These territories represent the vast wilderness of the North American continent. The territories are home to the famous Inuit and Inuvialuit tribes. This subarctic region of Canada is dotted with stunning natural beauty as well as inhabited by the community rich in culture and history.
40% of the total land mass of Canada is occupied by these three territories. The tundra region with picturesque forests cover most of the area within the regions. Large gas reserves, diamond mining and tourism comprises of most of the economy of the place. Because of the richness of natural resources in the region, there is enormous potential for economic expansion.In recent times the Northern region has taking a pivotal role in the development of the overall economy of Canada.
Yukon Territory
This is the smallest territory of all the territories in terms of land mass. It was split from the Northwestern territories in 1898 and received its name Yukon after the river Yukon that runs through it. The famous gold rush begun from this region in the late 19th century. Initially known for trading fur and other goods the region was soon inhabited by gold miners in order to explore the untapped potential of the region. In subsequent years the population of the place grew exponentially and so did the control over law and order, due to which the Yukon was split from the northwestern territories and hence established as a new territory.
Economy of the region
Mining of Zinc, Silver, lead along with other metals are the major minerals and metals mined from an economical standpoint. Manufacturing of furniture, handicrafts and clothing have followed the existing mining and other industries of the region over the years. In an event recently, the
Business Corporation Act was modified in an attempt to attract more benefits and to invite more participants into the existing economical setup. The region’s natural beauty has played a vital influence in boosting the economy.
The Tourism industry in the region
Any kind of adventure sport can be performed in the region making the tourism industry stand out in terms of economical growth. You’ll have the option to participate in an activity you’ve always wanted to do, such as skiing, hunting, snowboarding, or ice climbing. Since years, the richness and abundance of flora and fauna have drawn a large number of people to national parks and other wildlife areas.
Places to visit in Yukon-
Historical Places – Place Grand Theatre, Service Cabin, Bonanza Creek and S.S Klondike are the major historical attractions in the region.
Museums – Kwanlin Dun Cultural, Keno City Mining Museum, Northern Lights Centre and North End Gallery are the renowned museums in Yukon.
Sight Seeing – Miles Canyon, Chadburn Lake, Lake Laberge and the Yukon River is where the local tourists usually go when they visit the region.
Nunavut Region
Nunavut is Canada’s northernmost territory, as well as its newest. It was established as a separate region on April 1, 1999 due to the Nunavut Act. There is no rail or road access to this region as one can only access the region and its remote islands by air and water.
History of Nunavut
Martin Frobisher, a famous English adventurer, is credited with being the first to make contact with the region’s Inuit people in 1576.The region has a history in the Cold War period, as many Inuit people were shifted from Nunavik to Griese Fiord and Resolute. It is said that during this period of shifting due to the unfamiliar environment many native people starved to death and faced hostile environments. In later years though many families were given compensation for their losses.
Economy of Nunavut
As in Yukon, the region’s economy centres around the mining industry. Numerous projects are going on in the areas which will add to the community and economy of the region. Gas, Oil and exploration of minerals are major areas which take part building the economy of the region.
Places to visit
Iqaluit
This is the capital of Nunavut and the location of all major events and attractions.From time to time, the world-famous Inuit culture and important events are held here. Outdoor activities such as dogsledding, skiing,
snowmobiling, berry picking, hunting and fishing are major events tourists take part in.
Naujaat(Repulse Bay)
knows as the bird watchers paradise, this region attracts as number of tourists for this very reason. A variety of birds such as swans, tundra swans, peregrine falcons and snow geese are present here.
Auyuittuq National Park
This park is known for dogsledding and hiking. The area’s natural beauty is known to attract a considerable number of tourists.
Somerset Island
Beluga whales are a major attraction for all those who visit the island. These animals are known for their beautiful white colour and a range of
vocal sounds. They are known to be very social animals as they hunt in groups, migrate and interact with each other quite frequently
Northwestern Territories
This is a federal territory situated in the far northern region of Canada. Yellowknife, the capital, is known as North America’s diamond capital. There are many diamond fields here and it plays a major role in the economy of the region as well as the country.
Economy
Diamonds, Gold and Natural gas occupies a significant part of the pie at the economic level. The mining industry contributes significantly to the economy because it has the greatest per capita GDP in Canada.Fishing, trapping and hunting by the aboriginal people also contributes to the economy in a big way.
Places to see in Northwestern Territories
The wood buffalo national park, Northern lights, Great Slave Lake and ice roads . The northern lights takes the cake when it comes to the major attraction of the region.As a natural occurrence, blue, green, red, and yellow lights can be seen across the sky. The region also offers the best views of the word famous Aurora Borealis. Dory Point Territorial Park and Twin Falls, both of which are scenic features, are popular with tourists.
Transportation
The region can be accessed by both land as well as air, due to which it is well connected with the rest of the country. The city of Yellowknife has the largest airport in the territory and has accessibility to almost all parts of Canada.
Summary
The three territories have played a major role in the Canadian economy contributing to major sectors. Apart from the huge historical importance of the place. The mining sector, in particular, has had a considerable impact on the development of the region.The native indigenous people have resided in the region for centuries and have played a massive role in the economy as well as demography of the region. The culturally rich and historical
background of the region will always be a major reason why these places will be a must visit for everyone in the years ahead.
