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[aopaq]

As a former habitant of the Arctic for many years, I thought I would ask this question:

Now that global warming appears to be affecting the polar ecosystems more and more each year, are folks starting to consider the Arctic (or Antarctic) as possible travel destinations before they become significantly changed? If so, where are you looking to go?

[skylab]

I was never into extreme colds. lol. Maybe one day though. I'll never take it off my list but I have so many other places I want to see before the poles.

[starlagurl]

That's a good question. I always wanted to go to the Arctic, especially Nunavut, but the weather wouldn't be what convinces me, it's more the price. It's $1500 to fly to Iqaluit right now, but I won't go unless it's at least half that.

[aopaq]

That's a good question. I always wanted to go to the Arctic, especially Nunavut, but the weather wouldn't be what convinces me, it's more the price. It's $1500 to fly to Iqaluit right now, but I won't go unless it's at least half that.

There is no doubt, travel to the Arctic is unbelievably expensive. Maybe you could go to Churchill, MB and from there see if you can hop a skidoo or Bombadier ride to Arviat. This may be possible (with some luck and help organizing) at probably a cheaper cost and would be a real unique experience. Or there is the possibility of using Aeroplan points as I have heard that buying the required points to go on FirstAir (an Aeroplan partner that flies to Rankin from Winnipeg) is cheaper than actually buying a ticket.

As for the weather, the best time is the spring (around April) as there is tonnes of sunlight then and things have warmed up (relatively). This is when all the locals are out hunting, fishing and enjoying various spring festivals that pretty well every Northern community hosts.

Personally, I have never found Iqaluit particularly appealing.

[starlagurl]

Yep, I was planning on saving up some air miles to do just that.

I just picked Iqaluit because that's where you can get the cheapest flights, I'm not really picky about where I go specifically.

Just looking at flights from Winnipeg to Churchill on Calm Air...it came to over $900 with fees and taxes! That's nuts.

[aopaq]

I won't comment about Calm Air since I have had my definite issues with them!

I agree that going to Iqauit is probably the cheapest routing although be aware that hotel costs are equally astronomical (although I think there are a few B&B's which are supposed to be pretty good). But as far as the "big" city (relatively speaking of course) goes, Iqaluit definitely doesn't have the same feel and traditional aspect that the smaller communities have. That is not to say that any northern community is completely traditional nowadays but some more so than others are doing a better job at sustaining and promoting more traditional Inuit activities. I would say that Arviat (because it does not have a jet service) fits into the category of still being pretty traditional and is also the home of the singer Susan Agluukarq along with being the second or third largest community in NU.

If you do travel to Iqaluit, try to go during Toonik Tymes which is their spring festival but you will definitely have to book everything as far in advance as possible!

[starlagurl]

So, are there organized scheduled skidoo rides to Arviat? This is getting more and more interesting... How do all those people that live there get somewhere else?

[aopaq]

So, are there organized scheduled skidoo rides to Arviat? This is getting more and more interesting... How do all those people that live there get somewhere else?

No, there are not scheduled or organized rides but if you can find out if someone is headed to Churchill, you might be able to hitch a ride back, especially if they are doing a fuel run or picking up a vehicle with a Bombadier. I don't know of any tourists that have ever done this but it could be possible and would make a heck of a story. BTW, the Bombadiers travel especially slowly when hauling a heavy sled so it could take from 8-10 hours or more back to Arviat. And then if a blizzard blows up.....well.....then all bets are off when you would arrive!

As for the locals, they do some unbelievably long skiddoo journeys often pulling their family on long sleds with a box. Of course, this is mostly in the springtime. Otherwise, they get somewhere else by supporting Calm Air!

[starlagurl]

Is that the only airline?

[travelmonster]

Speaking generally as I don't have immediate plans for it, I would consider anything!! I can't think of any place I wouldn't want to go - just to have a look and see.

[aopaq]

Is that the only airline?

Along with Calm Air, there is Kivalliq Air (turbo-prop only) that operates out of Winnipeg and then FirstAir and CanadianNorth (both with jet service through Edmonton and Ottawa).

[starlagurl]

OK, I will have to check that out. If you hear of anyone skidooing up to Nunavut from anywhere in "the south" don't forget to let me know!

[wakingdream]

Although I've never considered going in detail,I have definitely thought it would make a great trip. And yeah, especially since things are changing and things won't be the same. I've always thought it is a very special place.

What did you do there aopaq? How long did you live there?

[aopaq]

Although I've never considered going in detail,I have definitely thought it would make a great trip. And yeah, especially since things are changing and things won't be the same. I've always thought it is a very special place.

What did you do there aopaq? How long did you live there?

Yes Susie, I would say it is definitely a unique and different part of Canada but of course not without its problems (as anywhere). I went up there originally as a teacher when it was all still the NWT. Then in '99 division occurred and I became a resident of NU for about another 8 more years. The opportunities up there are incredible and I was able to become involved in things that would have been much less likely anywhere else, including being a volunteer coroner.
If anyone has the chance, I would recommend a trip. The Inuit people are very friendly.

[starlagurl]

That...is awesome... I would LOVE to live up there. I went to Yellowknife in the summer and reallllllllly wanted to stay.

What are you doing now?

[aopaq]

That...is awesome... I would LOVE to live up there. I went to Yellowknife in the summer and reallllllllly wanted to stay.

What are you doing now?

I am now teaching high school students in China and made the decision to move here partly so that I could have a different base to launch my travels from. Of course not having the same amount of income (by a long stretch) puts a slightly different perspective on things. But I am enjoying being back in the classroom now after six years working on developing curriculum.

[wakingdream]

You have lead a very interesting life so far

So, why a volunteer coroner if you don't mind my asking?

[aopaq]

You have lead a very interesting life so far

So, why a volunteer coroner if you don't mind my asking?

There were two reasons why I decided to take up the position as a volunteer coroner. Firstly, in the small Inuit communities it is sometimes hard to find someone who can do the work without a lot of emotional attachment because everyone is somehow related. As an outsider, I figured it would be easier for me to deal with deceased people and with a science background I was at least familiar with the biological aspects. But it was definitely not always "easy" since my first case was on the suicide of one of my former students and many of my later cases were sadly also student related.

The other reason, which is much less self-sacrificing, is that by being a coroner I was exempted from jury duty. In small communities it is quite common to get selected for jury duty which can be very time-consuming and boring.

But I did learn so much about the experience as well as getting exposed more to the "darker side" of living in the Arctic. But the nice thing is that people did appreciate your efforts and to receive notes from families afterwards helped to provide some balance.

[starlagurl]

Wow, incredible story. Life is definitely different up there.

[wakingdream]

Yes, that's for sure Louise. But you know, I have a very profound respect for those who choose different ways of life. We could all have the norm but wouldn't that be boring. Once in awhile my life fits into 'the norm' (right now especially but other times not) and it makes me realize that I may have a bit of that in my life, which is perfectly fine, but I've got to mix it up and open my eyes to new things or life gets very boring very fast.