. Cheer on snowmobile and dog sled racers, or join in a community supper, at the Taloyoak Spring Games in Taloyoak or the Toonik Tyme Festival in Iqaluit, among others.

Food and Drink in Nunavut

Known as 'country food', the cuisine of Nunavut is mostly based around subsistence living and products that come from hunting and fishing.

Regional Specialties

- Arctic char (with a taste somewhere between salmon and trout) is served in many ways - as well as sampling it stewed, baked or smoked, try it dried for a true northern experience.
- Mussels, scallops (especially from Cumberland Sound), clams, turbot (especially from the Baffin region) and Greenland shrimp.
- Musk ox and caribou.
- Local bannock (a simple unleavened bread dough cooked slowly in a frying pan, baked or boiled), which kept for weeks in an easily transportable form, was a favorite of early Arctic explorers.
- Raw whale blubber and skin, known as maktaaq or muktuk, is a highly prized local specialty - despite whaling being frowned upon internationally.

Things To Know

In group meals, elders are usually served first. Alcohol is controlled in Nunavut and in some communities is prohibited. Hotels and restaurants in Iqaluit are licensed.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Life is short and the older you get, the more you feel it. Indeed, the shorter it is. People lose their capacity to walk, run, travel, think, and experience life. I realize how important it is to use the time I have.

Viggo Mortensen

Live Life, Have Fun and Travel Often!

NUNAVUT, "OUR LAND, OUR STRENGTH"

BY Clay Larroy

The preparation for a vacation is almost as exhilarating as the vacation itself. I love printing out the tickets and confirmations while thinking about how much fun I will have on vacation. I enjoy researching all the sights at the location I will see once I arrive at my destination. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Nunavut is a wilderness that forms one-fifth of Canada. Polar bears dot the landscape, whales the seascape; and it is possible to do all those things that visitors may associate with the Arctic, from enjoying a dog sled to visiting an igloo to watching the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) illuminate the dense darkness.

There are also less traditional but equally adventurous activities to sink your teeth into, such as mountain and rock climbing or challenging hikes across breathtaking national parks. The landscape is one of ice and snow but also spectacular flora and fauna, all the more startling and beautiful for their sparseness and their contrast to the barren scene that they have managed to wriggle out of and flourish in. Any visitor to Nunavut will most likely also flourish, in an area with plenty of indigenous history and plenty of stunning tundra, mountains and deep fjords.

Nunavut became Canada's largest and newest territory in 1999, when it was separated from the Northwest Territories. It emerged from around 20 years of negotiations by the Inuit communities that constitute about 80% of the population of this Arctic territory. Nunavut means 'our land' in the language of the Inuit people, Inuktitut, and it is a land that is both Canadian and uniquely distinct from the country's other provinces and territories.

Where to stay in Nunavut

Hotels

Most communities have accommodation facilities, hotels, hostels and/or bed & breakfast establishments open all year. Space is limited so the accommodation and facilities may be shared, and are often quite basic. There are, however, full service hotels in the larger centers that also have meeting and conference facilities. Hotels can be very expensive. Iqaluit, the capital, now has approximately 260 rooms, including hotels and bed & breakfast establishments. Nunavut Tourism publishes an annual vacation planner detailing accommodation and other tourism services in Nunavut.

Camping Caravanning

Backpacking and tent camping is a popular summer activity. Auyuittuq National Park, Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary and Katannilik Territorial Park are particularly popular with hikers.

Other

Lodges designed for outdoor activity holidays or naturalist trips can be found in some areas.
For the more adventurous travelers, staying with an Inuit family is an option. Families are very hospitable but the accommodation is not regulated. Contact Nunavut Tourism for more information.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

A lot of funny stuff happens in Canada. 

Samantha Bee

Live, Love and Travel to create memories that will last a lifetime!

SASKATCHEWAN, "LAND OF THE LIVING SKIES"

BY CLAY LARROY

Traveling can be a great way to meet new people and experience other cultures. New friends are waiting to meet you in places you have only dreamed of traveling. It can be a wonderful way to see all that the world has to offer. Travel can be a hobby and an adventure that will lead you to unexpected places.  When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

REGINA, "THE QUEEN CITY"

Regina is the capital city of the province of Saskatchewan. It is in the south part of the province on highway No. 1. Regina is home of the RCMP Training Academy and the CFL Saskatchewan Roughriders.

See

Museums

·        Saskatchewan Science Centre, Powerhouse Dr, off Wascana Dr. Over a hundred permanent, hands-on exhibits, live stage shows, amazing Gryo-Gym, and one of the tallest climbing walls in Canada.

·        Kramer IMAX Theatre, , located right next to the Science Centre and one of about 250 such theatres in the world. It is one of the most dynamic ways for people to experience the places, people, and principles of science and nature.

·        The Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Albert St and College Ave, . An interesting natural history museum that describes the features of the province. Also features a half-size robotic T-Rex called "Megamunch".

·        Mackenzie Art Gallery, Albert St and 23rd Ave,. Major touring exhibits, Gallery Shop and 175-seat theatre. Tours available.

·        RCMP Heritage Centre, 5907 Dewdney Ave. Through the use of permanent and temporary exhibits, multimedia technologies, and extensive programming, the Heritage Centre tells the RCMP story and educates Canadians and the world about the past, present and future of the RCMP within Canada and abroad. The RCMP Heritage Centre also boasts a Gift Shop and e-store. Tours of the RCMP Academy, Depot Division are offered daily from May-Aug.

·        Civic Museum of Regina, 1375 Broad Street has been preserving Regina's history for fifty years. It is the only museum with a mandate to collect materials related to the cultural, social, political and economic growth and development of the peoples of Regina. This is made possible through collecting, documenting, preserving and exhibiting artifacts and other heritage collections.

Parks

Regina has more parks and greenspace per capita than any major city in Canada. Wascana Centre is a huge 9.3 square kilometre (2300-acre) park that is built around the shores of Wascana Lake, a man-made lake in the heart of Regina. It is one of North America's largest urban parks, and includes several attractions, such as several walking and bicycle paths, the Saskatchewan Science Centre, an outdoor pool, a marina with boat rentals, the Saskatchewan Legislative building, and the Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts.

·        Willow Island, [39]. This Island on Wascana Lake is both open to the public and available for group bookings. A pontoon boat which seats 12 passengers is used to transport people back and forth from the Island.

·        Central Park

·        Victoria Park is the park located in Regina's Market Square. It is the venue for many summer and winter events and concerts. In the centre of the park is a war memorial. A few statues dot the park, there is a playground on the South East corner. The park is well treed and has many benches. On summer afternoons expect downtown's business-people to populate the park equally with teenagers (who mostly stay on the grass). The park is on the North side Victoria Avenue between Scarth and Lorne Streets.

·        A.E. Wilson Park has the Northern entry point to the Devonian Pathway. There are many path intersections in this area, making it great for short walks. The park has the widest points in the creek on the North side of Wascana Lake. It is home to the Jack Hamilton Arena and Rick Hansen Optimist Playground.

·        Douglas Park houses the Canada Games Athletic Complex and Leibel Field.

Do

Annual Attractions

·        Downtown Ice & Fire Winter Carnival (15-18 Feb). Winter Carnival activities include snow sculptures in Victoria Park, evening lantern procession and a masquerade ball.

·        RCMP Sergeant Major's Parade (year round). A demonstration of the inspection of the troops, followed by a march through the Parade Square or the Drill Hall. The Sergeant Major's Parade occurs M-F at 12:50PM, statuatory holidays excluded. RCMP Depot Division 

·        RCMP Sunset Retreat Ceremonies (Jul-Aug). Colourful 45-minute ceremony centered around the lowering of the Canadian Flag. Features RCMP Cadet Band and Cadet Troops wearing the traditional scarlet tunic of the world-renowned Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Also in attendance uniformed members mounted on horses and carrying lances. RCMP Depot Division

·        Regina Folk Festival  (August). The Regina Folk Festival (RFF) is an annual folk music festival held in Victoria Park. Occurring the second weekend in August, the festival is a three-day annual event including evening headliner concerts and daytime workshops and performances. It is Western Canada's longest-running music festival.

·        Canadian Western Agribition  (21-26 Nov). Canada's premiere agriculture show and marketplace with over 4000 livestock on display including cattle, horses, bison, llama, sheep, and goats. Highlights: 14 breeds purebred beef cattle, Canadian Cowboys' Association Finals Rodeo, light and draft horse events, grain and forage events, agri-trade/technology and western craft trade show, stock dog trials, Agri-Ed showcase, food fair and daily entertainment.

·        Regina Farmers Market (Mar-Dec). Members of the market make, bake or grow their wares. The market offers the freshest fruit and vegetables, bison, lamb, tastiest breads, cookies, and original crafts and treats around. May to mid-Oct W 9:30AM-1PM, Sa 9AM-1PM; mid-Oct to mid-Dec, Sa 9AM-1PM.

·        The Queen City Ex  (1-6 Aug). The biggest summer fair in the province, featuring something for all ages - free stages, food, midway, exhibits and much more. Buffalo Days parade, home decor, pancake breakfast, Equifest, downtown activities.

·        Regina International Fringe Theatre Festival (10-13 Jul). Theatre lovers and performers will come from across the province and around the world for the festival running concurrent with Buffalo Days. Fringe is cutting edge entertainment bringing together performers and audiences in a fun, safe and exploratory environment.

·        Connect  - Yearly electronic music festival that can be found just outside of the Regina area.

·        Cathedral Village Arts Festival  - Annual celebration of the arts, located in Cathedral Village.

·        Mosaic  - local multicultural festival; usually runs for three days in late May or early June.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Regina

My goal is to be living back in Canada as soon as I can, 

hopefully somewhere in the Gulf Islands. 

Nicholas Lea

Travel to create marvelous memories for you and your family or friends!

SASKATCHEWAN, "LAND OF THE LIVING SKIES"

BY CLAY LARROY

A vacation can soothe the soul and leave you renewed, refreshed, and invigorated. Whether you are just now starting to plan your next vacation, or are merely looking for travel ideas and suggestions, read all the articles about travel. So take away some of the stress of making travel plans, and get started thinking about the fun and relaxing times you will soon be having on your next trip! When you are ready to plan an exciting vacation contact me!

SASKATOON, "BAND CITY"

Saskatoon is a city in central Saskatchewan. With a metropolitan population of about 257,000 people, it is the province's largest city. It's a little oasis among wheat fields.

See

The Bessborough Hotel overlooks the Saskatchewan River and is probably the most famous landmark in the city.

Be sure to check out the six bridges (including two railway bridges); sadly, the city's first bridge, the Traffic or Victoria Bridge, is (as of 2012) in the process of being dismantled.

Bessborough on an early evening from the street(s).

Do

If you have young children, the rides at Kinsmen Park cannot be beat. There is a miniature train, Ferris wheel and merry-go-round (all of which were upgraded in 2015). This attraction is near the Kinsmen Play Village, the Ukrainian Museum of Canada and across the street from the former Mendel Art Gallery, which as of fall 2015 is in the process of being converted into a children's museum. (The art gallery itself has been replaced by the Remai Art Gallery of Saskatchewan in the new River Landing development downtown.)

There are various shopping malls all around the city. Midtown Plaza, is probably the most convenient place for tourists to go to since it is in downtown Saskatoon. It is the largest mall in the city with over 130 stores and services, with two fairly large department stores such as Sears and The Bay. The next biggest malls are The Centre at Circle and 8th on the east side of the city, and The Mall at Lawson Heights in the north; the latter is the closest major mall to the numerous hotels and motels in the airport area.

Saskatoon Blades - Catch the local Western Hockey League team in action at the Credit Union Centre. The Centre is located in a remote part of northern Saskatoon; although there is a bus route serving the area, expect to have to take a taxi or rent a car.

Festivals

Saskatoon hosts many festivals and events during the summer. These include:

Saskatoon Exhibition. Annual fair with the usual assortment of midway rides and live entertainment. Usually held in early August.

Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan   - Saskatchewan's only professional theatre. Performs Shakespearian plays in a pair of large tents beside the Mendel Art Gallery in July and August.

Art in the Heart - this is a great little event in the Caswell area. There is artist vendors from Saskatoon, as well as crafts, face-painting and henna. Live local music is playing all day, and there is a kid's area in the Church Basement where they can do crafts and learn a play. Truly a unique experience to check out when in Saskatoon. Late September.

SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival   - Major jazz festival. Combines free public performances, beer gardens at the Bessborough Hotel with major artists, and various paid performances in venues around the city. Runs from mid-June through the beginning of July.

Northern Saskatchewan International Children's Festival   - Children oriented activities located on the riverbank of Saskatoon in June.

Saskatoon International Fringe Festival  - Street performances and alternative theatre centered around Broadway Avenue in August.

Folk Fest  - an annual, multi-cultural festival comprised of up to 25 ethnic pavilions located throughout the city. Inside each pavilion, visitors will find cultural displays, dance, song, food, folklore, fables and skits. Runs in August.

Canada Remembers Airshow   - Dedicating to remembering Canada's veterans, combines ground displays of intage aircraft, WW II trainers, fighters and bombers as well as the latest in jet-powered aircraft. Has active air acts which include vintage WWII aircraft, current military aircraft, and the Canadian Forces' Snowbirds Demonstration Team. Runs in August. 2009 will be its last year of performance.

"A Taste of The Saskatchewan"   - An Annual festival in which 30 of Saskatoon's finest restaurants are featured and provide Hors d'oeuvre and live entertainment. Often taking place in the latter half of July, the festival's riverside location provides an excellent atmosphere.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Winnipeg

Canada has really grown and grown as this unexplored 

and very mysterious and exotic place to me.

 Devendra Banhart

 

Live a Better Life Travel Often!

SASKATCHEWAN, "LAND OF THE LIVING SKIES"

BY CLAY LARROY

Summer is here the trees and flowers will be blooming soon. What a marvelous time to take a vacation. Because Canada is close and a perfect place to vacation this time of year. Canada is perfect for long weekend getaways it is close and convenient with many locations to visit.  When you need to plan a vacation contact me!

SASKATOON, "BAND CITY"

The city of Saskatoon is favorably positioned with the South Saskatchewan River winding through it. Eight bridges span its gentle flow, linking east to west. An active city, residents and visitors alike flock to the Meewasin Valley trails, traversing sixty kilometres of pathways in all seasons. The city’s youthful vitality and cultural richness are evident in every neighborhood, thanks in part to the University of Saskatchewan, where leading-edge technology such as the Canadian Light Source synchrotron draws the best minds from around the world. A vibrant, sophisticated arts community is tangible at the assortment of events and festivals taking place throughout the year. Boutique shopping, challenging golf courses, and fresh local cuisine round out Saskatoon’s appeal.

Tourism Saskatoon is a membership-based, non-profit visitor and convention bureau marketing Saskatoon and region as a destination of choice for leisure and business travel.  Services include convention and events attraction, media relations, and membership services advocacy.  Tourism Saskatoon is one of only a handful of internationally accredited destination marketing organizations in Canada.

With so much to offer, Saskatoon is one of Canada's most talked about tourist destinations. As it thrives economically and excels as a forward thinking metropolis, the door is constantly open for discovery. It is the place to experience fresh eateries, bustling nightlife, river trails and other outdoor spaces as well as cultural establishments and museums.

With over 65 annual events (forty in the summer alone), there is no shortage of things to see and do! The Waterfront Fine Craft Art Market is the perfect opportunity to find that handmade piece of Saskatchewan to take home and show off. See and taste how the professionals do it at RibFest in Diefenbaker Park - you will go to BBQ heaven!

If shopping is more your style, Saskatoon has a variety of unique retail destinations, offering everything from handmade crafts and housewares, to high-end brand name and niche specialty stores. For the complete shopping experience, check out Midtown Plaza or The Mall at Lawson Heights.

Whatever your plan, let Tourism Saskatoon help! This website offers helpful hints on where to stay and what to do. A full schedule will keep you up to date on all events, festivals, and attractions throughout the year!

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.tourismsaskatoon.com

Growing up in Canada, I dated a few ice hockey players. 

Katherine Ryan 

Travel to experience memories that will last a lifetime!