How to get to Kimmirut

Kimmirut is most easily reached by air and is serviced by two airlines – First Air and Ken Borek. There are four flights a week from Iqaluit – Nunavut’s capital city and travel hub; the duration of flights is about 30 minutes. These airlines also offer charter services. First Air and Canadian North Airlines offer daily service to Iqaluit from Ottawa, the closest southern destination. Three times a week travellers can also fly from Edmonton to Iqaluit via Yellowknife and Rankin Inlet and catch a connecting flight to Kimmirut.

In recent years cruise ship passengers have also discovered what Kimmirut has to offer from July to September. Visiting cruise companies can change year to year so it’s best to check with Nunavut Tourism (www.nunavuttourism.com) or the Katannilik Visitor Centre in Kimmirut for the most up-to-date information. Cruise North Expeditions (www.CruiseNorthExpeditions.com), a company based in northern Quebec, Adventure Canada, Clipper Cruise and Zegraham & Eco Expeditions are offering cruises with stops in Kimmirut during the 2005 season. There will be six visits by cruise ships to Kimmirut in 2005 and any cultural events staged for passengers can be enjoyed by all visitors.

Because of Kimmirut’s proximity to Iqaluit (half an hour by plane), tour companies such as Polynya (www.polynya.ca) will arrange day charters for interested groups. People would be well advised to book in advance.

Eco-tourism groups travelling through Katannilik Territorial Park make Kimmirut their destination. This season (2005) Sunrise County International Outfitters and Wanapitei Outfitters will be visiting the community.

For winter visitors there is a well-travelled 120-kilometre snowmobile trail (the Itijjagiaq Trail) running from Iqaluit to Kimmirut through Katannilik Park, with shelters en route. The trip by snowmobile can take anywhere from about six hours depending on weather and frequency of stops. There are also outfitters in Iqaluit who will take visitors by dogteam on the trail. Contact Northwinds (www.northwinds-arctic.com) or Nunavut Tourism for more information.