Take In Beautiful Views Of The Northern Lights At This Grand Canadian Island
For years, humans have been chasing the Northern Lights. In fact, evidence of our collective fascination for the aurora borealis (its scientific name) dates as far back as 30,000 B.C. when paintings of the celestial spectacle were discovered in caves. This fixation persists into the present day, drawing travelers from all over the world to make their way up the north to witness its beauty. Countries like Norway, Iceland, Finland, and Sweden are often regarded as the best places to feast your eyes on the beauty of the auroras. But the opportunity to immerse in the Northern Lights isn't limited to these Nordic destinations. Canada also offers a stage to see these lights, particularly on Baffin Island, the fifth-largest island in the world.
Baffin Island is situated in the Nunavut territory of Canada and boasts nearly 200,000 square miles, also making it the country's largest island. But despite its expansive size, it's sparsely populated, with Canadian Geographic noting that only approximately 17,000 people call it home, and most of them are concentrated within Iqaluit, its capital and sole city. This leaves much of the island largely unspoiled, offering the perfect playground for those seeking a one-of-a-kind adventure. Some, for example, opt to rock climb fjord walls, bird watch, or enjoy its snow-blanketed landscapes and go skiing. Others, of course, make the journey to the remote paradise in pursuit of the Northern Lights. Here, the cosmic dance of lights unfolds in its full glory.
Planning your visit
Part of the allure of the Northern Lights lies in its uniqueness; it looks different depending on how the sun's particles interact with atmospheric gases, as per Space. In Baffin Island — or the Nunavut area in general — the lights often shimmer in captivating green hues. The optimal window for viewing is from October to April, a period characterized by reduced light pollution and longer nights. However, visitors should be prepared for extreme weather conditions. During winter, daylight is limited to approximately four hours, and temperatures can drop to around 14 degrees, necessitating appropriate winter attire.
And while you can always chase the aurora borealis yourself, it may be challenging for non-locals. You may have a better shot of having a more enriching experience by opting to partake in tours dedicated to seeing this natural beauty. Luckily, there are tour operators offering specialized itineraries for prime aurora viewing. For instance, The Polar Travel Company provides a 9-day excursion in April, in which you'll explore the High Arctic to see the Northern Lights and have wildlife encounters, like observing polar bears. Baffin Safari offers a luxurious camping experience, with glass domes optimized for prime viewing of the lights and opportunities to observe bears, caribou, and wolves.
It's worth noting, however, that these tours require a significant investment. Prices are north of 25,700 CAD, or almost 19,000 USD. But costs generally include a comprehensive package with guided tours, flights, meals, accommodations, and other essentials, resulting in an immersive Arctic experience.
Other things to do in Baffin Island
If you're traveling north to visit Baffin Island, you might as well maximize your stay and do other activities besides gazing at the Northern Lights and polar bears. Those who live on the edge might want to allot time to visit the Auyuittuq National Park, which packs awe-inspiring glaciers, rivers, and mountains. You can explore the Arctic Circle by hiking, skiing, or attempting to scale Mount Thor, renowned for its world-record vertical drop of 4,101 feet. It's unclear if you'll see Chris Hemsworth at the peak, though.
For a more serene experience, the Sirmilik National Park is there to welcome you. This place is ideal for wildlife lovers looking to observe various species of Arctic seabirds or engage in ice diving for close encounters with beluga whales and narwhals. It's also home to stunning geological formations, ranging from spectacular hoodoo formations to expansive valleys. If you want to be surrounded by majestic icebergs, you can explore the park's waters by boat or sea kayak.
Baffin Island's cultural landscape is equally compelling, so try and make time to relish in its rich art scene as well. Nunavut also happens to boast a notably high concentration of artists. The Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum is a treasure trove of Nunavut's history and Inuit culture. Additionally, a visit to Cape Dorset allows you to witness artists in their element, creating prints, sculptures, carvings, and a variety of other artworks.