Day 16 July 17, 2025 Tuktoyaktuk Northwest Territories to Inuvik Northwest Territories 98 miles
The BnB has a continental breakfast for sure. Dry cereal and milk or instant hot cereals. They also had tea and coffee. The other couple staying there had already left. They were sure quiet.
We took our time and Rob did some calling he needed to get done. We were loading the car when the son of the BnB owner stopped and asked if he could take a picture. He also gave us a small piece of drift wood with a piece of glass imbedded in it. He claimed to be a starving artist.
We headed for the point so we can dip our fingers in the Arctic ocean. We got to the end which has a nice big sign. The grandfather and grandson were there and took our picture. They are going to go help cut up a Beluga whale with some of the locals.
We walked out on the gravel far enough to easily dip our fingers. The mosquitoes are terrible so we don’t stay long. We put the hood of our sweatshirts up to help keep them off. Almost all of the locals are doing the same.
We found the store that is the local version of a Walmart. They had food, furniture, appliances, automotive supplies and souvenirs. A dozen eggs costs $8.59 Canadian ($6.25 US). They didn’t have any T-shirts in the right size. We did buy a magnet for the fridge but it may end up being on the car.
We drove a little around town which doesn’t take long. The town isn’t very big. The houses are small but colorful. Just about every house has multiple snowmobiles, a four wheeler and a boat. The houses are built on stilts due to the permafrost we think. Other junk usually surrounds most of the houses as well.
We filled with gas where they gave us a 5% discount. As we left town we stopped at the sign near the Visitor Center to take more photos. The mosquitoes know where to find the photo op as well.
Several pickups are parked along the road. One of them says University of Alberta on the side. They must be doing some kind of study.
The road construction is still going on. One of the flaggers said a large caribou or caribou reindeer cross was just ahead. Our usual wildlife sightings held true. The animal was gone. Maybe Sasquatch scared it away?
Several places along the road have hazard cones out marking a hole in the road. These are not just pot holes but deep holes. Some are small in diameter but most are at least 12” in diameter. Then there are places along the side of the road where chunks are missing. Looks like rain damage.
We left Tuktoyaktuk about noon and arrived in Inuvik about four. We decided to stay in the campground again and walk to Alestine’s for supper. We got the prized spot #27. Mosquitoes don’t seem as bad but there is still time.
We were greeted warmly at the restaurant by customers and owner. We split an order of fish tacos so we would have room for dessert. The tacos were very good but dessert was wonderful. We had “a piece of tail”. In other parts of Canada it is called “a beaver tail”. That is fried bread with chocolate syrup and whipped cream. She asked if we would mind being interviewed. Not sure if it is radio, tv or newspaper. We will find out tomorrow.
Spoffords Travel 