Planning Your Trip
Over the next few years, Nunavut will change constantly. Though only declared as a new territory in April, 1999, people are already calling it by its new name. Pronounced “new-na-voot,” it means “our land.”
This is a spectacular land to visit. The Arctic Wilderness provides a unique travel experience but to make the most of it, you need to hire an experienced outfitter or guide.
There are an ever-growing number of tour operators, outfitters and guides opening companies within the boundaries of Nunavut. To choose between them, you need to be aware of the wide range of services offered.
Most tour operators are based in the North or South. They generally include packages that offer such things as transportation to, from and within Nunavut, accommodations, meals, and excursions. They may refer an outfitter who will help you organize your trip and supply you with the gear you will need for your trip.
Outfitters are individuals or companies most based in the North and South of Nunavut that provide different levels of services. These could include such things as tours, guides, accommodation, transportation, clothing and gear. Some locally based outfitters only provide basic services such as transportation to and from a National park. Others offer complete packages such as fishing trips, dogsledding tours and much more.
Often, guides work for an outfitter although some run their own businesses. These guides accompany you on your trip and may offer information on certain sights, or natural, cultural and historical interpretation. All guides and outfitters operating within Nunavut’s boundaries must be licensed under the Travel and Tourism Act. It is obligatory for them to provide liability insurance.
Before you write a check to an outfitter or guide, ask them to see their license. If they assure you they have a license but cannot provide one, verify their credentials with the Department of Canadian Tourism. If you hire an outfitter who is unable to deliver the tour you have agreed on, the government, under the NWT Tourism Deposit Assurance Program will reimburse you for your deposit. However, if the guide you chose is not licensed, there will be no way to retrieve the deposit you have made.
There are many different tours to choose from but if you live outside of Canada, there is information you should be made aware of. Depending where you are from, you may need a Visa or Passport to enter Canada. You may also need papers certifying that you
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