Pingo Canadian Landmark

Discover a Pingo

Who isn’t a sucker for an unusual natural land formation? A pingo is a mound of frozen earth that can rise up to seventy metres high, coming from the Inuvialuktun word for “small hill.” NWT’s Mackenzie Delta is the best place to see these frozen upside down tea-cups, with 1350 hills in the area. Pingo Canadian Landmark protects eight of them (including Ibyuk, the world’s second tallest pingo). The Inuvialuit have traditionally used the pingos as navigational landmarks or to spot animals during hunts, although due to their fragile nature, today’s visitors are not allowed to walk on them.

Length of Trip : Half Day

Cost : Click here for prices and further information about river cruises or flightseeing tours to Tuktoyaktuk.

Best time to go : Summer

Wheelchair friendly : Call ahead to make arrangements if possible.

Family friendly : Yes, although suited for older kids.

Where to eat : In Inuvik, I recommend the muskox burger at the Mackenzie Hotel, or the scrumptious fish tacos from Alestines located in a school bus just around the corner.

Official Site : You can find information about the Pingos from Parks Canada’s website, or book an excursion from Tundra North Tours.

Where to Stay : In Inuvik, I’d recommend the Mackenzie Hotel or the Nova Hotel.

Getting There : The Pingos can be seen during a flightseeing tour to Tuktoyaktuk, or by taking a Delta River cruise up to Tuktoyaktuk through Tundra North Adventures. Click here for prices and further information.

Note from Robin : There are no facilities, such as washrooms, shelters, and garbage cans, within Pingo Canadian Landmark. A boardwalk does lead to a viewpoint. Because of the fragile nature of the pingos, it is forbidden to hike up the pingo, or take a snowmobile or ATV up the hills.

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