Sarah Holland
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Jun 19/00) - Camping in one on Nunavut's national parks can be a memorable experience.

But whether your memories are pleasant or not depends on how prepared you are for the trip.

Always do your research, regardless of whether you're hiking, fishing, mountain climbing, taking photos or studying archeology, ecology or geology.

When travelling to one of the three national parks -- Auyuittuq, Quttinirpaaq or Sirmilik -- it's important to realize that what you bring in on your back is all you have to survive.

Cooking is done on stoves that are carried in, and most food is pre-packaged and dehydrated. Tents and sleeping bags must be of the best quality.

There are no facilities like those found in many southern campgrounds.

"We expect visitors to the park to be completely self-sufficient, that's the first consideration," said Richard Cherepak, chief park warden at Auyuittuq National Park, from his office in Pangnirtung.

"We also expect them to come with back-country travel experience," he added.

"There are limited to no facilities, so people should also have some form of first-aid training.

"In Nunavut we have a limited staff for the size of the landscape, so if there was an emergency, there could be a significant delay getting help whether it be because of weather, distance or poor communication."

Cherepak gave the example of a mountain climber in trouble. At Auyuittuq they have no climbing experts, so if a visiting climber needed rescuing, they would have to bring in a professional from somewhere else in Canada, such as British Columbia.

"Self-rescue capabilities are extremely important," he said.

Another important variable to consider is the weather, which is highly unpredictable and can quickly turn a pleasant hike into a life-threatening situation.

"You must be ready for all extremes of weather," said Cherepak. "From snowstorms to winds of 150 km/h to the hot sun."

In Auyuittuq, for example, the average high in July is 10 C, while the average high in January is -23 C.

Health risks range from hypothermia in winter to sunstroke in summer.

Polar bears are a danger to anyone staying in the parks. There are a number of safety tips to know when it comes to dealing with bears.

Parks Canada suggests you set your camp at least one kilometre from the water's edge, where bears often walk. It's a good idea to set up a warning system when you go to sleep. Employees at Parks Canada can give you information on portable tripwire alarm systems. There is also the possibility of renting dogs with polar-bear experience from local residents.

The parks also recommend that you carry a high frequency (HF) radio in case of emergency.

For more information, visit the Parks Canada Web site or call one of the national parks and they will send you an orientation booklet complete with safety tips, what to bring and weather information.