We experienced and celebrated the diversity and burgeoning culture of Canada’s newest capital city, Iqaluit, which was formerly a seasonal fishing area for local Inuit, hence the name meaning ‘place of fishes’. We discovered the Arctic Archipelago as we sailed by many islands and points with a history of Distant Early Warning systems, whaling and Arctic exploration. Participants heard the cry of murres and fulmars, as thousands of breeding pairs make a home on the cliff walls facing the sea. As we arrived in Auyuittuq National Park, a zig-zag skyline of craggy granite peaks and glittering glaciers awaited us, overlooking tundra valleys and steep-walled fjords whose winding waterways hold narwhal and ringed seals. Auyuittuq is Inuktitut for the ‘place that never melts’ and the spectacular Coronation glacier has a glimpse of the power that the ice caps still hold on shaping the land.
The Route

The Highlights of Leg 7
We hiked to the tongue of the Coronation glacier, connected with the unique culture of Iqaluit and heard stories about how and why Nunavut has one of the most unique model governments in the world.
Youth Ambassador Leg 7
Journey Participant
Scientist
Head of the Canada C3 Science Program
Leg Expert
General Partner, VERDEXUS
Leg Expert/Scientist
Journey Participant
Journey Participant
Youth Ambassador Leg 7