Pond Inlet (Mittimatalik in Inuktitut) is a mainly Inuit community of about 2000 individuals on the north coast of Baffin Island in the Canadian territory of Nunavut. It is nicknamed the "Jewel of the North" because it is surrounded by beautiful mountains and glaciers. The town itself could hardly be called picturesque.
At the entrance to the North West Passage, it is visited by many cruise ships. 33 ships were booked to call this Summer but 11 had to cancel due to poor weather earlier in the Summer. We were the final ship of the year as the ice was beginning to close in.
The name of the town is spelt out in rocks on the hillside
This ship was delivering essential fuel oil to the community
Sadly the first polar bear we saw was a skin hanging out to cure
We were treated to a fun and enthusiastic cultural performance in the visitors centre
Tea was brewed for us and served with local flatbread
It's a long way from anywhere - London 4255km
