TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL | Top 10,000 Places to Visit in Canada
The page created by Carleigh Petersen | University of Winnipeg | Photo by E-90, Wikimedia Commons
The intersection of latitude and longitude is one definition of the centre point of Canada, as explained by the Atlas of Canada. “The resulting location 62°24′N 096°28′W is located just south of Yathkyed Lake in Nunavut, west of Hudson Bay.
The nearest inhabited place to this point is Baker Lake.
Photo: reddit.com
The Jessie Oonark Centre is a local gallery in Baker Lake that displays all local talent from the town. The centre was named in honour of Jessie Oonark (1906-1985), Baker Lake’s most famous artist.
She learned to work in fabric and on paper and produced many appliqué tapestries, drawings, and prints. Her distinctive style using bold, flat areas of colour is evocative of traditional Inuit sewing techniques.
Elected as a Member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts in 1975, and named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1984, Jessie Oonark was one of the true pioneers of Inuit art and her works are internationally known.
There are many different art forms to explore in the centre and admire such as black soapstone, jewelry, silk-screened prints and clothing, tote-bags, carvings, handmade tools, and stitched and appliquéd wall hangings.
Photo: inuitartfoundation.org; Richard D. Mohr, arcticjournal.ca
This art gallery is located just outside of the heart of Baker Lake and rests on the edge of the lake. You are sure to find something you like or learn something new while strolling around the gallery. The gallery has some of the most beautiful and powerful artwork on display.
Photo: m.facebook.com/bakerlakenunavut
Visit the Inuit Heritage Centre to learn all about the culture in the area. The staff are knowledgeable and eager to help. You can collect your bearings well mapping out your stay in the area.
The Inuit Heritage Centre has handmade traditional objects and artifacts as well as a designated area for elders to meet, record oral histories, and teach traditional ways of life to the members of the community, especially the youth.
The Thelon River empties into Baker Lake and is surrounded by spruce-lined valleys. The river is home to many wildlife including caribou, peregrine, gyrfalcon, hawk, artic fox and wolf, moose, muskox, the rare wolverine, and more.
If you’re lucky, you may be able to see a caribou herd cross the river during migration. This adventure guarantees beautiful scenery and unbelievable sightings of wildlife in the river and on the shores.
Contact Canoe Arctic to book a guided canoe trip by email (alex@canoearctic.com) or phone (867-872-2308).
Photo: Cameron Hayne, CC BY-SA 3.0
Come to Inuujaarvik Territorial Park to enjoy the outdoors by either camping in the park or just visiting. The view of Baker Lake is breathtaking.
The Baker Lake Hunters and Trappers Association is more than willing to help arrange guiding and camping supplies. You definitely will want an outfitter to take you out fishing on Baker Lake. The campground has picnic tables, firepits, tent platforms, washrooms, and a cookhouse/shelter.
Photo: nunavutparks.com
Aura Dining Room is known for its great food, friendly service, and even better prices. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. They even have take-out if you do not feel like dining in. The restaurant serves many different types of food and meals. Look out for their daily and weekly specials.
Photo: blcs.ca
Spend a couple of nights at this lodge if you are looking for a comfortable and cozy place to stay. You can enrich yourself in Inuit traditions and culture by roaming the lodge and viewing the prints displayed in the halls. The lodge’s Solarium Dining Room overlooks the water of Baker Lake so you can enjoy the view while indulging in warm comfort food.
Before leaving be sure to check out the gift shop which entails Inuit art, crafts, carvings, souvenirs, and more!
Photo: nunamiutlodgehotel.ca
