What are your top three must-visit destinations for 2025?:
• Nova Scotia: This province is my second home, but it’s also one of my favourite places to travel to. Between the food, people, and beauty of the atlantic ocean, if you haven’t been to Nova Scotia yet, take this as your sign to visit.
• Budapest, Hungary: I was lucky enough to spend two weeks in Budapest for work and I can honestly say it is one of my favourite cities in the world. It’s beautiful, but less busy than other major European cities like Paris. It had a great food and bar scene, and the weather was amazing.
• Bali, Indonesia: If you can make the trek, it’s worth it to visit Bali. Everything from the beaches, to the food, accommodations, and people were incredible. Trust me when I say the experience, and cost, is worth the 24 hour travel journey.
What inspired you to combine your love for travel with photography?
As a kid, I always had a sketchbook or a camera in hand, long before social media existed. As I got older and started travelling more, photography became a way for me to share some of the things I found visually interesting with friends and family. But it goes beyond just capturing a pretty picture. I’m drawn to truly experiencing a place, and to me, that means connecting with the culture and trying to learn the language of the places I plan to visit. There’s something about communicating with people in their native tongue that unlocks a whole new level of understanding, connection, and awareness.
What inspired you to focus your travel content on Ontario? I started Explore Ontario as an Instagram account back in 2018 with the intention to shine a spotlight on my favourite places in Ontario. Since then, it has grown into a multi-media business focused on local travel.
Up until 2018, I had been working as a part-time travel writer for several publications focused on Toronto
in our own backyards.
Greenbelt Is So Much More Than Just Green Space
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Ontario’s Greenbelt is over two million acres of precious nature and agricultural land. Stretching from the Niagara Region in the west, to Northumberland County in the east and up to the top of the Bruce Peninsula in the north. One of the largest Greenbelts in the world, the Ontario Greenbelt is full of ecologically unique areas that make it a truly special place to visit. From the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve with stunning cliffs, waterfalls, and trails to the Ganaraska Forest, one of the largest blocks of continuous forest in southern Ontario, the opportunities are endless.
The Greenbelt Foundation is the only charitable organization solely dedicated to ensuring the Greenbelt remains permanent, protected, and prosperous. Since 2005, it has invested over $40 million into projects to support local farmers, enhance tourism opportunities, and expand environmental protections. All of this has made the Greenbelt a great place to live, work, play, and grow. “The Greenbelt is one of Canada’s most biologically rich landscapes, sustaining both nature and people,” says Edward McDonnell, CEO of the Greenbelt Foundation. “As we celebrate its 20th anniversary, we are reminded of all the amazing work the Foundation has been able to do to protect these vital ecosystems — ensuring a thriving, resilient Greenbelt for generations to come.”
More than just green space – the greenbelt is an adventure!
The Greenbelt has long been beloved by Ontarians, and its importance continues to grow as more people explore its vast trails, scenic lookouts, and charming rural communities. From hiking the Niagara Escarpment and cycling along country roads to picking fresh fruit at local farms and paddling through urban river valleys, the Greenbelt offers endless ways to connect with nature.
“As visits to the Greenbelt grow each year, more people are discovering its value—not just as a critical protected landscape, but as a place for adventure, local food, and unforgettable experiences,” notes McDonnell.
Beyond its bounty of adventures, the Greenbelt also has irreplaceable natural assets that make Southern Ontario more resilient
to climate change. The Ontario Greenbelt plays a vital role in supporting clean water, local agriculture, and outdoor recreation. The Oak Ridges Moraine and Niagara Escarpment act as natural filters, replenishing groundwater and feeding major river systems like the Humber, Credit, and Don Valley which supply drinking water to over seven million Canadians. At the same time, its vast forests, wetlands, and soils act like a giant sponge, absorbing excess rainwater and reducing the risk of flooding in downstream communities. By storing carbon, cooling cities, and protecting critical ecosystems, the Greenbelt is one of Ontario’s most powerful natural climate solutions.
Adventure awaits in all shapes and sizes Ontario’s Greenbelt is two million acres of outdoor paradise — lush hiking trails, fantastic cycling routes, dramatic shorelines, and accessible river valleys waiting to be explored on foot or by bicycle, canoe, or kayak. But beyond its natural attractions, which can be enjoyed year-round, the region is also a thriving, working landscape, with a diversity of small towns and rural businesses. “Over 76 million people visit the Greenbelt each year, contributing $3 billion and supporting 75,000 local jobs in the tourism and recreation sector,” says McDonnell. “Ontarians appreciate the multitude of experiences the Greenbelt offers for enjoying a low-carbon, healthy, and active lifestyle.”
“One of the things that’s so great about this part of Southern Ontario is access to the Greenbelt. It’s incredible having this vast, interconnected space of farmland, forest, and river valleys for our enjoyment,” says Heather Tay, a Greenbelt Foundation Board Member and avid paddleboarder. Tay first learned to paddle on Lake Ontario, but a few years ago she started to discover other places in the Greenbelt. Paddleboarding was her excuse to explore and discover new places, and it opened her mind to the recreational opportunities at her doorstep. “I grew up in Toronto, but I didn’t know there was so much nature around the city. It’s magical,” she says. “It’s so important that people get out to access and experience Greenbelt spaces. We need to protect them for today and for future generations.”
When you’ve finished hiking and biking, or paddling and snowshoeing, savour the taste of the region at one of the many farmers’ markets, wineries, craft breweries, or local restaurants. Here you can experience farm to table at its best. Agriculture in the Greenbelt drives local economies, producing everything from VQA wines to fresh produce and artisanal cheese! As one of the most ecologically and economically significant landscapes in Canada, the Greenbelt continues to be a cornerstone of Ontario’s environmental and community well-being. The Greenbelt Foundation’s website offers a delicious list of discovery routes, making it easy to enjoy culinary and agri-tourism, as well as outdoor recreation and its work in protecting the Greenbelt for the past 20 years.
• The Greenbelt includes 21 urban river valleys and 7 coastal wetlands, connecting suburban and rural lands to Lake Ontario.
• 76 million people visit the Greenbelt each year, contributing $3 billion to local economies and supporting 75,000 local jobs in tourism and recreation.
• The Greenbelt features 750,000 acres of highly productive farmland.
• Farms in the Greenbelt generate 68% more revenue than the average farm in Ontario.
• 4,782 farms are protected by the Greenbelt.
• 721,000 acres of wetlands, grasslands, and forests are protected.
• 78 at-risk species are protected.
• The Greenbelt Foundation awarded grants to more than 300 organizations
• The Greenbelt Foundation awarded 57 grants to tourism and recreation-based organizations and projects.
Discover Ontario’s Greenbelt – a thriving, protected landscape offering adventure, biodiversity, local food, and economic sustainability for future generations.
Ken Donohue
Edward McDonnell CEO, Greenbelt Foundation
Heather Tay Board Member, Greenbelt Foundation
SIP, SAVOUR, AND EXPLORE:
The Peaceful Magic of Pelee Island Awaits
Pelee Island invites you to slow down and savour island life with wine tastings, scenic hikes, boutique shopping, and beach lounging.
Jen Mallia
Is there anything better than sipping a crisp, bright white under the summer sun?
How about enjoying that wine at the elegant winery where it was made? A visit to Pelee Island might be the perfect way to take a sip of island life without having to travel too far afield.
Situated on the 41st parallel, Pelee Island is at the same latitude as Northern California. That means the island has a distinctly unique climate that just happens to be perfect for growing grapes. Since the first vines were planted on Pelee Island in 1854, farmers have been dedicating themselves to producing delightful, approachable wines in a setting that some of the island’s devotees have likened to a fairytale.
Visit Pelee Island
All summer long, the Pelee Island Winery welcomes visitors to its pavilion, where guests can take a tour of the winery and enjoy a tasting, learn about the history of wine-making (including taking a look at the antique grape press), or relax in the wine garden with a glass, overlooking Lake Erie and surrounded by the vineyard. Indulge in a flatbread or pair your wine with a charcuterie board or light snack. On select weekends, live music adds to the magical ambience.
A visit to the Pelee Island Winery entails taking an hour-and-a-half ferry ride from Leamington or Kingsville (just slightly longer if you catch it from Sandusky, Ohio), so many guests choose to spend some extra time on the island. There are a handful of inns and B&Bs, two campgrounds, and private vacation homes available to rent. Overnight accommodations book up quickly, but day trips are also lovely. Pelee Island has great trails to hike or bike, small shops to browse, and fun beaches to catch some rays.
Pelee Island Winery on the mainland
While the seasonal nature of Pelee Island means the winery doesn’t host visitors during the winter months, across the water on the mainland, the Kingsville location is open year-round. The stately property is a sought-after wedding and event venue, and is also open to the public. Enjoy an interactive “vine to wine” tour with your tasting. The sun-soaked patio is a comfortable spot to sip an award-winning wine, accompanied
by a bite to eat and some live music. There’s even an option to book a private smokeless fire pit and enjoy your curated tasting with some s’mores.
At either location, visitors get a chance to learn more about how the wine is made in environmentally conscious ways. Pelee Island Winery is a founding member of Sustainable Winemaking Ontario, showing its dedication to protecting the earth. The philosophy “The health of our environment rests in the hands of each and every one of us” is evident in its wine-making approach.
A half marathon with a scenic twist
For those who enjoy pairing adventure with indulgence, the Pelee Island Winery Half Marathon is a must-experience event. Set to take place on Saturday, May 31, 2025, this highly anticipated race offers runners the chance to challenge themselves along a stunning 21-kilometre route that winds its way through the picturesque landscapes of Pelee Island, including vineyards, beaches, wetlands, and charming rural views. The race has become a beloved tradition, drawing participants from across North America for a scenic and exclusive run like no other.
The course finishes at Pelee Island Winery, where runners can celebrate their achievement with a refreshing glass of wine and take in the winery’s charm. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a first-time participant, this race welcomes runners of all levels. Beyond the run, the event fosters a strong sense of community and showcases the island’s unique character.
Registration is now open, with early bird pricing available until March 6. A portion of the proceeds will support local community initiatives on Pelee Island. To sign up, visit peleeisland.com/events/ and start planning your ultimate race getaway.
Whether you want to relax in style or embrace adventure, Pelee Island has much to offer.
SINCE THE FIRST VINES WERE PLANTED ON PELEE ISLAND IN 1854, FARMERS HAVE BEEN DEDICATING THEMSELVES TO PRODUCING DELIGHTFUL, APPROACHABLE WINES IN A SETTING THAT SOME OF THE ISLAND’S DEVOTEES HAVE LIKENED TO A FAIRYTALE.
Island
is looking forward to welcoming you and invites you to embrace island time. Learn more at peleeisland.com . #mypelee
HEAD TO CANADA’S MOST SOUTHERN BIKE TRAIL
Get a jump on your biking season and reconnect with nature. Beautiful trails. Wine country. With over eight months of biking, you’ll find your haven on Pelee Island. Starting April 1, 2025, take the ferry to Pelee Island, Lake Erie’s largest island. Spontaneous ferry reservations for walk-ons and bikes are welcomed.
Pelee
Winery
This article was sponsored by Pelee Island Winery
JACKALOPE 2025
Get in on the Action in Mississauga this Summer
Mississauga offers a variety of action-packed events and attractions during the summer, showcasing the city’s vibrancy and cultural personality.
Ted Kritsonis
If your travel bucket list in 2025 includes different experiences, you may want to roll into Mississauga and check out some of the exciting events taking place. Much like the diversity traversing its streets and neighbourhoods, the city is brimming with opportunities to see and do fun things.
Check out the adrenaline-pumping Jackalope Festival, a celebration of action sports organized by TRIBU that returns after a very successful debut in Mississauga in 2024. Right in the heart of the city centre at Celebration Square and Square One Shopping Centre, this is the biggest action sports festival in Canada, featuring local and international athletes competing for cash prizes in BMX, skateboarding, motocross, bouldering, base jumping, vert, and breaking. Renowned competitors and performers participate in the festivities, promising an action-packed weekend for all attendees.
Taking place from July 11-13, this vibrant festival is completely free to the public, courtesy of Visit Mississauga, and sure to get you fired up. Along with the thrilling competition and spectacle, the festival atmosphere will include musical performances, food trucks, pop-up shops, and more to keep the good times rolling.
VENTURE FROM LAND TO WATER
CPKC WOMEN’S OPEN
The stars of the LPGA Tour are coming to Mississauga from August 20-24 for the CPKC Women’s Open. Hosted at the Mississaugua Golf and Country Club, this ticketed event will see some of the world’s top golfers compete for a chance to win the prestigious tournament. Boasting a breathtaking course, this century-old historic club has hosted legendary golfers throughout its history and will become only the eighth club to host Golf Canada’s four premier events: CPKC Women’s Open, RBC Canadian Open, Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship, and Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship.
With a club full of amenities and gorgeous views, spectators will always find a great vantage point to catch the action of the LPGA Tour. The 2025 CPKC Women’s Open promises to be a fun-filled event celebrating this wonderful game, with plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. To learn more and purchase tickets, head to cpkcwomensopen.com.
The Mississauga Dragon Boat Festival is a mustsee event that takes place on June 8th in Port Credit. This thrilling race brings teams of 18 to 22 people together to compete in two heats and one final race to determine the winning boat. During the race, spectators can also enjoy a pop-up market of local vendors, live music, and soak it all in at the beer garden along the Credit River. For more serene pursuits, Family Fishing Week starts on June 28th, where expert anglers and beginners alike can indulge in license-free fishing at the city’s best locations. That includes Erindale Park, Lake Aquitaine Park, Meadowvale Conservation Area, and Streetsville Memorial Park. Don’t have equipment? Meadowvale Conservation Area and select branches of the Mississauga Public Library have you covered. You can also wade into the waters yourself in picturesque Port Credit, drifting along the tranquil Credit River before reaching the shores of Lake Ontario. Choose from canoe, kayak, or paddleboard rental at Paddle On.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN CULTURAL FESTIVALS
Mississauga is home to a mosaic of cultures and it all comes alive through a number of festivals celebrating its diversity. Italfest, Portugalo Fest, Japan Festival, and Philippine Festival are but a few welcoming everyone, showcasing their cultural facets in food, music, and art. Carassauga has a long history as Mississauga’s longest-running multicultural festival – and Canada’s largest – representing 25 countries with a wide range of live performances, artisans, and vendors who will converge on May 24-25.
During Southside Shuffle, Port Credit Memorial Park transforms into a blues and jazz festival from September 5-7, featuring live music and Louisiana vibes.
GET IN ON THE ACTION YOURSELF
The action-packed joy doesn’t end there.
Mississauga is home to several events and venues meant to serve your need for speed or to challenge yourself in mind, body, and soul. BRKFREE is a sprawling place with 25,000 square feet across over 35 rooms offering a combination of physical, mental, and skill-based challenges. Ideal for couples or groups, earning points to top the leaderboard and grabbing bragging rights is all part of the fun of making it through.
Looking to reach new heights this summer?
Hub Climbing can oblige as Canada’s largest indoor rock-climbing park. Offering something for everyone, be it seasoned climbers or beginners and kids, this facility will test your fortitude in auto belays, bouldering, top rope, and lead climbing.
Want to bring those bragging rights to the track? Take a lap around Mississauga’s K1 Speed track — Ontario’s newest and fastest indoor go-kart racetrack. Bring your friends and your family and see who crosses the finish line first.
PHOTO CREDIT: GOLF CANADA
PHOTO CREDIT: CITY OF MISSISSAUGA
PHOTO CREDIT: DESTINATION ONTARIO
PHOTO CREDIT: ROBERT
The Key to Ontario’s Favourite Ice Cream? Quality and Care
Kawartha Dairy is proud to produce exceptionally fresh, rich, and creamy ice cream and milk products — from their family to yours.
Katherine Cappellacci
Picture this — it’s 1937, and in the little town of Bobcaygeon, Ontario, husband and wife Jack and Ila Crowe buy a small dairy operation. They deliver milk by horse and wagon, wash bottles by hand, and use ice from the lake to refrigerate their items. Eventually, Jack makes the game-changing decision to start churning ice cream. The rest, as they say, is history.
Fast-forward almost 90 years and Kawartha Dairy’s ice creams, milks, creams, and butters are famous across the province. The business now has 13 (soon to be 14) stores and their items are carried by nearly all major grocers, as well as partnering scoop shops. Despite the dairy’s continuous and steady growth, their products are still made “the traditional way”, with fresh milk and cream from local farms. The result?
Everything tastes incredibly rich, fresh, and delicious. Plus, the dairy is proudly Canadian and family owned.
Mike Crowe, Director of Product Development and third-generation owner, credits the dairy’s success to the values instilled by his grandparents — to prioritize quality and nurture community connections.
What’s unique about your production process?
Our milk and ice cream are made “our” traditional way in the cottage country town of Bobcaygeon, Ontario. We get daily deliveries of fresh milk and fresh cream from local farms and turn it into packaged products on site within about a day. With minimal processing and a super quick turnaround, the results are unbelievably fresh.
What are some of your most popular ice cream flavours?
We have over 50 rich and creamy flavours. From Moon Mist to Ripe Raspberry Sorbet to Lactose Free Chocolate, there is something for everyone! Every flavour is somebody’s favourite, but the most popular ones are Moose Tracks, Salty Caramel Truffle, and Mint Chip. Our newest flavour, Dockside Cappuccino, has become quite popular with coffee lovers.
Why does being a family-owned company make Kawartha Dairy special?
My grandparents, sitting on their front porch, loved to see the smiles on our customers faces as they enjoyed a cone. They would often chat with groups settled at the picnic tables at our store in Bobcaygeon, asking where people were visiting from and hearing about the great times they were having in the Kawarthas.
We've kept those small-town values alive and our employees treat everyone like neighbours, are proud of our quality and are customer focused. There’s something very special about enjoying an ice cream with your loved ones. It’s a time for community and family bonding. Those memories are precious, and everyone should be able to experience that.
Mediaplanet spoke with Travel Writer & Award Winning Digital Creator Katherine Palumbo about her passion for Ontario, highlighting hidden gems, memorable experiences, and bucket list destinations while offering practical tips for exploring the province.
What are some hidden gems in Ontario that most travelers overlook?
There are so many small towns in Ontario that have a European feel to them, and are worth visiting for their fantastic shops, restaurants, museums, parks, and historical buildings. The three small towns I recommend to everyone are Perth, Elora, and Stratford.
THERE ARE SO MANY SMALL TOWNS IN ONTARIO THAT HAVE A EUROPEAN FEEL TO THEM, AND ARE WORTH VISITING FOR THEIR FANTASTIC SHOPS, RESTAURANTS, MUSEUMS, PARKS, AND HISTORICAL BUILDINGS.
Can you share your most memorable travel experience within Ontario?
It's too hard to narrow it down to one! The experiences I have enjoyed the most have been a helicopter tour around the 1000 Islands, dog sledding in Haliburton, zip-lining through the Carolinian Forest at Long Point Eco-Adventures, and a dwarf goat “shmurgle” at Haute Goat.
What Ontario destinations are on your personal bucket list for 2025?
I would love to explore more of Northern Ontario and hike Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Also, a visit to Amethyst Mine Panorama and sleeping with the wolves at Cedar Meadows in Timmons are also on my list.
What tips do you have for fellow travelers who want to experience Ontario?
To avoid crowds at popular hiking trails and attractions, try to visit during the week and arrive early. You'll often find you have the place to yourself! Also, for those who've never been camping (or who don't enjoy it) glamping is a must! Birchwood Luxury Camping in Port Perry and Rustic Retreat Glamping Dome in Niagara are my favourites.
Follow Katherine at @explore.ontario for more inspiration and travel tips.
Plan a Summer Escape to Nunavik — Quebec’s Far North for the Experience of a Lifetime
For a vacation off the beaten path, check out the amazing Arctic wildlife, the great outdoor activities and vibrant Inuit culture of this northernmost region of Quebec. Anne Papmehl
If you’re up to exploring some lesser-known parts of Canada this summer, consider a trip to Nunavik.
Not to be confused with Canada’s northern Territory of Nunavut, Nunavik is in Quebec’s Far North, stretching above the 55th parallel. This large expanse of land, covering more than 500,000 square kilometres, makes up one third of the province.
Bordered by Hudson Bay to the west, Hudson Strait to the north, and Ungava Bay and Labrador to the east, this pristine mass of land is an ideal playground for nature lovers in search of a true adventure. Against
a backdrop of wild tundra, taiga forest, scenic mountains, untamed rivers, and countless lakes you’ll find an array of mythical Arctic fauna such as polar bears, prehistoric muskoxen, caribou and Arctic wolves.
Late summer and early fall provide the best times to view the tundra colour changes, great caribou migration, and dazzling Northern Lights displays. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy here — from hiking and fishing, to canoeing and sea kayaking. During their stay, visitors get to interact with the local Inuit inhabitants and share in their vibrant culture, making for a true, authentic northern experience.
Top 3 Arctic Wildlife Observation Inuit Adventures:
The Great Insular and Polar Getaway with Ungava Polar Eco-Tours
For lovers of the great outdoors who relish great indoor amenities and cuisine, this week-long tour package available in August and September fits the bill. Visitors can enjoy the remoteness of the Ungava Bay coast from the comfort of shelter domes “hotel rooms", while going out daily on hikes or fat bike rides, or boat excursions in the Gyrfalcon Islands from the mouth of the Leaf Basin, home to the largest tides and tidal currents in the world, during which they may encounter polar bears, seals, whales, muskoxen, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
A week at the forefront of Arctic life with Nunawild
This Inuit-owned private company offers week-long tours out of Kuujjuaq, the gateway to Nunavik, from mid-August to early October. Visitors stay at a rustic yet comfortable facility out on the surrounding tundra. From there, they can go out on daily hikes to observe Arctic wildlife such as small herds of muskoxen, caribou, the elusive tundra wolves and smaller wild animals like willow ptarmigans (snow partridges), Arctic fox and hare, and various birds of prey. Other activities include hiking to nearby archaeological sites, participating in cultural interpretation tours, paddling the lake by canoe, or enjoying some fishing for trout or landlock Arctic char. Other options include boat tours on the Kuujjuaq River to visit the old Hudson’s Bay trading post across the river at Old Fort Chimo.
Observe the great caribou migration while fishing at Leaf River Lodge
Avid fishermen can enjoy their passion all summer long at Leaf River Lodge fishing outfitting camp. Visitors can try their luck at catch and release for big Atlantic salmon, and at times even fish with Alexis Pageau, a TV show host and reporter and professional fisherman, well-known in Quebec through his involvement with the Hooké Fishing Collective. In September, the area also becomes a great place to observe the great caribou migration across Leaf River and admire the colourful tundra and famed Northern lights, with tips from Quebec wildlife photographer Jean-Simon Bégin to capture these keepsake moments forever on camera.
Wedge Hills Lodge’s Golden Peninsula Tours
Inuit Adventures’ Big Three of the Arctic Wildlife
This package is specifically dedicated to the observation and photography of the area’s three prime ambassadors — polar bear, muskox, and migratory caribou. Inuit Adventures offers this week-long journey in the heart of the Northern summer (July and August). Motorized canoe excursions take visitors to the coast of Ungava Bay in search of polar bears; to Diana Island to see muskoxen left stranded there after the thaw; and along the Payne River to witness the great caribou migration swimming across. Each of these activities takes place from an Inuit community, also giving visitors a chance to discover the daily life of the Inuit in their northern villages.
Spend your nights in a beautiful log cabin and your days flying in a tailor-made seaplane tour to see magnificent landscapes of fjords, icebergs, the majestic Torngat mountains, and awe-inspiring waterfalls. Don’t be surprised if you spot a polar bear, black bears or even a few caribou. Offering week-long tours from the end of July to early September, this package also provides opportunities to hike in the mountains as well as bivouac overnight, and even to pack raft down a river valley or fat bike in landscapes larger than life.
Tourism
CREDIT: JEAN-SIMON BÉGIN
CREDIT: NUNAVIK TOURISM
CREDIT: JEAN-SIMON BÉGIN
CREDIT:
CREDIT:
TWelcome to Nunavut, Where a World of Bold Adventure Awaits
From stunning landscapes to majestic wildlife and exhilarating adventures, Nunavut offers a plethora of one-of-a-kind experiences for intrepid travellers.
Tania Amardeil
here are some places in the world that still feel untouched, raw, and truly wild. Nunavut, the largest and most northern territory of Canada, is one of them. Here, beneath the midnight sun or shimmering northern lights, you’ll find pristine ice caps and mountains, endlessly peaceful tundras, jaw-droppingly beautiful views, and majestic wildlife, from caribou and polar bears to whales, walruses, seals, and more. Nunavut is a place bursting with adventure — where trophy fishing and breathtaking Arctic photography await those bold enough to journey north.
If you’re ready to explore Nunavut, check out one of these exceptional local outfitters.
Arctic Bay Adventures: unique packaged tours and adventures
Located in the northwest corner of Baffin Island, Arctic Bay is one of the most beautiful places in Nunavut. If you’d like to explore the area guided by experienced professionals and local Inuit guides with in-depth knowledge of the land, Arctic Bay Adventures is the perfect bet.
Locally run and part of the Inuit owned and operated community of Arctic Bay, Arctic Bay Adventures offers a variety of unique packaged tours. Learn the nomadic ways
of the Inuit, hike majestic landscapes, enjoy the exhilaration of dog sledding, venture off on a fishing trip, or soak up the beauty of the northern lights. Unforgettable memories await!
Ausuittuq Adventures: remote beauty and one-of-a-kind experiences
Fully Inuit owned, Ausuittuq Adventures is located on Ellesmere Island, one of the most remote places on Earth. This outfitter offers a variety of hiking tours to stunning mountaintops and glaciers, snowmobile tours, opportunities to accompany an Inuk on a hunting trip, and one-ofa-kind experiences like enjoying a meal atop a floating ice floe as sea mammals swim by.
Photography enthusiasts will love Ausuittuq Adventures’ photography tours, which offer participants a chance to take up-close photos of all kinds of wildlife in their natural environments — from polar bears and sea birds to narwhals, belugas, walruses, and seals.
NorthWinds Expeditions: adventures, polar training, documentaries, and more Having successfully led nine South Pole expeditions and six North Pole expeditions, among many other epic dog-sledding and kite-skiing expeditions, NorthWinds Expeditions is considered to be one of the leading polar expedition companies in the world. If you have ambitious polar goals, this is the outfitter for you!
Want to learn the essential skills and expertise needed to head out on an expedition? Don’t skip NorthWinds’ polar training. Not quite ready for a polar expedition but want to experience the north? NorthWinds offers custom adventures across the Arctic. The outfitter also specializes in documentaries, film support, and photography in remote locations.
Q&A WITH Argen Elezi (@argenel)
Mediaplanet spoke with Photographer & Travel Influencer Argen Elezi about his inspirations, challenges, and approach to balancing experience with documentation, highlighting how photography deepens cultural connections and transforms perspectives through storytelling.
How do you choose the destinations you photograph, and what draws you to a particular location?
Sometimes the destination chooses me! A particular landscape might call to me, like the rugged coastlines of Atlantic Canada, or the dramatic landscapes of the Italian Dolomites.
I’m also fascinated by architecture, especially places with a sense of history and charm. And of course, I love exploring local cuisine, which is a huge part of the travel experience for me. Then there are those times when a project or collaboration takes me somewhere unexpected, and that’s always exciting!
What’s the most challenging shot you’ve ever captured, and what made it so difficult?
Photography often pushes you out of your comfort zone, and I’ve learned that preparation and planning are key. For example, shooting in Canada during winter can be particularly challenging. The freezing temperatures mean I have to bundle up in layers, pack extra batteries (which tend to drain quickly in the cold), and bring hand warmers and ice cleats. Standing outside in the cold, waiting for the perfect sunrise, or trying to spot wildlife requires patience. Another
challenge has been overcoming my fear of heights. Shooting at the Grand Canyon, for instance, was initially quite intimidating. But over the years, photography has helped me become more comfortable with that, while still being safe.
How do you balance enjoying the moment with the technical aspects of capturing it perfectly?
It's always a bit of a balancing act! It’s important to be present and truly experience the places you’re visiting while being respectful. Sometimes that means putting the camera down, engaging in conversation with the locals, or just quietly enjoying a beautiful sunset. With time, I’ve trained myself to work more efficiently, so I can capture the shot without missing out on the experience. Where possible, I always try to add a few extra days to my trips where I have no agenda, no shoots planned, just time to wander and explore. That helps me recharge and truly appreciate the destination beyond the lens.
What’s one place or moment you’ve photographed that completely transformed how you see the world?
I think every place I visit leaves a unique mark and helps shape my perspective of the world while making new friends along the way — whether I’m hiking through the beautiful Canadian Rockies, wandering the streets of Porto, or exploring an ancient castle town in Albania. It’s like adding pieces to a puzzle. I used to think travel was about ticking off a list of must-see places, but I’ve come to value quality over quantity. I think the real magic happens when we have the chance to slow down and appreciate the moment. It’s about capturing not just an image, but a feeling, a story, or an everyday moment that often goes unnoticed.
This article was sponsored by Travel Nunavut
Datesfor excursionsmaybe subjecttochange.
Follow Argen at @argenel for more of his photography.
