Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, Canada

 Nestled along the icy shores of the Arctic Ocean, Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. The local community offers an authentic glimpse into their Indigenous culture. With opportunities to watch the traditional games that have been passed down through generations. As you wander through the odd landscapes, you’ll the phenomenon of the midnight sun, where the sun lingers on the horizon, lighting up the tundra. But Tuktoyaktuk holds more than just one natural phenomenon. explore and learn about the infamous Pingos.

Traditional game:

"High Kick" Is a traditional game played in many Arctic communities where participants try to kick a suspended ball or target, which is progressively raised higher each round. It's not just a fun game; it also tests agility, strength, and precision. (it's NOT as easy as it looks).

Midnight sun:

The midnight sun is a phenomenon that occurs in the Arctic Circle, where the sun remains visible until midnight. This is because of the angle of the earth. Tuktoyak is one of the best places to visit within the Arctic Circle, this makes this the perfect place to see the midnight sun along with other things. if you are sleeping in a camper I recommend closing your curtains or using a sleeping mask. here is a photo from our van taken at 12AM:

Arctic Ocean:

The Arctic Ocean is the smallest and shallowest of the world's oceans. The Arctic Ocean is known for its icy waters, unique marine life, and critical role in regulating the Earth's climate. And in Tuktoyaktuk, you have direct access to it. But if you plan on swimming, I recommend the summer months. And it's not even that cold; when I tried to swim in the Pacific in California, it was a lot colder. Also for the people that like fossils, the Arctic Ocean throws a lot of fossils on the beach. I found one antler, lots of chunks of deer or caribu skull, and many others, but I couldn't take them all.

Pingos:

Pingos are dome-shaped hills formed by the freezing of groundwater, which causes the ground to uplift.  They begin in regions where there's permafrost—ground that's permanently frozen. and because tuktoyak tuk experiences ice and snow the majority of the year, the conditions are perfect. Water from beneath the permafrost or from melted snow seeps down into the ground. As temperatures drop, this water freezes. When water freezes, it expands, pushing the ground above it upwards. Over time, more water infiltrates, freezes and continues to lift the ground, forming an odd-shaped, high hill.