"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.
Inuvik's Catholic church, a modern, igloo-shaped building, is very impressive and contains a tabernacle which is also igloo-shaped, and a remarkable "Way of the Cross" by Inuit artist Mona Trasher.
Our Lady of Victory Roman Catholic Church with its distinctive shape has become a landmark building of Inuvik.
Tips: Tours available during the summer months, good lookout point
On the east bank of the Peel River lies Fort McPherson an old fur-trading station, like most of the settlements near the Mackenzie River. Today it is home to a large population of Teetl'it Gwich'in People. The highway then threads its way through a forest region rich in lakes to the Arctic Red River, where the ferry crosses the Mackenzie.
Tuktut Nogait National Park to the east of Inuvik was established in 1996. A vast and hitherto largely unspoilt tract of 16,340 sq. km (6307 sq. mi.), the Park boasts some truly overwhelming arctic rock scenery with spectacular canyons and cliffs. Finds made at literally dozens of archaeological sites within the conservation area show that this now inhospitable region was inhabited thousands of years ago.
Access to the park is by air only.
Address: Tuktut Nogait National Park, General Delivery, Paulatuk, NT X0E1N0, Canada
Phone: 1 (867) 580-3233, Fax: 1 (867) 580-3234
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Fort McPherson, Canada
