Staff favourites in Northern Canada

Being at York Factory National Historic Site is like stepping back in time. Walking through the depot building with all the signatures carved on the walls, through the peaceful cemetery, and on the beach as the tide churns up artefacts – it’s like getting a glimpse into the life of the community that lived here for hundreds of years. It’s a perfect time capsule; eerie and beautiful to explore.

My favourite part about working at Prince of Wales Fort National Historic Site in northern Manitoba is looking around and seeing how untouched it is compared to other national historic sites. What we are seeing is what the Hudson Bay Company and Indigenous peoples saw hundreds of years ago.

Paper wasn’t as ubiquitous 300 years ago as it is today, and so the people of northern Manitoba's Hudson Bay Company would scribble on the walls of York Factory National Historic Site to keep track of things. From drawings, to tallying up the newest shipment of potatoes, to John Rae’s signature underneath some stairs, I could spend hours looking at the errant thoughts of our predecessors.

Rose Island, (Sallikuluk in Inuktitut) has been used by generations of Inuit who have lived, hunted, gathered, and used the island as a meeting place. Part of Torngat Mountains National Park, this small island located in Saglek Bay, is also a resting place for Inuit as there are over 600 traditional Inuit rock graves. When you step onto the island you know you have arrived at a truly special place.

This is the ultimate Ivvavik National Park vacation in the Northwest Territories. Float through many diverse habitats by raft, see the amazing geological splendour from the water and hike through land untouched by glaciation. Added bonus! You get to learn about conservation research and try it first-hand.

Exploring Aulavik National Park is like getting to peek into the lives of countless generations of people before you. There are cultural sites everywhere! Paddling along the Thomsen River is my favourite way to explore the park because you get to cover a lot of ground while still camping and hiking during the evenings. Always keep an eye out for muskoxen and Arctic wolves and more – you’ll be amazed at what you can find!

My favourite stopover while paddling the Broken Skull River in Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve is scrambling up Tu Ɂulah Shúh (Singing Water Mountain). The rocky climb is tough, but when you get to the top you have a mesmerizing view of the river valley. It’s incredible to see all the way back to where you started your journey at Ǫtaa Tu Fehto (Divide Lake).

Whenever I go to Sadéé Shúh Gaǫfáá (Sunlight Mountain Hot Springs) in Nááts’įhch’oh National Park Reserve, there is one place that I try to catch a few minutes to just sit. It’s a big, flat rock at the source of Shúhzhié káili (The Creek Is Flowing Out of the Mountain). Watching the creek flow straight out of the rock and listening to its bubbling notes, I like to think it’s the music the Elders say the mountains are keeping.

I love driving the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway in the Northwest Territories! It’s a stunning tundra experience that ends at the Arctic Ocean and the Pingo Canadian Landmark, just outside of Tuktoyaktuk. I like to have a campfire by the Ocean and then paddle to the boardwalk that gives you access to see Ibyuk Pingo up close.

A lively little place in its day, Sweetgrass Station in Wood Buffalo National Park used to be a bison management centre. There are still several buildings standing, including a warehouse, the Warden’s house and an extensive corral system. It truly is an amazing place.

Set in a bowl of surrounding mountains, “Naaqpait Tasinga” in Auyuittuq National Park is a spectacular large, clear lake that's known for its char ("naaqpait" here refers to big bellies on the fish). It drains into Naaqpait (Narpaing Fiord) through a short, fast river where you can see lots of fish running in the fall. Old rock caches with thick lichen growth show how long this has been used as a harvesting place - and is still in use today by Inuit from Qikiqtarjuaq. You'll also see signs that birds, foxes, and bears come here too to find sustenance.

The Air Force Glacier Loop hiking route, and Tanquary Fiord in Quttinirpaaq National Park are so stunning it can feel like you are in another world. Amazing, diverse mountains all around you, hiking right next to and even in between glaciers is like nothing else I’ve experienced. Seeing wolves, hares, many birds, herds of muskoxen, and maybe even caribou in their element can be incredible.

There are two sets of falls on this river accessible from Sila Lodge in Ukkusiksalik National Park. The first is about a half hour walk from the lodge. Walk further for a couple hours and see a more dramatic waterfall cutting through the bedrock.

Whether you ski the Akshayuk Pass in the glittering ice and snow of spring, or hike through the rainbow of wildflowers in summer or the crimson and gold tundra of fall, it’s hard to beat a Summit Lake view in Auyuittuq National Park.

Camping or visiting the beautiful shoreline of Mät'atäna Män (Kathleen Lake) at Kluane National Park and Reserve offers visitors and locals alike a stunning natural environment in which to relax and unwind. Located on the traditional territory of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and surrounded by boreal forest and mountains, the breezes and views are sure to enchant you.

A short stroll that rewards you with some of the best views of Kluane National Park and Reserve. Along the way, you will find evidence left behind from Dall Sheep that frequent the area. Venture to the highest point and take in the spectacular views of the Ä’äy Chù Valley, that Indigenous peoples and Dall sheep have been enjoying for thousands of years.

A must-see at Klondike National Historic Sites, the Old Post Office in Dawson City is a step back in time. The high ceilings, large windows, ornate woodwork and décor are as beautiful today as when it was built. Stepping inside, it’s not hard to imagine all the people and letters that came through its doors; bringing news and care packages from loved ones far away.

Discovery Claim National Historic Site is full of surprises where you can explore the spot that sparked the Klondike Gold Rush while uncovering fascinating stories along the way. Along the trail, interpretive panels highlight the rich history of the region, the evolution of mining techniques, and the lasting impact the gold rush had on the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin.