By Canadian Press

Polar night draws to an end in Inuvik; festival marks return to longer days

Jan 5, 2018 | 8:00 AM

INUVIK, N.W.T. — The sun is returning to the horizon in the Northwest Territories town of Inuvik, even as Atlantic Canadians dig out from a powerful winter storm and many other parts of the country shiver through extreme cold snaps.

It’s been 30 days since the solar orb was last seen in Inuvik, 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, but that changes on Saturday when the sun returns, rising at 1:44 p.m.

The event will be marked by a festival which Inuvik’s marketing co-ordinator Chris Sharpe says continues all weekend.

Participants will have just 34 minutes to enjoy the light on Saturday because the sun sets again at 2:18 p.m.

By Sunday, there will be 63 minutes of daylight in Inuvik, and the days will continue to lengthen from there until round-the-clock sun returns in late May.

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Sharpe says the sunrise festival had humble beginnings three decades ago, but has grown dramatically as visitors arrive to witness a sure sign that winter will eventually loosen its grip on the Northern Hemisphere.

“It was just a community breakfast and fireworks and it has expanded over the years to this mega event that welcomes the world.”

The festival includes dancing and music, food, a snow-carving contest, ice village, snow pitch and even snow yoga. (CKRW)

The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

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Polar night draws to an end in Inuvik; festival marks return to longer days

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