Northern Canada: a Winter Wonderland

Northern Canada: a Winter Wonderland

For most people, Canada is already the north. But how is life like in the northern part of Canada? If you think we all live in igloos and ride in dog sleds you need to read this post.

Northern Canada is a land of extremes; the winter is so dark that in some areas, the sun will not rise for months, and in summer, the sun will not set for months! It is extremely cold, extremely big, and extremely beautiful.

Canada is the second largest country in the world, and the biggest part of Canada is actually the North. Three territories make up Northern Canada: Nunavut, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. Even though the Territories are 39% of Canada’s land, they are home to only 0.3% of Canada’s population.

What Is the Northern Canadian Weather like?

For most of the year, the region is covered in ice and snow, and dry cold air is prevalent. According to meteorologists, it has the area with the toughest weather on Earth. The weather makes it largely remote. As a matter of fact, it is one of the most remote places on Earth (and, of course, sparsely populated). Unfortunately, only a few people have the chance to behold the beauty of this place every day, although a low population is what has kept it beautiful.

Population/Residents

It has always amazed me how resilient and creative the northern residents are. For generations, they have thrived in a place with such harsh weather. The indigenous people have lived in this place for thousands of years, and even today, more than 50% of the population is indigenous. Even though you can find dog sleds and igloos, you will see way more cars and houses. Internet and online shopping are also available in most communities, although the internet is very expensive and sometimes slow. People here have found a way to keep their rich cultural traditions alive while adopting a more comfortable lifestyle.

Wildlife

One of the most beautiful parts of the North is its wildlife. There is a wide range of animals roaming since it is the largest area on Earth that is not enclosed, asides from Antarctica. There are bears, moose, deers, reindeers, wolves, muskoxen and polar bears. f you do visit the North, you are in for an exhilarating wildlife experience.

Nature

Apart from the region’s breath-taking wildlife, its landscape is also a worthy sight to behold. The North, is a vast region comprising of various kinds of environments, from mountains to the high arctic, to the boreal forest, and the subarctic. The long nights, lack of artificial light, and closeness to the arctic circle are what make Northern Canada the best place to see the northern lights, aka the greatest show on Earth. I truly believe everyone should experience it at least once in their lifetime. Every year, thousands of tourists (mostly from Asia) come to Yellowknife specifically to see the northern lights. The beauty of the Aurora Borealis inspired my necklace Aurora.

Culture

Northern Canada has a rich culture that has been preserved by the indigenous people. Arts and Crafts are an essential part of the culture. You can find baskets with birch bark, work with porcupine quills, and soapstone carvings. There is also music, which is an important part of the culture. This includes prayer songs, dene tea dancing, drumming, and fiddling imported from parts of other places. The drumming is an essential activity used during games, storytelling, or hunting. The art’s creativity is astonishing, and I know from personal experience that the beauty of this place is an endless source of inspiration for the artists.

In conclusion, Northern Canada is indeed a paradise! Perhaps, not your typical tropical paradise with flowers, a clear beach, and white sand, but you will find more here. A place rich in wildlife, culture, art, a true beauty of landscape, there’s so much to see. You may not be planning to move to the North, but I hope you’re convinced to visit sometimes soon to experience Paradise in the North.