Thorunn Howatt
Northern News Services

Resolute (Mar 25/02) - Tourists, scientists and adventurers all have their own reasons for trekking to the magnetic North Pole, but if the invisible landmark keeps wandering, travellers will be leaving their money in Siberia instead of the jumping-off point of Resolute, Nunavut.

"They usually have to come in and stay in a hotel for a period of time before they leave for their trip," said Quasuittuq Inns North's Dianne Peterson, explaining that magnetic pole excursions bring money into Resolute, "Some of them will buy their provisions and fuel from the local store."

But according to last year's studies by the Geological Survey of Canada the North Pole has been sneaking north-northeast and out of Canada at about 40 kilometres per year. That means that in 50 years it could hit Siberia.

Resolute has three hotels and one store. Often travellers rent snowmachines, dogs and guide services from the communities residents. Hotel room prices range from $200-$225 and snowmobile daily rentals run about $60 per day. Magnetic North seekers spend hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in the little community of Resolute.

Next week a group of more than 30 Canadian Rangers will be hitting Resolute for a Magnetic Pole excursion.

"Indeed the North Pole is moving and we hope to get there before it moves away," joked Captain Conrad Schubert, who added that Resolute is still the best jump-off point to the geographical pole. The Rangers expect to drop about $200,000 in Resolute. They will train there for a few days then leave for the magnetic pole. Most of the snowmachines used are being supplied by Resolute and vehicles purchased from local suppliers. Material for 30 qamutiks was sealifted in last summer. Fuel and oil was sealifted in last summer and the group will be re-supplied out of Resolute.

Resolute's artwork, crafts and even polar bear skins will also be sold during the trip.