TRAVERSE 20
The road continues north, crossing the Arctic Circle, a milestone marked by a simple wooden sign adorned with the markings of travellers and the adventurous, and winding toward the Mackenzie Delta. Here, the landscape changes again: treeless tundra stretches in every direction, dotted with lakes, low brush, and the telltale signs of permafrost. It’ s a land that seems to defy logic, a serene beauty within what can only be described as the brutality of nature.
Inuvik and the Final Stretch
Inuvik is the last major settlement before the sea, a regional hub with a population of around 3,200 and a distinctly Arctic character. The Our Lady of Victory Church, known as the Igloo Church, is one of its most photographed landmarks. The town also hosts cultural events and Inuvialuit-run tours that offer insight into traditional ways of life, from Arctic char fishing to the construction of sod houses. Speaking with Sean at Arctic Moto you get a feel that he is passionate about this region and its people, offering anecdotes of the past as well as the present. Prompt Sean for more and he’ ll ensure that a cultural visit or natural history lesson is arranged.
TRAVERSE 20