Northwest Passage
- On September 10, 2016
- By Randall Tate
- In Arctic, Commercial, Traveling, Wilderness, Wildlife
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The Northwest Passage is a sea route connecting the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through Arctic Canada. Using it instead of the Panama Canal shortens the traverse from Asia to Europe by approximately 1200 miles (1900 km). With the continued effects of climate change, the once ice clogged and almost impossible route is now open for business during a very short window in late northern summer. A journey through the passage has now gone commercial as expedition cruising companies look for ways to expand their offerings.
The trips usually take about two weeks and stop at various Inuit communities and historical sites along the way. Cut off from the outside world for most of the year, the communities seem to relish the opportunity to meet visitors and share their culture. Uluhaktok is one of those communities. Meaning ulu-shaped-bay in the native language, the town is named after the traditional curved knives that the Inuit have used for thousands of years.
Spending time there left an impression. After five days, we knew most of locals by name and had been invited into many of their homes. It was one of the most welcoming communities I have ever visited. A peek into the world of Arctic Canada left a deep impression on us. Although it appears like they live a lonely, harsh existence, the people love their homeland and have carved out a balanced, happy life that we all could take a few lessons from.

Planes carry both passengers and cargo into the dirt runway in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Canada.

Boys playing on a cold August day in Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, Canada

Local transportation, Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, Canada

An ulu found on the beach in Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, Canada

Adam, maker of the finest ulus in Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, Canada

The Maud, Roald Amundsen’s ship during his second expedition to the Arctic, being lifted from the bottom in preparation for its return to Norway.

A local resident in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Canada.

Lifting off from the RRS Ernest Shackleton, British Antarctic Survey vessel.

Bannock, Inuit Fry Bread

Musk ox skull

One of the residents of Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, Canada. The collar of her jacket is made of wolverine

Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Canada.

Drummers in Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, Canada

The Ernest Shackleton fully loaded with 13 Zodiacs, two helicopters, a fast boat and a supply tender.

Narwhal, the possible inspiration for the unicorn

RRS Ernest Shackleton, British Antarctic Survey vessel

Crystal Serenity in Bellot Strait
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