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Mapping
Few people ever get to visit the Canadian Arctic. But thanks to Google’s popular Street View tool, armchair travelers can now explore three northern towns from the comfort of their desktop.
Digital imagery from the communities of Red Bay and Nain, Labrador and Kangiqsualujjuaq, Quebec were captured by Street View as part of Adventure Canada’s Canadian Geographic-sponsored tour of Newfoundland and Labrador in July 2015.
Click on the pictures below to experience 360 degrees of Arctic beauty.
Kangiqsualujjuaq, Quebec
Kangiqsualujjuaq, meaning “very large bay,” is the most eastern village of Nunavik in Quebec. It is tucked between Ungava Bay on the George River, and a large granite outcropping. The village is far upstream and therefore functions around tidal movement. It is surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty, including fjords, glaciers, waterfalls and large stocks of salmon, char, trout, ungulates and natural vegetation—all against the backdrop of the Torngat Mountains.
Nain, Labrador
Founded in 1771 by Moravian Missionaries, this northern community’s cool climate has preserved architecture and artifacts that are key points in Canadian history. It also stands as the largest and northernmost community of Nunatsiavut, and acts as the head of the autonomous government. It is rich in cultural traditions, including hunting and oral history. It also is nestled between an environment of natural beauty including fjords, hills, and the Atlantic Ocean—all teeming with wildlife and vegetation.
Red Bay, Labrador
Red Bay holds a rich history, acting as a whaling site since the 1500’s. Basque whalers from Spain and France used the site for over 50 years, leaving behind many artifacts and even some sunken ships. In 2013 it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its history as one of the oldest ports in North America, and for its surrounding natural beauty.
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