Arctic Coast communities
There are eight communities in the Western Arctic region. Three of the communities are accessible by year-round road, (Fort McPherson, Tsiigehchic and Inuvik) two are accessible by winter ice roads (Tuktoyaktuk and Aklavik) and three are accessible only by air. One of these communities , Paulatuk, is along the Arctic Coast, and the other two (Holman and Sachs Harbour) are located on islands. For more information on a specific community click on the community name on the map.
Aklavik
Aklavik (Aklarvik, "place where one gets grizzly bear") has always been a meeting place for the Gwichin, Metis and Inuvialuit, and many here still follow a traditional way of life. A trading post was built in 1918, and Aklavik became the commercial hub of the Delta region until well into the 20th century, when Inuvik usurped its role. The Aklavik Fur Factory produces designer coats, hats and mukluks. You can visit the grave of "The Mad Trapper of Rat River," object of a midwinter manhunt that captured the imagination of the entire continent in 1931.
Fort McPherson
Fort McPherson (Tetlit Zheh, "house above the river") is a village overlooking the Peel River in the traditional lands of the Tetlit Gwich in. The Hudson's Bay Company built a post here in 1858, named for its chief trader. Today the community is a popular stopping-off place for travellers driving the Dempster Highway to Inuvik. The graveyard at St. Matthews Church is the final resting place of the RNWMP's "Lost Patrol," who died tragically in the winter of 1910-11. Tour the Fort McPherson Tent and Canvas Workshop, known for its backpacks, briefcases and traditional canvas tents. There's a hotel, restaurant and general store.
Inuvik
Inuvik ("Place of man," population 3,667), is the largest Canadian community north of the Arctic Circle. It's set on a plateau overlooking the Mackenzie Delta, and the Arctic Ocean is only 97 kilometres farther north. In summer, Inuvik buzzes with charter planes taking visitors on excursions to the Mackenzie Delta. Inuvik offers a full range of accommodations, restaurants and specialty shops. Visit the Western Arctic Regional Visitor Centre for information about package tours and to see the fascinating interpretive displays. Pick up your certificate, awarded to all travellers who cross the Arctic Circle. Our Lady of Victory, the Igloo Church is an Inuvik landmark.
Paulatuk
Paulatuk (Paulatuuq, "place of soot"), is named for the nearby Smoking Hills where a type of coal smoulders ceaselessly. Paulatuk is a destination for sports hunting and fishing, and for canoeing and hiking in Tuktut Nogait National Park. Visit the Paulatuuq Parks Canada Visitors' Centre for information. Licensed operators will take you on boat tours, into the park, or to local camps for a taste of life on the land. Meet artists who create carvings, tapestries and handicrafts in the Inuvialuit tradition. Amenities include a small hotel and a grocery store.
Sachs Harbour
Sachs Harbour (Ikahuk, "place where one crosses over ") is named for the vessel Mary Sachs, which served with the 1913 Canadian Arctic Expedition. The traditional Inuvialuit lifestyle is still very much alive here, and muskox or polar bear hunts can be arranged with the local Hunters and Trappers Association. Guided tours to view wildlife, birds and flowers are available, and you can try your hand at spinning and weaving qiviut, the soft undercoat of muskox, used by Inuvialuit women to make fine scarves and sweaters.
Tsiigehtchic
Tsiigθhtchic ("mouth of the river of iron") began as a Mission in 1868. Many Gwichya Gwichin who live here follow a traditional lifestyle, spending part of the year on the land. Tsiigθhtchic offers access to the Arctic Red, a Canadian Heritage River that's navigable without portage for some 200 km upstream. The Gwich'in Social and Cultural Institute is based here. Stop at the community centre, visit the local store and try some renowned dryfish. Automotive services and gas are available. While there's no formal camping area, visitors are welcome to camp on the flats near the ferry landing.
Tuktoyaktuk
Tuktoyaktuk (Tuktuuyaqtuumukkabsi, "looks like caribou") was once an Inuvialuit harvesting site for tuktu (caribou). When the people settled in communities, Tuk was chosen as a harbour for supply ships because of its natural shelter from winds and waves. Tuk is easily accessible by scheduled flights from Inuvik, and is a base for exploring the amazing Pingos - the Arctic hills created by premafrost. There's a hotel and restaurant and community store.
Ulukhaktok
"The place where one finds material to make ulus" was made famous by the Holman Eskimo Coop, which produces an annual series of prints depicting the Inuvialuit lifestyle. The community also boasts a nine-hole golf course, and hosts the most northerly tournament in Canada, the Billy Joss Open. Sign up for a naturalist expedition, go sport hunting or fish for Arctic char and lake trout. There's a hotel and a small general store.
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