Paulatuk in May

Today I am in Paulatuk, NT. I am actually in Paulatuk quite often and I can tell as several locals welcomed me home as I stepped off Aklak Air’s Beechcraft 1900D. I like Paulatuk a lot and enjoy visiting here, it has a landscape that is uniquely northern and unlike anywhere else I have been. Also, Paulatuk is a Inuit Community and the fact that my Grandmother was an Inuit woman from Nain, Labrador gives me another connection to Paulatuk and the other communities in this area. My work brings me here and I am quite happy with that however, Paulatuk should be on the must visit list of every traveller, if it is for work or otherwise. Being one of the friendliest communities I visit is only one thing that should make you consider visiting, there are others. Paulatuk is the closest community to Tuktut Nogait National Park and the people here have a great connection to the park and the history of the land here. I haven’t been to the park yet but, when I do get there (and I will get there) I feel having connected with the community will add to my future park experience. The Brock and Hornaday Rivers run in the park, the Brock River Canyon have been described to me as the Grand Canyon of the Canadian North, and the Hornaday River has unique features and La Roncière Falls. Tuktut Nogait means “Young Caribou” and the area is home to the Bluenose-West Caribou herd. I photographed a beautiful Caribou buck during a pervious trip to Paulatuk. Paulatuk is also near the Smoking Hills (about 65 miles from the community). The Smoking Hills contain a hydrocarbon which have been burning for centuries and the smoke produced is what gives the hills their name. Also 59 miles to the northeast is the DEW line site of Cape Perry and some locals still visit the site there.  Of course, The Paulatuk Moonlight Drummers and Dancer are from the community, if you don’t know who they are I suggest you go to youtube and check them out. There is a Hotel here in Paulatuk and a Northern Store for your needs and there is an abundance of local people to story tell or just say hello. Aklak Air has three scheduled flights a week here, if you want to visit make sure you check their schedule.

I decided to write this today due to an event in Yellowknife. Samantha Stuart, a friend and fellow photographer, has organized a photo walk in Yellowknife. I can’t be there today so, I decided I would take to the area in and around Paulatuk to do a photo drive/walk of my own. With a little fresh snow from last nights flurries Paulatuk spring won’t look like May in many southern communities but, I am glad I am here today to see this beautiful place and share some of what I see with the two or three people who might listen and read what I say, lol. Enjoy the images below and if you want to come see this area for yourself, let me know as I know I will be back maybe can join you and I know I can help with planning your visit. For now, thanks for stopping by and as always Happy Shooting.

The Paulatuk Area Landscape taken on the Rat Lake Road

 

Wind blown Rocks and Snow

 

Snow holding fast to wind swept vegetation

 

The Hamlet of Paulatuk as seen from a hill top on the Rat Lake Road