"Place of Man" is the Inuit meaning of the name for this modern settlement in the Arctic circle on the Mackenzie River delta. Built between 1955 and 1961, during the oil and gas exploration, it replaced Aklavik, which was badly located and prone to flooding. Today Inuvik is the trading, administrative and supply center for the western Arctic. It
has an airfield, several schools and a hospital. From here the supply planes set off for the exploration bases in the far north (Mackenzie delta, Beaufort Sea). Sightseeing flights over the Arctic also take off from here.
Since the earth is permanently frozen, any form of building poses considerable technical problems. All utility supply lines have to be laid above the ground and the houses built on stilts to prevent the melting of the permafrost, which would result in subsidence.
A famous curling tournament is held here at the end of March, followed a month later by the Top of the World skiing championship.
There are many street parties during June and July when the sun barely sets.
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