An Insiders View on Arctic Tundra

By Jason Hillier

Dramatic landscapes, ice formations, unique wildlife, and incredible natural phenomena at any time of year, visiting the Arctic is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many travelers, adventurers, and photographers. Get a chance to witness the serene beauty of nature in the Arctic Kingdom.

Q. One little-known fact/trivia that everyone should know about when travelling to the Arctic Tundra region?
The Canadian Arctic is home to more than 60% of the world’s polar bear population.You’ll have opportunities for wildlife viewing, including chances to see polar bears on land and swimming, walrus, bowhead whales and more. Imagine the joy of see swimming polar bears as the gain access to the open water or catch bowhead whales as they arrive in their summer molting sites.

Q. What is a must buy when in Pangnirtung?
The quintessential hat of the Arctic. The Pangnirtung or “Pang Hat”.

Q. One takeaway after a visit to this region?
The Arctic is rapidly changing, it won’t look the same tomorrow as it does today – every day is a new experience.

Q. What is your advice to first-time travelers?
Arctic Kingdom trips are not intended to have set itineraries or sights to be seen crossed off in a short period of time. We believe in taking things as they come, to relax and enjoy the opportunities, be it a sunny or foggy day, to appreciate where you are in the moment, and fall into the lifestyle of the local people.

Q. One thing to definitely pack when travelling to the Arctic Tundra region?
A Parka! It is a large windproof jacket with a hood, designed to be worn in cold weather..

Q. One activity anyone travelling to this region should not miss.
Experiencing the floe edge. Also known as the “line of life”, the floe edge is where the land-fast ice meets the open water of the Arctic Ocean. This is one place where Arctic wildlife come to congregate, offering incredible opportunities for viewing narwhal, polar bears, beluga, seals and more.

Q. Where should anyone, travelling to this region, definitely get their picture taken.
One must get their pictures clicked amongst the vast and spectacular landscapes of Tundra and during autumn and winter, while you’re gazing up at the Northern Lights.

Q. Which is the best place to get a panoramic photo?
Panoramic pictures of the vast sea ice, dramatic mountains, icebergs, and possibly wildlife.

Q. The best place to enjoy sunset/sunrise?
Qikiqtarjuaq in August is a place one should visit as the days are long and vibrant and the sunsets are seemingly endless yet stunning.

Q. The most romantic place to take a special someone to.
Any of our Arctic Safari destinations! One of the most special experiences is the chance to share with a partner-exclusive and life-altering moment that very few people in the world have had, in some of the most spectacular places on Earth.

Q. Your favourite local dish and drink that you would recommend.
Arctic Char is a delicacy which is served in soups, sushi or pan fried.

Q. One place only the locals would know.
The floe edge which is where polar bears, whales, seals and birds congregate in the spring. It’s like a watering hole in the Serengeti!

Q. The best pub and best place to catch up for a drink.
The Tundra Inn in Churchill, MB.

Q. A local festival you feel more travellers should come and see.
Toonik Tyme is the largest annual festival in Nunavut. Each year the Toonik Tyme Society, local organizations and businesses, and over 100 volunteers work together to provide residents and visitors with a cultural festival that celebrates the arrival of spring with a number of traditional activities that reflect Inuit culture. Canada Day on July 1 is also a fun day to visit the small hamlets of Nunavut.

Q. Which is the one thing these guidebooks miss out on telling us?
The people of the North, Inuit, have a great sense of humor and can are great storytellers.

Q. Is there any particular month you would not recommend travel to this region and what would that reason be?
From December to February as the Arctic is extremely dark and cold at this time of year.

Q. In one sentence, The Arctic Tundra is ?
The Arctic is like nowhere else on Earth as it is peaceful and wild.

 

Jason Hillier, 45+ yrs old. 
VP Product Management, Arctic Kingdom

Originally I am from the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada but I’ve spend most of  my time in Nunavut for work and pleasure. We love exploring this beautiful land with our guests!

Insiders View on Armenia

By Hakob Kpryan

What makes Armenia an ideal travel destination for all?

Armenia What does this name stand for? A country, a state, nation, lifestyle, insight? Great history and culture? Unique art, fascinating landscape? huge diaspora, famous cognac? All items mentioned are probably parts and parcels of the answer to the question posed. On the other hand, none of the definitions is sufficient in itself to provide an answer. Armenia is a whole world of thousands of wonderful fragrances, colors and feelings. It is a world of open-hearted people and open doors, where guests are treated with happiness and joy as if they were a part of the family. It is a world of age-old wisdom and fresh ideas headed towards the future – an amazing world, Armenia is the poetry of eternity.

Tell us something that every traveller should know when travelling to Armenia? (An insider tidbit)

From millennia-old monasteries to crumbling cathedrals, Armenia is scattered with Christian places of worship: they don’t call this the “land of churches” for nothing. It’s impossible to identify the best basilica in the land, but one of our favorites is the 9th-century Tatev Monastery; a stunning building in an area of unremitting beauty.

Which are the most surreal places to visit when in Armenia?

One must visit the Tatev Monastery, Zorats Karer Observatory,
Khndzoresk cave city, Noravank Monastery, Tatev Cable car, Nagorno Karabakh, Forests of Dilijan and Garni basalt

Any essentials that one needs to carry when they travelling?

Carry a pair of proper walking shoes cause there’s a lot to explore on foot.

Can you tell us a little about the life of the locals?

Local people are very nice and hospitable. Most of the people work in agriculture and tourism. As the average income of the whole country is not high, most locals have a second profession.
That is why especially in the touristic areas one can see a lot of people selling their homemade products.
While hiking in the mountains, you can be invited to a farmer’s house for some drinks or snacks. It would be great if you could get some presents for these people as they don’t accept money as gratitude.

What are the local delicacies/drinks which one must try when in Armenia?

Homemade fruit Vodka, Ararat Brandy and Pomegranate wine are some lip-smacking drinks one must try when in Armenia.

What are things which one must buy when in Armenia?

One must buy handmade pottery, jewellery (gold, silver), scarves, brandy and homemade fruit vodka.

Which are the most romantic places to visit in Armenia?

Shaki waterfall is a beautiful place one must visit and other places like
Lake Sevan, Jermuk Waterfall and Tatev Complex are some romantic places one must visit.

What are the local festivals which one must come to attend in Armenia?

Yerevan wine days, Areni Wine festival, EPIC music fest
Barbeque festival and Beer festival are some festivals a traveller must visit.

The things guidebooks will not tell anyone about?

Yerevan is a City of Fountains,
Small fountains of spring water called “pulpulak” can be seen at every step in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. These fountains have long been one of the most recognized symbols of the city. There are over 1,500 pulpulaks in Yerevan. The word “pulpulak” refers to the gurgling of the water flowing out of the fountain.
The water in Armenia is considered one of the most delicious and purest in the world. Indeed, the water here is supplied from the pure natural sources and it can be drunk straight from the tap without boiling, without fear for the health. Armenians have a special attitude to water: they honor this gift of nature, compose stories and legends about it.

According to you what is the best thing about Armenia?

Armenia is one of the world’s oldest countries, with the extensive history to prove it. Also one of the least explored places in the world.