Aklavik
Print
Email
Save to Favorites
Trip Ideas
View This Map
--- Click to Enlarge ---
Explore Further
Theoretically, this community in the middle of the Mackenzie Delta was abandoned more than 35 years ago when the government built Inuvik, but don’t tell that to the 700 Dene and Inuvialuit who call Aklavik, 58 kilometers (36 miles) to the west, home.
Wooden sidewalks, a legacy of Aklavik’s one-time importance, link the original Hudson’s Bay Company post and a mission church (now a small museum) to newer structures, built before the big move east was announced. Many large houses still stand, testimony to the fortunes made by prosperous traders in days gone by.
Trails lead in all directions from town, inviting the curious to explore this small delta island.
Tours
Most people arrive in Aklavik as part of a tour from Inuvik with Arctic Nature Tours (867/777-3300). On clear days, the 20-minute flight is awe-inspiring. For independent travelers, this company will arrange flights and advise on accommodation in the town’s only hotel, or contact Aklak Air (867/777-3777, www.aklakair.ca).
© Andrew Hempstead, from Moon Western Canada, 3rd Edition
Buy Moon Travel Guides
Search
Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.