Exploring the Arctic Wonders of Iqaluit with Friends

Day 6: Glaciers and Tundra in Sirmilik National Park

Today was an absolute dream! After a hearty breakfast, we ventured into the heart of Sirmilik National Park. The raw, untouched beauty of this place is something you have to see to believe. Imagine endless tundra meeting icy glaciers, all under the vast Arctic sky. It's a landscape that humbles you, reminding you of nature's immense power and delicate balance.


Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife of Sirmilik National Park, a hidden gem in the Arctic wilderness of Nunavut.

Our day began at the Black Heart Café. I opted for their maple latte made with oat milk, while the others grabbed breakfast sandwiches and muffins. Fuelled up, we were ready to tackle the Arctic wilderness. The Black Heart Café is truly one-of-a-kind in the city. With most prices similar to those found back home, it is a great place to relax. It's become a ritual to begin our morning with “the usual”.


Experience the unique flavors of Iqaluit at Black Heart Café—your cozy spot for artisanal coffee and local cuisine.

We packed our essentials and headed out to explore Sirmilik National Park. Known as the place of glaciers in Inuktitut, it certainly lived up to its name. The park is located on Baffin Island, and it boasts glaciers, rugged mountains, and tundra that seems to stretch endlessly. The landscape was breathtaking, a mix of ice formations and vast open spaces. I felt a world away from my busy life in Berlin.

We had lunch at Tristan Newmans hideout. It's a casual Indian restaurant situated on Mivvik Street in Iqaluit. The menu primarily features small plates inspired by Indian cuisine, providing patrons with diverse taste experiences for dinner. It's a tranquil setting is conducive to relaxed gatherings, offering patrons the option to dine in groups. It was a welcome change of pace.


Experience authentic Indian cuisine at Tristan Newman's Hideout in Iqaluit – where vibrant flavors meet Arctic hospitality.

The Arctic's raw beauty isn't just a visual spectacle; it's a reminder of the resilience of nature and the deep connection between the Inuit people and their environment.

After lunch, we dedicated our afternoon to exploring Sirmilik National Park. Sirmilik National Park is one of the most diverse areas in the arctic. We spent hours hiking across the tundra, the spongy ground a stark contrast to the icy glaciers in the distance. The park encompasses diverse ecosystems, from the arctic cordillera mountain range to the arctic ocean's floe edge. Exploring Inuit culture and history is a big part of Sirmilik. We were on the lookout for wildlife, and Sirmilik National Park is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including polar bears, caribou, Arctic foxes, Arctic wolves, narwhals, belugas, seals, and many species of birds. Though we didn't spot any polar bears today (thankfully!), we did see a few arctic foxes darting across the landscape.

Sirmilik is not just about natural beauty; it's also a window into traditional Inuit culture. The Inuit have inhabited the park for centuries, relying on its resources for hunting and fishing. Sirmilik National Park and its surrounding region has a rich legacy of cultural resources that tell the story of human occupation of the area. Human history in Sirmilik dates back thousands of years. Learning about how the ancestors of modern-day Inuit lived and thrived in this region was humbling. The floe edge, where the sea ice meets the open water, is a phenomenon unique to the Arctic. Known as the line of life, it attracts an abundance of wildlife, including narwhals, bowhead whales, and seals. We could see why the Inuit have such a deep connection to this land.

We learned that Sirmilik translates to place of glaciers in Inuktitut, a name that perfectly encapsulates the park's icy grandeur. Within the park, you'll find ice caps like the Penny Ice Cap, which feeds numerous glaciers across Baffin Island. The glaciers of Baffin Island are some of the most dramatic features of the Canadian Arctic. The constant interplay of ice and land highlights why this land that never melts has captured the imagination of adventurers across the arctic.

One of the highlights of the day was learning about Bylot Island, a jewel within Sirmilik National Park. The island is one of Canada's premier bird sanctuaries. As a protected bird sanctuary, Bylot Island offers a unique opportunity to witness the delicate balance of life in the Arctic. Bylot Island's southwest corner also hosts the largest colony of Greater Snow Geese in the world. We didn't make it to the island today, but it's definitely on the list for a future trip. Perhaps I can convince Mei and Lina to join me next time. I know Lina would love to see all the birds.

I found myself reflecting on how different this landscape is from the bustling streets of Berlin. Back there, I'm always connected, always working. Here, surrounded by nothing but nature, I felt a sense of peace I hadn't realized I was missing. It’s moments like these that make me appreciate the flexibility of my freelance IT consultant life. It allows me to escape the city and immerse myself in places like this, even if just for a couple of weeks.

As evening approached, we headed back to Iqaluit for dinner at Aqsarniit lounge. It's located at 1730 Sivumugiaq Street in Iqaluit. Aqsarniit lounge is a spacious Lounge, where you can catch the game on TV, or join locals dancing to DJs and live music. The hotel's design showcases the people, art, and landscapes that exemplify Inuit culture. It was a perfect way to end the day, sharing stories and laughs over a delicious meal with my friends. I am very happy I decided to leave Berlin for a couple weeks.


Experience Iqaluit's vibrant culture at Aqsarniit Lounge—where local flavors meet a welcoming atmosphere.

Before heading back to our accommodations, we decided to check out The Chartroom Lounge. The Chartroom Lounge is more than just a bar; it's a cultural hub in Iqaluit. The establishment features a diverse menu of drinks, including local brews and classic cocktails, making it a popular choice for both residents and visitors alike. Whether you're looking to enjoy a quiet drink or engage in lively conversations with fellow travelers, The Chartroom Lounge caters to all preferences. The Chartroom bar is serving a six-day liquor licence suspension by closing for three Wednesdays and three Fridays in January and will pay a $10,000 fine for violating the Liquor Act on two occasions in 2024. We opted for some local spirits, a perfect way to end the night.


Experience the warmth and charm of The Chartroom Lounge in Iqaluit, where great drinks and friendly faces await you in the heart of Nunavut.

Tomorrow, we're planning to visit St. Jude's Anglican Cathedral and do some shopping at the Northern Store. I'm excited to see more of Iqaluit and learn more about the local culture. St. Jude's Anglican Cathedral is a unique building in Iqaluit. The Northern Store is a great place to buy souvenirs.

As I write this, I'm filled with gratitude for this incredible experience. Sirmilik National Park is a place that stays with you, a reminder of the beauty and fragility of our planet. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings, but for now, I'm content to drift off to sleep with memories of glaciers and tundra dancing in my head.

I am really happy that I remembered to pack warm clothes, hiking boots, and my camera. I am regretting forgetting my portable charger and sunglasses. However, I can always buy those at the Northern Store tomorrow.