Thanks for the comments Rob. Temps in February in Tuk are usually in the range of -20 or so daytime and -30 to -35 Celsius at night. Windchill can make it seem much colder. There is always wind, sometimes very strong to blizzard force and other times minimal but always present. Top notch cold weather gear is essential - down parka, insulated snow pants, arctic rated boots and face protection. Darkness is an interesting change from the south. The sun does not reappear in the sky until late January. Last week when we were there the sun rose at 11:15 or so and set around 5:00 p.m but the sun does not venture high into the sky so, while it is up, the natural lighting is more akin to twilight or dawn which is great for photography.
The only airline with scheduled flights to Tuk is Aklak Air, an airline operated by the Inuvialuit Development Corporation. A one way fare from Inuvik to Tuk costs about $220.00 taxes in. You can drive to Tuk from December to April via the Mackenzie Delta ice road either in your vehicle or in a shuttle - $80.00 per person one way. If you have seen Ice Road Truckers it will give you some idea about what to expect altho that show GROSSLY exaggerates the conditions.
You can either drive to Inuvik via the Dempster highway (highly recommended but BE PREPARED) or fly into Inuvik with Air North (very reasonable), Canada North or First Air both more expensive. In May, 2012 WestJet, a very successful Canadian discount airline, will begin flying into Inuvik. Fares will likely be lower than they are now due to the increased competition. Most flights to Inuvik originate in Vancouver, British Columbia or Edmonton, Alberta.
We did not travel outside of Tuk because there are no communities close to Tuk. By close I mean within 200-300 kilometres!! You could travel out onto the ice but you need to go with someone who knows what they are doing and how to avoid hazards. A mistake in the winter in Tuk out on the ice will end very badly. Most travel around Tuk is via snowmobile in winter. In spring, summer and fall prior to freeze-up, there is water everywhere, more water than land in fact, which is why this place is a mecca for waterfowl. But, and I mean a HUGE but, be prepared for flies and mosquitoes like you have never seen before.
I will post more. Thanks again Rob. PM me if you want more information.
Alan
Feb 14, 2012 at 05:27 PM
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