Sarah Holland
Northern News Services

NNSL (July 12/99) - For many people, being on vacation usually means travelling somewhere interesting, and relaxing while enjoying your favourite activities.

It's about enjoying the beautiful weather and connecting with nature at some level, and the North is the perfect place to do just that.

For those who want to do some sightseeing this summer, Livee Kullualik Outfitters in Pangnirtung offers tours through scenic parks and mountainous regions surrounded by the ocean.

A maximum of eight people at a time can be taken to Auyuittuq National Park on Baffin Island, and Kekerten Historic Park, located in Cumberland Sound.

"Kekerten Historic Park is where there used to be a whaling station. All of the areas where we take tours have a lot of mountains and lakes," says Eena Kullualik, whose husband Livee owns the company.

Visitors are taken by boat to hike around and view the sights. In Pangnirtung, the Kullualiks have a campground where weary hikers can bed down for a sleep after seeing such animals as harp seals and whales.

The Kullualiks have seen visitors from such countries as Germany, Japan and Switzerland, as well as across North America.

Toonoonik Sahoonik Outfitters, in Pond Inlet, offers various trips that last from three days to two weeks. Their April until September or October excursions range from dogsledding and snowmobile safaris to whale watching and sport fishing.

"When we take visitors to the floe edge, we go by snowmobile out to where the ice and the ocean meet, where there is open water, and look for whales (narwhal, orca, beluga and bowhead), polar bears and seals (ringed, hooded, harp and harbour), and also go to the bird cliffs on Bylot Island," says David Cook, operations manager for Toonoonik Sahoonik Outfitters.

And the excitement and variety doesn't stop there, as they plan to expand the choice of adventures.

"Next year we're hoping to offer back country skiing," says Cook.

Visitors can look forward to having healthy portions of food served, sleeping in tents, and being taken out, with a guide, by either snowmobile, dogsled or boat.

"We have a list that we give customers of the things they should bring with them," says Cook.

"We provide the camping equipment and food, all visitors have to bring is their clothes and enough film for their cameras.

"For the sport fishing, most people who are serious about fishing bring their own gear, but we do have some here."

A plane comes into Pond Inlet about four times a week, and Cook says that cruise ships also visit the area in summer.

The adventurers who visit are incredibly diverse.

"This year, we've had people from Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Italy, France, the U.S. and Canada."

The possibilities for scenic and adventurous touring around the North is about as diverse as the wildlife here, and both the Internet and hunters and trappers associations are great sources of information for inquisitive travellers.