Episode 1/24

@ Larger Than Life, Yukon Territories
Biwa begins her tour of "Maples, Moose & Mounties - North" by downloading a map of specially chosen locations!
Larger Than Life, Yukon Territories
Signs welcoming visitors to the Yukon Territories greet you with the phrase, "Larger Than Life," and the vast panoramas do not disappoint. Mountain vistas such as this are a common sight throughout the spectacularly beautiful province.

Episode 2/24

@ Mackenzie Mountains, Yukon Territories
"We'll be on the helicopter, boats or snowmobiles quite a bit in Nunavut! They haven't got any roads except in residential communities!" said Biwa.
"Wow! That's incredible!" said Cheery. "I think this is the most amazing trip we've ever been on."
Mackenzie Mountains, Yukon Territories
The Mackenzie Mountains form part of the boundary between the Yukon and Northwest Territories. Keele Peak is the tallest mountain in the range.

Episode 3/24

@ National Flag of Canada
"What's the coldest it's ever been here, Biwa?" asked Snipsnap, shivering.
"Apparently it reached minus 63°C in the Yukon in 1947!" responded Biwa.
"Goodness!" said Snipsnap. "I'm glad I packed an extra jumper!"
National Flag of Canada
The National Flag of Canada, or Maple Leaf Flag, is a horizontally symmetric flag that is identical no matter which direction the flag is blowing. The eleven-point red maple leaf in the center was chosen after testing as it was the design that was the least blurry in high winds tests. The maple leaf has been used as an emblem of Canada since the 18th century.

Episode 4/24

@ Yukon Ice
"Oh, Henry, just look at this leaflet I picked up this morning. They do a Spring Polar Bear & Icebergs of Baffin Safari, a Narwhal & Polar Bear Safari, and a summertime Polar Bear & Glaciers of Baffin Island Safari. We should definitely be staying a few weeks here!"
"Perhaps we could come back one day, Biwa!" remarked Henry.

Yukon Ice
Residents of the Yukon Territories and other arctic areas are well familiar with the dangers of ice and take great care in crossing any frozen waterways. Fast-moving rivers freeze and melt at different rates and are even more unpredictable than lakes and ponds. It is possible in sub-zero weather to have slush and only partially frozen sections so the ice can be quite deceptive and unsafe to cross.

Episode 5/24

@ Wintry Trail, Yukon Territories
"Did you know that at the peak of the summer solstice Nunavut has 20½ hours of sunshine a day, Biwa?" asked BarryTone.
"Wow, that's incredible!" responded Biwa.
Wintry Trail, Yukon Territories
The frosty foggy trail beckons the hardy resident of the Yukon Territories. Dog-sledding and snowmobiling are not just popular winter tourist activities, they are a way of life for those pets hardy enough to call this frigid terrain home.

Episode 6/24

@ Barren-Ground Caribou, Yukon Territories
"Hey, BellaElla, guess where we'll be going to in the Yukon? Dawson City in the Klondike region—it's the scene of the infamous gold rush in 1896! There's now a music hall and things ... oh, and you can go to Bonanza Creek and pan for your own real gold at Free Claim #6!"
"Can't wait!" said Biwa happily. "Perhaps we'll go home as millionaires!"

Barren-Ground Caribou, Yukon Territories
Barren-Ground Caribou can be found in the Yukon in the massive Porcupine Herd (169,000) or the smaller Forty Mile Herd (51,000). The open tundra and sparse trees allow the herds to see predators from a great distance. Large herds will move together between calving grounds and summer feeding, to wintering grounds to the south. Cows will keep antlers until they calve in June allowing pregnant females to claim and defend the best feeding areas in late winter when they need high-quality food.

Episode 7/24

@ Yukon Mountain Goat
"Next quiz question. Capital of Nunavut?" asked Biwa.
"Ah-ha, I know this!" exclaimed Joe. "It used to be Frobisher Bay from its location but regained its traditional Inuktitut name of Iqaluit when the territory was created. That means “place of fish”, you know."

Yukon Mountain Goat
The Yukon mountain goat is the rarest large mammal in the Yukon with an estimate of only 1500 animals. Males and females are very similar in appearance. Their favored habitat is steep rocky cliffs which they use to protect themselves from predators.

Episode 8/24

@ Yukon Bannock
"Oh, Biwa, did you know there's a community in Yukon called SNAFU? It was christened after everyone’s favourite army acronym—Situation Normal: All Fouled Up—by the US military while they were building the Alaska highway. It's now a campsite surrounded by lakes and a popular destination for canoe trips."
"Let's hope they have no SNAFUs there, Sir Precious McPrance!" responded Biwa.
Yukon Bannock
A true taste of the Yukon, bannock (also known as fry bread) is a quick bread made of flour that can be baked or fried. This Yukon First Nations cultural food is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside and will pair well with any meal.

Episode 9/24

@ Canadian Pika, Yukon Territories
"Oh, Priya, just look at this leaflet I picked up this morning. They do a Spring Polar Bear & Icebergs of Baffin Safari, a Narwhal & Polar Bear Safari, and a summertime Polar Bear & Glaciers of Baffin Island Safari. We should definitely be staying a few weeks here!"
"Perhaps we could come back one day, Biwa!" remarked Priya.

Canadian Pika, Yukon Territories
The pika is a small mammal the size of a guinea pig and is in the same family as rabbits and hares. It has no external tail and is found throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon Territories, and Alaska. Other names for them include cony and rock rabbit as they are often found in rocky habitats.

Episode 10/24

@ Canada Geese, Northwest Territories
"Do they still use dog sleighs in Nunavut, FLAPPY?" queried Biwa.
"Our tour guide was telling us earlier that the ancient Inuit sled dog breeds are alive and well. These dogs are perfectly adapted to the arctic climate, and love to run. But when distances are a bit too far for dogs, Nunavummiut hop on their snowmobiles to make tracks," replied FLAPPY.
Canada Geese, Northwest Territories
The Canada goose can be found throughout most of Canada and North America. Its familiar V-formation while migrating signals the changing of the seasons. These birds are on their way south as autumn will soon be arriving in the Northwest Territories.

Episode 11/24

@ Bear Café, Northwest Territories
"Oh, Nibbles, just look at this leaflet I picked up this morning. They do a Spring Polar Bear & Icebergs of Baffin Safari, a Narwhal & Polar Bear Safari, and a summertime Polar Bear & Glaciers of Baffin Island Safari. We should definitely be staying a few weeks here!"
"Perhaps we could come back one day, Biwa!" remarked Nibbles.

Bear Café, Northwest Territories
This is a popular little café of the arctic north and it is a favorite for bears as they dine on fresh fish, the facility's specialty. The views are incredible but seating is limited and bears are served first so reservations are advised.

Episode 12/24

@ Yellowknife at Night
"Did you know that 75% of the world’s narwhals spend their time in Nunavut’s waters, Biwa?" asked Tweety Pi.
"Seeing a pod of them by the floe edge will be a lifelong memory," said Biwa.
Yellowknife at Night
A scene perfect for a Christmas card is just an everyday snapshot of winter in the Northwest Territories. Temperatures are very cold with the average January reaching -26 C (-15 F). It has the honor of being named the coldest city with the longest snow cover season in Canada. Yellowknife is the capital city (actually the only city) in the Northwest Territories. Its residents speak eleven different languages.

Episode 13/24

@ Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
"Today's quiz question, Choose a name!" announced Biwa. "What is Nunavut’s territorial flower?"
"Goodness! I don't know, Biwa, what is it?"
"The purple saxifrage, Saxifraga oppositifolia," replied Biwa. "It grows well in cliff edges and rocks, and flowers in the spring snow."

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
If you are ready for an adventure, Yellowknife is ready for you! Calm, pristine lakes are aplenty if you want to spend the day just relaxing with a fishing pole in your hand. If you prefer a trek on land, well we have boreal forests aplenty for you to wander about. Just remember, no matter what adventure you choose, leave only your footprints behind!

Episode 14/24

@ Aurora Borealis, Yellowknife, NWT
"Did you know that at the peak of the summer solstice Nunavut has 20½ hours of sunshine a day, Biwa?" asked Moriarty.
"Wow, that's incredible!" responded Biwa.
Aurora Borealis, Yellowknife, NWT
Because of Yellowknife's location near the Arctic Circle, stable weather conditions, and the long hours of darkness throughout the arctic winter, the aurora borealis, or northern lights, are visible nearly every evening, provided there are no clouds in the sky. The ice roads of the Northwest Territories are a great place to view the aurora.

Episode 15/24

@ Yellowknife at Dawn
Oh look ... a Canadian pet!
Yellowknife at Dawn
The old saying that there aren't enough hours in the day really hits home if you live in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. December has the day with the shortest amount of daylight all year, with the number of daylight hours being just under five hours.

Episode 16/24

@ Least Chipmunk, Northwest Territories
" 'The further north you travel, the longer the days,' " read out iddels from thr brochure. " 'Above the Arctic Circle, the Yukon’s midnight sun doesn’t set for weeks. However you spend your time here, you’re sure to enjoy extra-long summer days and a big serving of amazing sunshine. The locals—two-legged and four-legged—thrive on all that extra Vitamin D, and you will too. Come get your fill!' "
"I really wish we were staying longer!" remarked Biwa.
Least Chipmunk, Northwest Territories
It might be called the Least Chipmunk but it doesn't make this rodent insignificant in any way. It is small in size but its spunky antics and near frenzied pace of constant foraging can be a delight to watch.

Episode 17/24

@ Bull Moose and Aurora, Northwest Territories
"It says here Nunavut has four official languages. Just think, Rowan! Apparently, while English and French remain official languages, all signage is also in the Inuit languages Inuinnaqtun and Inuktitut. The latter uses syllabics instead of the Latin alphabet."
Rowan pondered. "What are syllabics, Biwa?" he queried.
Biwa turned a page in the travel guide. "It's a writing system based on consonant-vowel pairs and it uses symbols. Have a look, Rowan, it's amazing!"
Bull Moose and Aurora, Northwest Territories
A lone bull moose enjoys the splendor of the aurora borealis, a common sight during the long nights of the arctic winter in the Northwest Territories.

Episode 18/24

@ Northern Transport
"Did you know that at the peak of the summer solstice Nunavut has 20½ hours of sunshine a day, Biwa?" asked Signet.
"Wow, that's incredible!" responded Biwa.
Northern Transport
There are no roads in Nunavut except in communities, so if you want to get about, you need to go by boat, snowmobile or air -- and Shank's Pony, of course!

Episode 19/24

@ Canadian Tundra
"Next quiz question. Capital of Nunavut?" asked Biwa.
"Ah-ha, I know this!" exclaimed Lucifer. "It used to be Frobisher Bay from its location but regained its traditional Inuktitut name of Iqaluit when the territory was created. That means “place of fish”, you know."

Canadian Tundra
Tundra, which comes from a Sami word meaning “barren land,” refers to a treeless arctic region characterised by permafrost. Canada’s tundra is known for its freezing temperatures, lack of trees, low-growing vegetation and abundant rock outcrops. The southern boundary of tundra in Canada extends from the Mackenzie River delta to the southern reaches of Hudson Bay and northeast to the Labrador Peninsula.

Episode 20/24

@ Royal Canadian Mounted Police
"We'll be on the helicopter, boats or snowmobiles quite a bit in Nunavut! They haven't got any roads except in residential communities!" said Biwa.
"Wow! That's incredible!" said Cuddles. "I think this is the most amazing trip we've ever been on."
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The RCMP is Canada’s national police force – providing an array of services from municipal policing, to national security intelligence gathering, to the legendary Musical Ride.

Episode 21/24

@ Stellar's Jay
"What's Nunavut's territorial bird, Biwa?" asked Choose a name.
"Oh, we passed some this morning," replied Biwa. "It's the rock ptarmigan. Our guide told us it has different camouflage depending on the season. It’s nearly all-white in the snowy winter and mottled brown in the summer. They've got feathery feet to protect them from the severe cold."
"It says here as well it nests as far north as there is land in the world," announced Choose a name.
Stellar's Jay
Steller's jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) is a bird native to western North America, closely related to the blue jay found in the rest of the continent, but with a black head and upper body. It is also known as the long-crested jay, mountain jay and pine jay. It is the only crested jay west of the Rocky Mountains. It is also sometimes colloquially called a "blue jay" in the Pacific Northwest, but is distinct from the blue jay (C. cristata) of eastern North America. The species inhabits pine-oak and coniferous forests.

Episode 22/24

@ Canada's Favourite Dish
"We'll be on the helicopter, boats or snowmobiles quite a bit in Nunavut! They haven't got any roads except in residential communities!" said Biwa.
"Wow! That's incredible!" said Tess. "I think this is the most amazing trip we've ever been on."
Canada's Favourite Dish
Poutine, originating in Quebec, is beloved by Canadians all across the country! It consists of chips and curd cheese covered with gravy. Often bacon or other meat is added! It's a must-have on your trip to Canada!

Episode 23/24

@ Our Land
"Next quiz question. Capital of Nunavut?" asked Biwa.
"Ah-ha, I know this!" exclaimed Alexander. "It used to be Frobisher Bay from its location but regained its traditional Inuktitut name of Iqaluit when the territory was created. That means “place of fish”, you know."

Our Land
The territory of Nunavut, covering some 2 million square kilometres of the eastern Arctic, was declared as part of Canada's first territorial changes since Newfoundland joined the Confederation in 1949.

Episode 24/24

@ Inuk and Inuit Territory
As Biwa's tour of "Maples, Moose & Mounties - North" comes to an end, she noshes some poutine and is surprised to discover Canada left her a parting gift!
Ancient Bare Tree
Long ago this ancient tree was vibrant and full of life. Its branches bore green and golden fruit, feeding the many pets who once lived around it. While rumours abound, no pet knows what happened to cause the fruit to stop or the foliage to disappear.
Inuk and Inuit Territory
Nunavut, which translates from the Inuktitut dialect of the Eastern Arctic Inuit as "Our Land," is a Canadian territory. There are many well known indigenous artists and writers from the territory.
Biwa has completed her tour of "Maples, Moose & Mounties - North"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour part of Canada!