Being employed during this time also definitely made this a lot easier; the days went by much more quickly during the work week while I had other things to focus on. Having the ability to call and FaceTime with friends and family also kept me connected to the outside world!

I’ve also been wildlife watching out my window and during my fresh air breaks, and had quite a few interesting sightings including groundhogs, turkey vultures, peregrine falcons, and of course lots of cute dogs.

Exercise has also been key to keeping myself positive and I set myself up with a two-week workout plan that kept me on track and motivated. I also bought a skipping rope near the end of my isolation period, which gave me a fun, creative outlet that didn’t require looking at a screen!

Overall, I’m very grateful that the Government of Nunavut covered the cost of my stay, and that I can safely enter the territory without risk of bringing COVID to a remote community.

Finally, I was also thrilled to get the chance to explore Canada’s capital prior to the start of my isolation, and was pleasantly surprised by how breathtaking the parliament buildings were. The Ottawa River and the lush greenery of spring, as well as the lack of people, made the city seem like quite an oasis, especially after not being able to travel for the last year.

Next stops: Iqaluit - Pond Inlet - Arctic Bay - Resolute.