How North is North?
Ellesmere Island has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. As fate would have it, I was given the opportunity to visit the island recently. I’ve always been a fan of places devoid of distractions and “busy-ness’ and, like the deserts of the Middle East, Ellesmere Island provided exactly that.
Located in Canada’s northernmost region, the island is far above the tree line and experiences extremely cold winters and short summers. 24 hour daylight and 24 hour night occur every year. During my stay, I experienced 24 hour daylight. The fact that anything survives here is a true test of the hardiness of the flora and fauna that not only exist but also breed on Ellesmere island.
Muskox, Arctic wolves. Ringed Seals, icebergs and glaciers were just some of the unique experiences I was exposed to during my very short stay on the island, and something that I will never forget. This unique landscape is not set up for tourism, and going there poses some real risk to life. I hope that Ellesmere Island is able to retain its ruggedness and continue to be an area where mother nature still reigns supreme.
Safe and happy travels
- Rob
