Whatever time of year you come, Kimmirut has much to offer.
There is the natural beauty of the landscape, as well asthe chance to view marine and wildlife, to discover local arts and crafts, and to visit historic sites. There are numerous places to hike in the summer and ski or snowmobile in the winter. There is also an abundance of lakes and rivers to be explored by canoe, kayak, or raft. In the company of local guides, visitors can also hunt or fish, depending upon the season. The residents of Kimmirut still harvest plants and wildlife, and they know what the region has to offer, both around the hamlet itself and in nearby Katannilik Territorial Park. They are ready to assist visitors wanting to experience this special Arctic environment.
Kimmirut is surrounded by spectacular landscapes of arctic tundra and rocky hills. The nearby Soper River runs through a valley of diverse beauty. The Arctic Ocean and the Hudson Strait are also alsoclose by. There are many expert guides and outfitters in Kimmirut who are able to take travelers to the region's many rivers and lakes where they can see the various wildlife that lives here. Among the animals native to the area are caribou, arctic wolves, walrus, seals, arctic hare, and whales, as well as many kinds of birds such as peregrine falcons, ptarmigan, snow bunting and snowy owls. Guides can take you right to the edge of the ice floe to view beluga whales and other kinds of marine life. The tides in Kimmirut are dramatic, and the water levels vary widely, producing iceshelfs in the winter. Even though the winters are cold, there is still much to do, including skiing, snowmobiling and dog-sledding.
Possible day trips abound in the area around Kimmirut, and the scenic hikes will lead you to spectacular waterfalls and towering cliffs, as well as opportunities to see the numerous kinds of birds and wildlife that make their home in the region. Sea-kayakers can tour the waters of the Hudson Strait, while canoeing and river kayaking can be done on the Soper River. For more information about Katannilik Park and what you can do in and near Kimmirut visit the following links:
While it is possible to hunt and fish in the region, this does require a permit and must be done in the company of a registered guide. With both the ocean and many rivers nearby, tours cans be arranged to fish both Arctic char and cod, depending on the season. Information about this and other activities can be provided by the local Mayukalik Hunters and Trappers Association (HTA) whichalso can provide guides for visitors and arrange for home stays in Kimmirut.The HTAalso organizes hunting trips for those interested in taking part in the seasonal caribou or polar bear hunts (Contact the HTA manager: 867-939-2355). Though the HTA issues polar bear permits, export permits must be requested from the community wildlife officer.Aside from fishing and hunting, there are also clams and mussels that can be collected from the local shores. For rock hounds there are the numerous gemstones that can be found around Kimmirut, including very rare deposits of lapis lazuli. Concentrations of garnet, sapphire, tourmaline and spinel are also present, and the Economic Development Officer (phone: 867-939-2247) can provide visitors with a map that will guide you to the region’s many geological attractions.
In Town
Katannilik Park will be the focus for many visitors who come to Kimmirut, but you should not overlook the hamlet itself, as there is much to see and do in town. The Katannilik Park Visitor Centre can introduce travelers to the region, and they have informative displays concerning local culture, history and geology. Souvenir items are also available for purchase here. At the Centre, you can also arrange to see demonstrations of traditional crafts and other activities such as traditional sewing with seal and caribou skins, drum-dancing, throat-singing, bannock-making, making jewelry, and string games. It is also possible to visit local artists as they engage in stone and ivory carving or work with other materials. The Community Economic Development Officer can also arrange these visits.
There are many historic buildings in town that you can visit, including the first RCMP outpost built around 1915, the Hudson’s Bay buildings (circa 1911) and the Anglican Church (circa 1909). The Soper House Gallery, itself housed in an historic home built by the government biologist Dewey Soper, displays many local arts and crafts. Today, it is run by the Quliruakut Arts and Crafts Society. For more information contact by home at 867-939-2247.