nunavut tourism guide

Picture a treeless, ice-encrusted wilderness lashed by unrelenting weather with a population density that makes Greenland seem claustrophobic. Add polar bears, narwhals, beluga whales and a scattered Inuit population who have successfully mastered a landscape so harsh that foreigners could not colonize it.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Quttinirpaaq National Park

The northernmost and most mountainous of Nunavut's national parks, 37,775-sq-km Quttinirpaaq is Canada's second-largest, way up on Ellesmere Island. Now…

Kenojuak Cultural Centre & Print Shop

Though many Inuit communities now generate world-class artworks, Cape Dorset's remain the most revered. The new Kenojuak Cultural Centre, named after…

Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts & Crafts

Pang is famous for its lithographs, prints and tapestries, and this extraordinary place brings it all together. There are few tapestry studios in the…

Auyuittuq National Park

Among the globe's most flabbergasting places, Auyuittuq (ah-you-ee-tuk) means 'the land that never melts.' Appropriately, there are plenty of glaciers in…

Katannilik Territorial Park

Near Iqaluit and one of Nunavut's finest parks, Katannilik means 'Place of Waterfalls' and comprises two main features. A Canadian Heritage waterway,…

Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum

This friendly little museum in an old Hudson's Bay Company building showcases an engaging permanent collection of traditional Inuit clothing, tools,…

Ovayok Territorial Park

Ovayok Territorial Park, accessible via a rough road or 15km hike, is a prime place to see musk ox and offers good views from Mt Pelly (200m). It has some…

Matchbox Gallery

This small space is famed for having pioneered Inuit ceramic art. Watch artists at work, and browse and buy a wide range of beautiful handicrafts,…

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Feb 11, 2020 • 5 min read

After the winter darkness, Nunavut's capital, Iqaluit, celebrates the return of the sun with a raft of Inuit traditions.

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Nunavut and beyond

Get up close to Arctic Wildlife 

Nunavut is home to the Arctic Big Five . Namely Polar Bears, Musk Ox, Belugas, Walruses and the exclusive Narwhal. For these reasons, it is an incredible place to come and see the world’s most remarkable arctic animals and marine life in their natural habitat. Experiences and sightings depend greatly on season and location. Early spring offers opportunities to see Polar Bears roaming the Floe Edge. While summer and fall are usually the best times to spot Narwhals and Beluga in high Arctic locations such as Resolute Bay. Narwhals can also be spotted near the shores of Pond Inlet and Arctic Bay. Muskox and Caribou can be found in communities such as Baker Lake, Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven to name a few.

For the best chance to encounter wildlife, book yourself a tour with a local outfitter.

Explore the Great Outdoor 

The landscape of Nunavut is unlike other parts of Canada. In Nunavut, there are no trees.  Instead, the territory is made up of rolling plateaus, glacial troughs, fiords, and mountains that could rival the Rockies. It’s also the largest province or territory in Canada. For reference, if Nunavut were a country it would be the third largest. Open spaces for adventure are abundant in the Arctic. Make the most out of your trip and visit Auyuittuq National Park . There, you’ll be surrounded by rejuvenating mountains and glorious scenery. Feeling adventurous? Hike Mount Thor. Or enjoy the scenery by skidoo, dogsled, or even hot air balloon. 

Discover Inuit Culture 

Visit museums and cultural centres, enjoy country food, and guided tours led by Indigenous-owned businesses and leaders. Enjoy Art? Browse soapstone sculptures at the Iqaluit gallery or Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts and Crafts in Pangnirtung. Or celebrate Inuit traditions at the Alianait Festival held in June or the Toonik Tyme Festival held every spring in Iqaluit, the capital.

Catch an Arctic Char

Commonly found in the freshwaters of Nunavut, Arctic Char are emblematic of the territory. So much so, that the name of towns reflect the importance of the salmonid. Abundant and readily accessible, if you’re eager to catch a Char , Nunavut is your place. The best time to catch Arctic Char is during summer from June to October. In the capital, Char can be found in Sylvia Grinnell River. Further north, the community of Pond Inlet provides the opportunity to reel in the Arctic Char. However, Char can be caught in nearly every community in Nunavut.

See the Northern Lights 

Is viewing the Northern Lights on your bucket list? The Northern Lights, also known as Aqsarniit, in Inuktitut, are the result of solar particles entering the earth’s atmosphere. Regardless of the science, Nunavut is a prime destination to see nature's light show. For optimal viewing, visit from fall to winter, when skies are free of clouds. 

10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nunavut

Written by Chloë Ernst and Bryan Dearsley Updated Sep 24, 2021

Officially established in 1999, Canada's Nunavut Territory is an administrative unit that was once part of the former Northwest Territories. And it's a very big place. Nunavut covers the whole of the eastern section of northern Canada and is a wonderful place to learn about the attractions, history, culture, nature, and best places to visit in Canada's Far North.

With an area of 1.9 million square kilometers, Nunavut is almost eight times the size of the United Kingdom and covers roughly one fifth of the total area of Canada. Its southern border is the 60th parallel, while the north extends to within about 800 kilometers of the North Pole. Most of the Territory is situated above the tree line, in a region of predominantly treeless tundra with dwarf shrubs, grasses, mosses, and lichens. Fjords cut deep inland from the coast.

Craft- and handicraft-based businesses have achieved extraordinary success here. Produced mainly in small workshops, the territory's leather goods, jewelry, and ivory work have great appeal for tourists visiting this and other regions of Canada . Hence, in addition to meeting the demand from the as-yet small number of tourists who visit the Far North, there is a lively "export trade" to the major tourist centers of the Canadian South, including Québec, Toronto, and Vancouver.

For inspiration and ideas about fun things to do when it comes to planning your northern Canadian adventure, refer often to our handy list of the top tourist attractions in Nunavut, Canada.

1. Baffin Island

2. auyuittuq national park, 4. ellesmere island, 5. quttinirpaaq national park, 6. sirmilik national park, 7. naujaat (repulse bay), 8. belcher islands, 9. pond inlet, 10. qaummaarviit territorial park, map of tourist attractions in nunavut.

With its breathtaking landscape, the warm hospitality of the Indigenous Inuit people, and the numerous opportunities for a unique holiday experience, Baffin Island is a strong draw for tourists. But it can hardly be said that it suffers from invasions of visitors, which is perfect for those who enjoy extremely remote, nature-inspired adventure travel.

The island is the fifth largest in the world, with a coastline and landscape that vary considerably. One of the best areas to visit is the island's eastern coast. It in fact shares a scenery that's very similar to Norway, with its steep fiords and small offshore islands, boasting a long, narrow alpine-like mountainous zone that reaches heights of 2,591 meters in Auyuittuq National Park on the Cumberland peninsula.

The main administrative town is Iqaluit on Frobisher Bay. The only way to get to the far north island is by air, which can be rather expensive. The cost of living is high, and the climate very "unfriendly," not to mention the hordes of insects that descend on the unfortunate traveler in summer. All in all, however, the region is perhaps somewhere for the travel specialist seeking a unique (and unforgettable) Canadian vacation adventure.

Literally translated as the "land where it never thaws," Auyuittuq National Park sits on the Cumberland Peninsula in the southeast of Baffin Island. The Penny Ice Cap , a remnant of Ice Age glaciations, takes up a large portion of the park.

The landscape is characterized by broad valleys and rugged mountains with vertical walls rising up to 1,200 meters in heigh. Of these, Mount Asgard is particularly impressive. Pangnirtung Pass is the best route through the park ending at the Pangnirtung Fiord.

Among extreme adventurers, the park is also known for its hiking. Of these, perhaps the best can be experienced on Mount Thor, a 1,675-meter-tall mountain peak that's known for its rock climbing. A word of caution: if you're contemplating such an adventure, you're first required to register with Parks Canada (see the website below for details).

Official site: www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nu/auyuittuq

For many years, whalers, scientists, traders, and missionaries frequented Iqaluit, located at the end of Frobisher Bay. It was long known as the gateway to Baffin Island, and the Inuit name of Iqaluit means "many fish."

However, it was only in 1942, when the area was developed as a U.S. military airfield, that the community began to grow in size. Now the service and administrative center of the Baffin Region, Iqaluit is a modern town with a complete infrastructure and is home to the Nunavut Legislative Assembly, as well as hotels, schools, a hospital, and cathedral. There's also a weather and radio station, as well as a camping site.

Iqaluit is also where you'll find the Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre . This modern facility is a good place to gather information and learn more about this remarkable community. Also worth a visit is the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum . Located in a former Hudson's Bay Company building, it's dedicated to the preservation of local Inuit art and culture.

Ellesmere Island lies in the extreme north of Canada, and is the second largest island - after Baffin Island - on the Canadian archipelago. It was from Ellesmere's Cape Columbia that American explorer Robert Peary set out in 1909 to walk to the North Pole.

In the extreme north of the island, you'll find Quttinirpaaq National Park . This spectacular mountainous and glaciated region has a number of hiking trails known to serious backpackers and adventure seekers. There's plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities here, too. Tourists often post pictures of sightings of seals and walrus, musk ox, wolves, arctic hare and, from a safe distance, polar bears.

At the south end of Ellesmere Island is Grise Fiord . This very small community boasts good hunting conditions and a beautiful Arctic landscape that can be viewed during canoe or snowmobile tours.

Located in the extreme north of Ellesmere Island is Quttinirpaaq National Park . This extremely mountainous and glaciated region is popular with hikers with a penchant for adventure, drawn here for its remoteness and a number of hiking trails that are known to serious backpackers.

In this predominantly dry Arctic climate, pockets of (relatively) warm and moist temperatures enable plants to grow and animals to exist, such as in the area around Lake Hazen. Here, you'll see everything from muskoxen, Peary caribou, arctic foxes and wolves, lemmings, and more than 30 species of birds. Most trips to Quttinirpaaq begin in Resolute Bay.

Official site: www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nu/quttinirpaaq

Soaring mountains, rugged glaciers, and a wide variety of wildlife perfectly describe Sirmilik National Park. This beautifully rugged area is one of Canada's most remote and northern national parks, encompassing Bylot Island , Oliver Sound , and the Borden Peninsula .

The land is made up of beautiful mountains, glaciers, ice fields, and coastal lowlands. While some visitors come here for boating and kayaking adventures, it's important to note that the coast is normally not free of ice until mid-July. During ice break up and freeze up, travel to the park is not possible.

Official site: www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nu/sirmilik

Reached only by plane, Naujaat - known as Repulse Bay up until 2015 before reverting to its native name - thrives on tourism. The big draw? Tourists come in search of land and sea adventures under the wisdom of Inuit tour guides.

The European chapter of this part of Canada's history opened in 1741, when Captain Henry Middleton sailed into the deep bay - known to the Inuit as "Naujaat" (gulls' nesting place) - in search of the Northwest Passage. In his disappointment of not finding the Arctic route, Middleton christened the place Repulse Bay.

Off the Hudson Bay coast lie the barren Belcher Islands, another potential tourist destination in Nunavut. Known to the Inuit as Sanikiluaq, the islands support polar bears and an abundance of marine life, including beluga whales and walruses in the surrounding waters.

While some adventure travelers come here to kayak, the Belcher Islands are, however, extremely remote and see very few visitors each year. There is an airstrip in Sanikiluaq , which services the area, but most who visit arrive by boat..

Set on the Baffin Island coast, Pond Inlet - or Mittimatalik in Inuit - is an Inuit village to the west of a rugged mountainous terrain. It attracts visitors for its natural beauty and culture, though the region is extremely remote and therefore costly to access.

One of the top tourist attractions in the community is the Nattinnak Centre . Part museum, part visitor center, the facility features fascinating displays on the history, geography, and wildlife of the region.

Qaummaarviit Territorial Park , once home to the Thule People and known as the "place that shines," is a rugged destination located on an island. Accessible by ski, dogsled, or snowmobile during the winter months, and by boat during the open-water season, here visitors can see the remains of the old Thule sod houses and artifacts dating back more than 750 years ago.

Also of interest are the many features that point to evidence of Inuit settlement and culture dating as far back as the 1600s. (Editor's Note: No camping is allowed, so plan to visit as part of a day trip to the island.)

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Explore Canada's Great White North : While planning your Canada travel itinerary , be sure to consider some of the great attractions and destinations in the Far North. A few of our favorites include exploring Hudson Bay , known for its spectacular landscape and plentiful wildlife (yes, including polar bears), and the Northwest Territories , a vast region many times the size of the UK, which stretches toward the North Pole and is known for its abundant flora and fauna, as well as its capital city, Yellowknife , popular for its scenic drives and hikes.

More on Canada

The top 10 attractions in Nunavut

Things to do

A trip to Nunavut is spent learning about the region's unique wilderness and wildlife, about the Inuit people and their Thule ancestors, and about the powerful relationship between the two.

Nunavut's Capital, Iqaluit External Link Title is at the center of the action. Located on Baffin Island, this is where most trips to the territory begin and end. Traditional Inuit culture can be seen everywhere, from the city's fantastic arts and crafts, to the many festivals it hosts, to the artists, musicians and filmmakers that live there. Iqaluit is also located close to three territorial parks, each home to unbelievable scenery, beautiful natural features, and many archeological artifacts dating back to the ancient Thule people. Outdoor activities like skiing, snowmobiling and dogsledding are popular parts of daily life, as are hunting, fishing and berry picking. Stay in town to dine and explore, or head out into nature. Everything starts here.

Naujaat (Repulse Bay)

Naujaat External Link Title  is a birdwatcher's paradise. The name even means "nesting place for seagulls" in the local Inuktitut language. Formerly known as Repulse Bay, this hamlet sits near a cliff area where seagulls are born every June. It's also located directly on the Arctic Circle, a fact marked by an impressive stone cairn found in the community. Only about 1,050 people live in Naujaat, meaning they're greatly outnumbered by the birds and other local wildlife. Rolling hills, beautiful inlets, and Arctic tundra form a landscape that tends to experience some pretty cold weather. But that shouldn't stop you from visiting in the warmer months, for great fishing, hunting ATV riding, hiking, kayaking, and, of course, birdwatching. From the seagulls, that gave it its name, to tundra swans, peregrine falcons, and snow geese, there are birds aplenty. 

Auyuittuq National Park

Glaciers, rugged mountains and rivers dominate the terrain of Auyuittuq National Park External Link Title . The prospect of some challenging terrain attracts leagues of hikers and skiers, most of whom follow the 60-mile Akshayuk Pass (known locally as Pang Pass), a traditional Inuit travel corridor that crosses the park. We can't all take on 60 miles though, so visitors can also do day hikes to the Arctic Circle, or tackle the terrain via dogsled or snowmobile. If you're going to visit anything in the park, make it Mount Thor. The aptly-named mountain has the world's highest vertical drop, at 4,101 feet. It's really something to behold.

Sirmilik National Park

Sirmilik National Park External Link Title , on the northwest side of Baffin Island, has one of the most diverse sets of wildlife in the Arctic. Narwhals, caribou, polar bears, ringed seals, killer whales all travel the shore and the water beyond it. The park also houses an important bird sanctuary, Bylot Island, with over 70 species and hundreds of thousands of birds either nesting there, or passing through. At over 8,500 square miles, it stands to reason that wildlife would inhabit the park. But all that space also means lots of rooms for activities (beyond the obvious wildlife viewing). This includes mountain climbing, ski touring, sea kayaking, touring the floe edge and visiting archeological sites.

West Baffin Eskimo Co-Operative Limited

Carvings, etchings and stonecut prints are the bread and butter of the West Baffin Eskimo Co-Operative Limited External Link Title , a collection of Inuit artists based in Cape Dorset. The co-operative has existed for more than 50 years, and has since become arguably the Inuit art capital of the world. On the shores of the Hudson Strait, these artists ply their trade to the delight of the many art lovers that make the trip to the island year-after-year.

Cunningham Inlet (Somerset Island)

Plain and simple, Cunningham Inlet on Somerset Island is the best place in the world to watch beluga whales. Thousands of these beautiful animals visit the inlet every year to play, nurse their young and molt their skin. The consistency with which they visit and the remoteness of the site -- 500 miles north of the arctic circle -- make this a truly wild experience. Guests can shack up at the beautiful Arctic Watch Lodge External Link Title , and walk less than a mile for unrivaled views of these beluga pods, and enjoy all the other wildlife, natural beauty and archeological sites that fill Somerset Island.

Ellesmere Island

Nunavut is home to more than one big island. Ellesmere Island is second in size only to Baffin Island, and sits about as far north as Canada goes. It was from this island in 1909 that an explorer set out to walk to the North Pole, which is located only 447 miles away. In other words, Ellesmere Island is not a place to go sunbathing. It is a place to observe muskox, caribou, wolves and lemmings. It's also a great place to take canoe and snowmobile tours through great hunting land. And it's also an awesome place to test your gumption with mountain climbing, backpacking or, if you really want the memory of a lifetime, a North Pole excursion of your own. Did I mention the 24-hour daylight?

If you're going to visit the scenic hamlet of Pond Inlet External Link Title for one reason, and one reason only, make it the narwhals. These unicorns of the sea famously pass through the inlet in large pods, creating a really incomparable wildlife viewing experience. Located near the floe edge, Pond Inlet is also a great place to see other wildlife in the spring. Immerse yourself in the local culture and history, from a local theater group to a variety of archeological digs. And if you love to get outside, the icebergs, glaciers, mountains and fjords that really characterize the entire territory of Nunavut are all close by. Make sure to explore some ice caves, or check out the hoodoos -- tall, thin rock formations.

Iqalugaarjuup Nunanga Territorial Park

It might not be easy to say Iqalugaarjuup Nunanga Territorial Park External Link Title , but it is easy to love it. Five miles from Rankin Inlet, this beautiful park features a chain of lakes, tundra, wetlands and all the varieties of animals that inhabit these ecosystems. Thanks to the varied terrain, many trails, and ancient Thule archeological sites it contains, the park is a popular destination for hiking. While you can visit the park in the winter, by ski or snowmobile, most choose to come in the summer when the birds are chirping and the purple mountain flowers are in bloom. Bring your binoculars and see if you can spot a peregrine falcon, or wade into the waters and catch yourself an Arctic char.

The Northwest Passage

The Northwest Passage is actually a sea route that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Arctic Ocean above Canada. The famous route passes around and above Baffin Island, with lots to see along the way. Cruise the passage External Link Title , skirting icebergs as you trace the steps of arctic explorers. Hop a zodiac ashore to abandoned whaling stations, Hudson's Bay Company outposts and ancient Thule campsites littered with artifacts. Grab your binoculars to hone in on walrus, narwhal, polar bears and sea birds. If you'd rather stick to land, there's also a Northwest Passage Trail External Link Title that sees you walk among the relics of the men who first explored this trail.

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Nunavut Complete Travel Guide - Things To Do, Activities & Food

Dive into the unique Inuit culture and way of life, and the exciting hunting, fishing, and dogsledding activities in this ultimate Nunavut guide!

Quick Links

Fast facts about nunavut, nunavut - accommodations, top sights & activities.

• Major Towns That Make Up Nunavut: Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay, Arviat, Kugluktuk, Pond Inlet, Baker Lake, Pangnirtung, Naujaat, Coral Harbour, Igloolik, Hall Beach, Whale Cove, Gjoa Haven, Cape Dorset, Taloyoak.
• Timezones include: Eastern Standard Time (EST), Central Standard Time (CST), Mountain Standard Time (MST).
• Most Populous Cities: Iqaluit, Arviat, Rankin Inlet.

Geographic Places of Note

• Mountains to see: Thor Peak, Angilaaq Mountain, Mount Odin, Kisimngiuqtuq Peak, Barbeau Park, Mount Pelly, Mount Eugene, Mount Asgard, Qiajivik Mountain, Mount Thule, Ukpik Peak, Mount Duval, Mount Nukap.
• The Auyuittuq National Park is located in Nunavut.
• Notable bodies of water include Rivière Soper, Digges Sound, Simpson Strait, Franklin Strait, Arctic Ocean, Baker Lake, Nettilling Lake, Ennadai Lake, Back River, Dubawnt Lake, Amadjuak Lake, and many more.
• Nunavut is home to Baffin Island.

MOST POPULAR NUNAVUT DESTINATIONS

Accommodations.

Budget-Friendly

Budget-friendly accommodations in Nunavut are not readily available and people should expect to rent shared facilities with basic amenities if they don't want to pay high prices. The rare budget-friendly accommodations in Nunavut offer basic amenities and clean rooms that meet the needs of their clients.

• The Discovery Hotel , Iqaluit

Mid-range accommodations are available in Nunavut, but at higher rates than other provinces in Canada. They offer a good combination of value-for-money and comfort. Moreover, they feature bigger rooms than their budget-friendly counterparts.

• Illu B&B , East Cambridge

High-end accommodations are the most luxurious in Nunavut and feature large rooms with advanced amenities and facilities. They boast restaurants, family rooms, free WiFi, gyms, business centers, and bars.

• Aqsarniit Hotel and Conference Centre , Iqaluit
• The Frobisher Inn , Iqaluit

Nunavut Travel Guides

Top sights in nunavut.

Adventure lovers head to Nunavut for sights they will never witness anywhere else. Some of Nunavut's most unique attractions include the iconic Auyuittuq National Park, marvelous Thor Peak, scenic Quttinirpaaq National Park, magical Sirmilik National Park, and many others. Furthermore, the province is home to the vast natural area of Ukkusiksalik National Park, which is known for its varied and rich wildlife. Nunavut is also home to the twin-peaked Mount Asgard, featuring rock towers. Other unique attractions in this beautiful Canadian province include Beechey Island, Qausuittuq National Park, Barbeau Peak, Akshayuk Pass, Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, and the landmark peak Mount Odin.

• The last ice shelf in Canada was located in Nunavut
• Travelers to Nunavut must climb the world's steepest vertical drop, Mount Thor
• The most iconic attractions in Nunavut and other facts about the arctic territory

Things To Do In Nunavut

Canada's Nunavut territory is a vast place with rich history and culture, incredible natural spots, countless attractions, and iconic places to visit. The Arctic territory has an area that exceeds 1.9 million square kilometers and is frequented by adventure lovers who come to live an experience they would never find somewhere else.

• A guide to exploring the incredible ways of Inuit life in Nunavut

They come to see the breathtaking landscape of Baffin Island and learn about the Inuit culture and history. People also come to visit Auyuittuq National Park, home to remnants of Ice Age glaciations, such as the Penny Ice Cap. Iqaluit is the town where people can find the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum and the Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre.

• The most unique and exciting things to do in Nunavut

Also in Nunavut is Ellesmere Island, home to Quttinirpaaq National Park and the small community of Grise Fiord, where people can practice hunting like the Inuit and enjoy breathtaking Arctic landscape. Sirmilik National Park is another place that people enjoy visiting in Nunavut.

• A detailed guide to visiting Nunavut and experiencing the most out of this iconic territory

They come to this place to see the rugged glaciers, soaring mountains, and various wildlife species. Sirmilik National Park is home to Oliver Sound, Bylot Island, and the Borden Peninsula. Inuit tour guides featuring land and sea adventures are offered in Naujaat, also known as Repulse Bay. This town can be reached only by plane. Other notable things to do in Nunavut include visiting the Belcher Islands, Bond Inlet, and Qaummaarviit Territorial Park.

Nunavut Travel Guide

Popular destinations, san francisco, new york city.

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Nunavut , Arctic Travel

21 unique things to do in iqaluit, nunavut + the ultimate iqaluit travel guide.

For a city of just 8,000 people, Iqaluit really punches above its weight. When I first moved to Nunavut’s capital city, I was painfully lonely . But once I started making friends and getting out of the house more, I really fell in love with it. I was surprised to find there are a ton of things to do in Iqaluit, whether you’re visiting as a tourist or moving there yourself.

In the following post, I’ll go over 21 of the unique things to do in Iqaluit – activities and sights that you’re unlikely to be able to do in any other Canadian city. From snowmobiling to dog sledding, kayaking on the Arctic Ocean to hiking over tundra, catching a bite to eat or attending a festival, you’re sure to find enough activities to fill your itinerary.

In addition to the specific activities, I’ve also included all the information I think you’d need to plan your trip: how to get to Iqaluit, where to stay, how to get around, the best time of year and more. This is a BIG post, so use the table of contents below to jump to exact information you’re interested in.

My experience in Iqaluit : Part of the inspiration for writing this post came from reading other “things to do in Iqaluit” posts I found on Google – it was obvious they were written by people who hadn’t lived in (or even been to) Iqaluit themselves. I’ve made two trips to Iqaluit: one where I lived there for four months supporting tours for guests (potentially you!) and another as a tourist myself. So know these recommendations come from a place of experience!

Map of Things to do in Iqaluit

All of the activities listed in the blog post can be found on the following map. In addition, I’ve included the airport, hotels, grocery stores and other points of interest. Iqaluit is a pretty small place, so most things can be accessed on foot. Otherwise, all taxis in the city are $7 per person, regardless of where in the city you are going (and this includes the town of Apex as well).

When to Visit & How Long to Stay

When you visit depends on what activities you want to do, and I go into extreme detail about Nunavut in each month of the year in this post . Long story short is:

Winter Activities : Mid-February through April. At this time of year, the days will be long (over 12 hours) the bay will still be frozen (needed for snowmobiling) and it’s possible to see the northern lights.

Summer Activities : August through October. At this time of year, the tundra will be starting to change colour, the days will be getting shorter (but still over 12 hours) and there will be the possibility of seeing northern lights.

If you want to experience the peak of the midnight sun, May through July is the best time to visit. However, this limits the amount of activities you can do. In June and sometimes July, the bay won’t be frozen enough for snowmobiling, but will still be too frozen for kayaking.

Another consideration to keep in mind is whether you want to visit a festival. Further in this post I’ve written about Alainait (an awesome cultural festival in June) and Toonik Tyme (the welcoming of Spring, in April), either of which you could plan your trip around.

I think four days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Iqaluit . Three days would be enough time to do most of the activities on this list, however weather in the arctic can be temperamental, so I think it’s best to have the buffer of an extra day.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support is much appreciated! You can learn more by reading my full disclosure .

How to Get to Iqaluit

One of the first questions I’m asked whenever I tell people I lived in Iqaluit is “How do you even get there?” (quickly followed by “Isn’t it super expensive though?”).

First of all, it’s actually pretty easy to get to Iqaluit – there are direct flights from both Ottawa and Montreal by Canadian North. Both flights are around four hours. (If you want more details on getting to Iqaluit or travelling within Nunavut, check out this post ).

The flights actually are quite expensive. Last I checked, the flight between Ottawa and Iqaluit was ~$750, but you can check the latest using the form below.

In my post How to Visit Nunavut on the Cheap , I have some tips on saving money – including how to score tickets for just under $250. (Hint: It involves Aeroplan.)

Where to Stay in Iqaluit

There are four major hotels in Iqaluit plus a handful of Airbnbs. I haven’t stayed at any of these hotels myself (I was in the house when I lived in Iqaluit). However the guests I guided did, and they were always keen to offer their feedback. I’ve actually written an entire blog post with recommendations for where to stay in Iqaluit , but I’ve summarized all the info below.

Frobisher Inn  – Also known as the Frobe, this is a large hotel in the center of the city. The feedback I got from guests included:

• Good location in the city
• The rooms are nice and comfortable
• Food options right at the hotel
• Overall pleasant experience

The Discovery Lodge Hotel  – The boutique hotel. Arguably the nicest hotel (when Leonardo DiCaprio came to Iqaluit this is the hotel he stayed in). Feedback:

• Smallest hotel, nicest rooms
• Not as great of a location (slightly outside the downtown core, however Iqaluit is so small it doesn’t make a big difference)
• Really good restaurant

Capital Suites   – In all honestly I haven’t heard much about Capital Suites (we didn’t often book guests at this hotel) so I don’t have feedback on this hotel. Sorry!

Bed & Breakfast

Accommodations By The Sea  – Cute bed & breakfast outside of city center with great views of the Bay.

• Small B&B with fewer guests and great hosts
• Better prices for what you get
• Breakfast provided, no other food options nearby
• Great views of Frobisher Bay

Airbnb  – There are also a few Airbnb options in Iqaluit. These are limited and you definitely need to book well in advance. An Airbnb won’t be much cheaper than a hotel, but you will get access to a kitchen which will save you money eating out.

From conversations I had with guests, it seemed   Accommodations By The Sea  is the best option for accommodation in Iqaluit , followed by The Discovery Lodge Hotel  in second. Next time I’m in Iqaluit, I’ll try staying at some of these so I can give you additional first hand information!

What to Read Next: The Ultimate Nunavut Travel Guide

Winter Activities

The following activities are things you can do in Iqaluit during the winter.

Snowmobiling   

Snowmobiling is one of my all-time favourite things to do in Iqaluit. First of all, because I love zipping over the frozen sea ice at 50 km/h. But also because the sea ice has some really cool features you won’t notice unless you’re on it for some time.

For starters, did you know that Frobisher Bay has the second highest tides in the world? It’s hard to notice this in the winter, because the ocean is covered in a thick layer of sea ice. However, when you leave town and spend some time on the sea ice, the height of the tides because much more apparent. When the tide is in, the sea ice is flush with the surrounding landscape. But when the tide is out, the sea ice falls with it, leaving the impression of ice cliffs around the perimeter of the bay.

The second cool feature of sea ice is the polenya – essentially a patch of sea ice that never freezes and remains open water year round. This makes for a really beautiful sight, and you can sometimes see birds and other wildlife here.

You can read more about my experience on a guided snowmobiling trip here.

Ice Fishing

Join a local guide for a trip out on the sea ice. You’ll travel over sea ice on snowmobile to come to a secret fishing spot. With the hole drilled and the rod in hand, you can try your hand at catching Arctic Char. I’ve never had lunch catching Arctic Char myself, but I always enjoy the excuse to get out on a snowmobile – and hey, maybe you’re skills are better than mine!

Dog Sledding   

Another winter activity that gets you out on the land is dog sledding. Dog sledding is the traditional transportation method for Inuit, and there are a handful of people who still dog sled today. I had a great time petting the dogs, riding behind them and feeding them. You can read more about the experience here .

Although, if you had to choose between snowmobiling and dog sledding, personally, I would choose snowmobiling.

Backcountry Skiing and Snowshoeing

If you want to get out on the snowy tundra in a slower way, you can join a guided skiing or snowshoeing trip. The gradual slopes of the tundra hills lends itself nicely to beginner skiers / snowshoers.

Northern Lights

Iqaluit is a good geographical position for hosting the northern lights, and if you visit between late September and early April, you have a good chance of seeing them yourself. (Check out this post on how to photograph the northern lights .)

If the northern lights is the primary reason for your visit to Iqaluit, then I’d recommend joining Arctic Kingdom’s Northern Lights trip which, among other things, includes a town tour and a northern lights photography workshop.

Summer Activities

The following activities are possible in Iqaluit’s summer months. If this is what you’re interested in doing, I think August / September would be the best time to visit Iqaluit.

Hiking on the Tundra

Here’s a fun fact for you about Iqaluit and, more broadly, Baffin Island. Despite being so far north, Baffin Island is still a part of the ancient Canadian Shield, a geography of exposed Precambrian igneous and high-grade metamorphic rock. Specifically, Baffin Island has some of the oldest rocks in the world. The oldest fossil was uncovered by scientists on Baffin Island – a species of red algae.

Unlike in the south, where ample vegetation can grow on the Canadian Shield, Baffin Island lies above the tree line. So instead of towering pine trees, the land has various mosses, lichens, berry patches and other low-lying fauna. Hiking on the tundra is unlike hiking anywhere else!

Hiking in and around Iqaluit is typically suitable for all levels of hikers. One benefit to the vast and sprawling tundra is a lack of elevation gain, so for the most part, you don’t have to worry about any steep inclines or declines.

This trail connects Iqaluit with its nearest town, Apex. The trial takes a little over an hour to complete and will take you by the historic Hudson Bay Buildings. There’s a big hill you can climb at the end, which will provide additional views of the bay.

Note : The Apex Trail starts next to a cemetery (see below). Please be respectful when walking around the cemetery.

Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park

On this hike, follow a trail along the Sylvia Grinnell River, a bright blue glacially-fed river. From the parking lot, it’s a quick climb to a lookout deck. Then head down to the river and wander. There are a few points in the trail where you can climb up to higher ground for another vantage point.

This trail leaves Apex and goes toward Ward Inlet. Since you’ll be out on the tundra and outside of town, I recommend hiring a guide for this one. It’s easy to get turned around on the tundra (or, in very, very rare instances, encounter wild animals).

Sea Kayaking on Frobisher Bay

Once large pockets of Frobisher Bay are free of sea ice, it’s a great time to go kayaking. You’ll need to join a trip with an outfitter and get you suited up with dry suit, paddle and kayak, and then lead you on a guided tour of the bay. In addition to kayaking being a blast, I think this is a great way to see Iqaluit from another angle.

Canoeing on Sylvia Grinnell River

I’ve actually never done this myself, which is surprising because my two favourite things are canoeing and the arctic… and this activity has both! There is an option for a two hour hike along the Sylvia Grinnell River and then takes them down the river in canoes. This sounds like the coolest thing! Hopefully on my next trip I can try this out and let you know how it goes.

All-Year Sights to See Around Iqaluit

The following places are sights you can visit in Iqaluit year round.

Historical & Cultural City Tour

The easiest way to see all of the sights listed below is to take a tour with Inukpak Outfitting or organize a trip package with Arctic Kingdom. At the bottom of this post there are links to the specific activities they offer.

Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre

Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre is a great place to start your trip in Iqaluit. It’s free to explore, you’ll learn a ton about the arctic and history of Inuit in the area, and will be able to get recommendations about additional things to do and see in Iqaluit.

Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum

Adjacent to the Visitor Centre is Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, Nunavut’s sole museum. The exhibits promote local culture and history and showcase art from Inuit artists. There are three sections to the museum. The far room on the right has the most beautiful photos illustrating modern Inuit life. On the left, there is traditional hunting gear and clothing, plus you can watch short video clips created by students in other Nunavut communities.

Hudson Bay Buildings

Even if you don’t do the Apex trail hike listed above, you can still visit the Hudson Bay Buildings. In the town of Apex, a few minute’s drive from Iqaluit, you can drive right up to them. The buildings were moved frequently between 1914 and 1943, until they eventually found their home in Apex. Today the buildings are boarded up, however you can see them from the outside.

Distant Early Warning Line

Iqaluit was home to a US military base after World War II. Built in the 1950s, the Distant Early Warning Line (commonly referred to as the DEW Line) was a radar system aimed at detecting a Russian air attack before it reached the United States. The system has long been dismantled, however it is still possible to drive up to it. From here you get an awesome view of Iqaluit and Frobisher Bay.

Legislative Assembly of Nunavut

The land that is currently Nunavut was once part of The Northwest Territories. However, the people of what is now Nunavut desired their own territory – to govern themselves in a way more closely tied to their culture, including the use of Inuktitut as an official government language.

It took three decades of hard work, but in 1999 Nunavut became a separate territory and Iqaluit became Canada’s newest capital city. On a tour of the Legislative Assembly, you’ll learn more about the formation of Nunavut and what makes the governing system here so unique. Call in advance to schedule a tour .

The Road to Nowhere

A drive down the Road To Nowhere literally takes you nowhere – it’s just a road that stretches out into the tundra for couple minutes and abruptly stops. I’ve started some hikes from there and have gone ATV-ing in the area, but for the most part, it’s just wide open tundra. That said, you get to say you’ve been down The Road To Nowhere, which in and of itself, sounds pretty cool.

Annual Festivals

Toonik tyme.

Toonik Tyme is a 10 day festival in April each year to celebrate the arrival of spring. Started in 1965, Toonik Tyme is a celebration of Inuit culture: the festival features traditional Inuit games, throat singing, dancing, a feast and more. It’s a way to keep the culture thriving and the community close. I haven’t been in Iqaluit to attend Toonik Tyme yet, but I’m planning my next trip to Iqaluit around it.

Alainait Arts Festival

The Alainait Arts Festival is an insanely cool music festival hosted in Iqaluit that brings together artists from across the arctic. This was actually the first music festival I ever attended and, boy did it set high expectations! There were musicians, dancers and other entertainment acts from across Nunavut, the other territories, Labrador and even Greenland. Hosted in late June when the midnight sun is at it’s highest, Alainait Arts Festival is reason alone to visit Iqaluit in June.

Food Joints

NuBrew is a new-ish microbrewery in Iqaluit. It holds the title of Canada’s most northernly microbrewery and is a great place to meet friends over a pint. They also host live music, trivia nights and other events at the brewery.

Black Heart Cafe

This is an absolutely excellent cafe in Iqaluit. They have, what I believe to be, the best breakfast sandwich I’ve ever had. They put a hash brown INSIDE the breakfast sandwich! Why doesn’t everyone do this?!? Pair it with a handcrafted vanilla latte and you’re in for a great meal.

Storehouse Bar & Grill

This is my favourite place to grab a drink and play a game of pool. It’s located on the main floor of the Frobisher Inn. They do an awesome hamburger and have a great selection of beers / ciders (considering you’re in the arctic, that is).

Tip for ordering drinks : You know how you normally head to the bar and semi-elbow your way to the front to order a drink? Yeah, people don’t do that here. There’s actually a line that forms from the bar and people wait a moment for their turn to order a drink.

Nunavut Country Food

This is where you can pick up delicious frozen Smoked Arctic Char to take home with you. It’s great as a fancy substitute to smoked salmon on bagels with cream cheese, or in rice paper spring rolls.

Tour Operators in Iqaluit

There are two primary tour operators in Iqaluit, both of which I have experienced personally.

Arctic Kingdom

First of all, there is Arctic Kingdom (the guiding company I worked with when I was living in Iqaluit). They offer two trip packages, which is perfect if you want to have the majority of your trip organized for you in advance. Both trip packages include all activities, hotel stays and round-trip airfare from Ottawa to Iqaluit . Arctic Kingdom has negotiated a special rate for airfare, so save money when you book everything through them.

• Taste of the Arctic Summer : This package includes hiking, kayaking, and a town tour.
• Northern Lights : This package includes a town tour, winter hiking, and a northern lights photo workshop.

Inukpak Outfitting

Second, there is Inukpak Outfitting , which is a better option if you want to book specific activities rather than your entire trip. Also, they are the only outfitter that offers snowmobiling, dog sledding and skiing / snowshoeing.

Additional Resources

I hope this has been helping in planning your trip to Iqaluit (or showing you why you should take a trip here). Before I sign off, here are a few additional posts I’ve written to give you even more information about traveling to Iqaluit.

• How to Visit Nunavut on the Cheap
• The Ultimate Nunavut Travel Guide
• Snowmobiling over Arctic Ocean & Frozen Tundra in Nunavut
• Hotels in Iqaluit, Nunavut: Where to Stay on your Arctic Getaway
• Living in Iqaluit and overcoming loneliness as blinding as the blizzards

What to Read Next: How to get to Nunavut, Canada’s Seemingly Inaccessible Territory

Mikaela | Voyageur Tripper

Mikaela has been canoeing, hiking and camping for over ten years. She previously worked as a canoeing guide in Canada, and spent a season guiding hiking and kayaking tours in the high Arctic. Mikaela is a Wilderness First Responder and Whitewater Rescue Technician.

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Hi Mikaela. Your blog was awesome. We just started looking into visiting your area. Arctic Kingdom isn’t open on the weekends so we will talk to them on Monday. We are interested in dog sledding snowmobiling, narwhals and polar bears. Thanks for the overview. Very informative.

Hey Nancy! You’re very welcome! I hope you’ll be able to do a narwhal or polar bear trip – they are truly once-in-a-lifetime activities! You can do a few days in Iqaluit either at the start or the end of an arctic safari, where you’ll be able to go snowmobiling and dog sledding. Have a great trip!

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Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada: The Ultimate Guide to Arctic Wonders

Baffin Island, situated in the far reaches of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, is a land of mystery and wonder, where the untouched beauty of the Arctic wilderness meets the rich cultural heritage of the Inuit people. This remote island beckons adventurous souls to explore its rugged landscapes, witness Arctic wildlife in their natural habitats, and engage with the indigenous communities that have called this land home for centuries. As you set foot on Baffin Island, you embark on a journey that goes beyond mere travel – it’s an expedition into a realm of Arctic adventures and cultural enlightenment.

History of Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada

Steeped in history, Baffin Island has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples, particularly the Inuit, for millennia. Their resilient culture and deep connection to the land have shaped the island’s identity. European explorers, seeking the Northwest Passage, also left their mark on the island’s narrative. Today, Baffin Island is a living testament to the interplay of ancient traditions and modern influences.

Why Is Baffin Island So Popular

Baffin Island’s allure lies in its pristine natural beauty and unique cultural heritage. Adventurers are drawn to its untamed wilderness, where towering fjords, ice-capped mountains, and glaciers create a landscape of breathtaking grandeur. The opportunity to witness Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, whales, and seals, adds to its allure. Additionally, Baffin Island’s rich Inuit culture, expressed through art, storytelling, and traditional practices, offers a profound and immersive travel experience.

Baffin Island Highlights

• Auyuittuq National Park: Traverse a landscape of rugged beauty, complete with towering peaks, deep valleys, and dramatic glaciers.
• Pangnirtung: Immerse yourself in Inuit culture at this vibrant community, known for its art, crafts, and welcoming atmosphere.
• Sirmilik National Park: Encounter stunning Arctic scenery, including icebergs and seabird colonies, in this remote and untouched wilderness.
• Quttinirpaaq National Park: Explore the northernmost national park in Canada , characterized by its otherworldly landscapes and unique flora.
• Baffin Island’s Wildlife: Witness incredible Arctic fauna, from polar bears and beluga whales to arctic foxes and elusive narwhals.

Baffin Island's Natural Marvels

Baffin Island’s landscapes are a testament to the raw power of nature. Majestic fjords cut through towering mountains, their jagged peaks reaching towards the Arctic sky. Glacial ice sculpted the land, leaving behind stunning valleys and icy landscapes that seem to stretch on endlessly. Baffin Island boasts a diverse range of ecosystems, from the sweeping Arctic tundra to the grandeur of its mountain ranges. The island’s pristine environment offers a habitat for a wide array of Arctic wildlife, including seals, whales, seabirds, and possibly even the elusive polar bear.

Indigenous Cultures and Traditions

The heart and soul of Baffin Island lies in its indigenous cultures, particularly that of the Inuit people. Their deep-rooted traditions and unique way of life are intrinsically tied to the land and the ice that surrounds it. Engaging with local communities provides a rare opportunity to gain insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Inuit. Participate in workshops to learn about traditional crafts, listen to stories that have been passed down through generations, and witness performances that celebrate the essence of Inuit identity.

Arctic Adventure Experiences

Kayaking and Canoeing: Paddle through icy waters surrounded by towering glaciers and floating icebergs. Kayaking and canoeing offer an intimate connection with the Arctic environment, allowing you to glide past ice formations and possibly spot marine life beneath the surface.

Hiking and Trekking: Lace up your hiking boots and set out on trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints. From leisurely walks to challenging treks, Baffin Island offers a range of options that reward you with panoramic vistas of the Arctic landscapes.

Northern Lights Spectacle

As night falls over Baffin Island, the sky comes alive with the ethereal dance of the Aurora Borealis. The island’s remote location and minimal light pollution create optimal conditions for witnessing this celestial display. Gaze in awe as vibrant hues of green, pink, and purple sweep across the Arctic sky, leaving you spellbound by the beauty of the universe.

Wildlife Encounters

Baffin Island’s Arctic waters and expansive landscapes are home to a diverse range of wildlife. Keep a lookout for polar bears patrolling the sea ice, seals basking on ice floes, and majestic whales breaching the surface. Birdwatchers will be thrilled by the chance to spot colonies of seabirds that call the island’s cliffs home.

How to Get to Baffin Island

Access to Baffin Island is primarily through flights from major Canadian cities to Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut. From Iqaluit, various smaller air carriers and charter flights offer connections to communities across Baffin Island. It’s important to plan ahead, as flight schedules can be limited due to the region’s remote location.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with the Inuit culture by participating in workshops that allow you to learn traditional skills like carving and sewing. Immerse yourself in performances that showcase storytelling, throat singing, and drumming – integral aspects of Inuit identity. Visit art galleries and community centers to admire intricate Inuit artwork that reflects the connection between culture and nature.

Planning Your Trip

When planning your trip to Baffin Island, consider the seasons. Summer offers the advantage of milder temperatures, longer daylight hours, and the possibility of encountering wildlife and exploring hiking trails. The winter months bring opportunities to witness the Northern Lights, though conditions can be colder. Regardless of the season, thorough planning is essential. Ensure you have the appropriate clothing, permits for national park access, and arrangements for transportation and accommodations.

Best places to stay in Baffin Island

Accommodations on Baffin Island range from cozy lodges and guesthouses in communities like Iqaluit and Pangnirtung to adventure-focused wilderness camps near national parks. These accommodations often provide unique opportunities to experience local culture and traditions while enjoying the comfort of modern amenities.

Best time of year to visit Baffin Island

The best time to visit Baffin Island is during the Arctic summer months, typically from June to August. During this time, the weather is relatively milder, and wildlife is abundant. It’s also the prime season for outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife spotting, and cultural immersion. Keep in mind that winters are extremely cold and dark, making travel more challenging.

Embark on an Arctic expedition to Baffin Island, where raw natural beauty and ancient cultures converge in an unforgettable tapestry of experiences. As you venture through its stunning landscapes and engage with its resilient communities, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world that’s both breathtaking and humbling.

Baffin Island Holiday Summary

Baffin Island stands as a realm of Arctic beauty, a canvas where nature paints its most captivating scenes, and where the traditions of the Inuit people intertwine with the land they’ve cherished for generations. This remote destination beckons adventurers seeking experiences beyond the ordinary, inviting them to witness the majesty of glaciers, the brilliance of the Northern Lights, and the warmth of indigenous cultures. As you bid farewell to this Arctic paradise, you carry with you not only memories of a unique journey but a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance between nature and humanity in one of the world’s last frontiers.

Jake is an avid sports enthusiast with a passion for both travel and adventure. Jake seeks new cultures and experiences whilst travelling with his young family and trying keeping on budget.

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Nunavut

Things to do in nunavut.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Baffin Island

2. Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre

3. Arctic Coast Visitor Centre

4. Legislative Assembly of Nunavut

5. Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park

6. Auyuittuq National Park

7. Apex Beach

8. Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum

9. St. Jude's Cathedral

10. Ellesmere Island

11. Sirmilik National Park

12. The Matchbox Gallery

13. katannilik territorial park.

14. Margaret Aniksak Visitor's Centre

15. Northern Collectables

16. Qaummaarviit Territorial Park

17. angmarlik visitor centre.

18. Nunavut Brewing Company

20. Iqalugaarjuup Nunanga Territorial Park

21. Carvings Nunavut

22. Ovayok Territorial Park

23. Kugluktuk Visitor Heritage Centre

24. Tasiluliariaq Rotary Park

25. soper river (kuujjuaq).

26. Canadian High Arctic Research Station

27. Apex Trail

28. Quttinirpaaq National Park

29. kivalliq regional visitor centre.

30. Inukpak Outfitting

What travellers are saying

Nunavut Travel Guide

Nunavut is a territory in northern Canada which contains Canada’s northernmost lands. The territory also includes all of the islands in Hudson Bay.

With a tiny permanent population, Nunavut covers a land area larger than Mexico , divided between mainland North America and an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean .

Note: Almost 85% of the people are part of an Indigenous group called the Inuit. They used to be called Eskimos, but this word is no longer used in Canada, and may be considered offensive by some.

Nunavut is one of the most sparsely populated regions of the world. The immense territory includes most of Canada’s Arctic Islands, from Baffin Island in the territory’s southeast, where the capital Iqaluit is located, to Ellesmere Island a few hundred kilometres from the North Pole.

Nunavut on Canada’s map

A Brief History

The region which is now mainland Nunavut was first populated approximately 4500 years ago by the Pre-Dorset, a diverse Paleo-Eskimo culture that migrated eastward from the Bering Strait region.

The Thule people, ancestors of the modern Inuit, began migrating into the Northwest Territories and Nunavut from Alaska in the 11th century. By 1300, the geographic extent of Thule settlement included most of modern Nunavut.

The migration of the Thule people coincides with the decline of the Dorset, who died out between 800 and 1500.

Helluland, a location Norse explorers describe visiting in the Sagas of Icelanders, has been connected to Nunavut’s Baffin Island.

The written historical accounts of the area begin in 1576, with an account by English explorer Martin Frobisher.

While leading an expedition to find the Northwest Passage, Frobisher thought he had discovered gold ore around the body of water now known as Frobisher Bay on the coast of Baffin Island.

Nunavut Towns

Nunavut doesn’t have “cities” in the sense that southerners would recognize, just small towns.

• Iqaluit — capital and largest settlement of Nunavut
• Pangnirtung (Pangniqtuuq) — gateway to the Auyuittuq National Park
• Resolute (Qausuittuq) — on Cornwallis Island, close to where Sir John Franklin’s lost expedition spent their first winter
• Igloolik — the home-base of the only Inuit circus, Artcirq
• Rankin Inlet (Kangiqliniq) — an air transport hub, and gateway to Iqalugaarjuup Nunanga Territorial Park
• Gjoa Haven (Uqsuqtuuq) — Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, intent on traversing the Northwest Passage, anchored the Gjoa here for nearly two years. Today, more than 1000 Netsilik Inuit call it home
• Cambridge Bay – nowadays, it’s the largest stop for passenger and research vessels traversing the Arctic Ocean’s Northwest Passage

Things To Do In Nunavut

The capital, Iqaluit, has a few buildings of interest: the territorial legislature, a museum, and an igloo-shaped Anglican Church.

Aurora Borealis

The Aurora Borealis can be easily seen from October to March in the centre of the community, but by taking a walk out of the town, they can be more spectacular.

Inuit people have many legends about the auroras, which can be heard by talking to people in Rankin.

Midnight Sun

The midnight sun adds a magical element to travel in the Arctic. Winter is the time of darkness, but in summer, daylight lasts almost 24 hours in the more northerly communities.

In Gjoa Haven, you can explore sights associated with the Sir John Franklin’s 1845 lost expedition and Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen.

About 100 km east of Resolute, you can visit Beechey Island, the Franklin expedition’s first wintering location.

Artcirq is an Inuit circus performance collective based in Igloolik. It blends techniques of modern circus arts such as acrobatics, juggling, and clowning with traditional Inuit cultural practices including Inuit traditional games, throat singing, and drum dancing to create meaningful and original work through performing arts, music, and video.

Arctic Expeditions & Excursions

Guided excursions around the island and Arctic expeditions further afield organized by outfitters (there are several in Iqaluit) are the principal way of seeing Nunavut’s truly great outdoors.

Summer activities include trekking, and boat and fishing tours in Frobisher Bay. In the winter months, dog-sledding journeys are an excellent way to get out and explore the landscape.

Marine wildlife watching is particularly good in Resolute Bay: pods of beluga and narwhal can be seen from the beach as they head to their summer feeding grounds.

A walk five minutes outside a community like Rankin Inlet will give you the opportunity to see terrain which appears untouched by humans.

Spring and summer brings wildlife like squirrels, which are everywhere, chattering incessantly from their perches, as do peregrine falcons and gyrfalcons.

Keep a watchful eye on the area to see loons, geese, swans and cranes, which will keep photographers busy.

Ovayuk Territorial Park

Ovayuk Territorial Park, east of Cambridge Bay, has 20 km of trails, camping areas and interpretive signage.

Iqalugaarjuup Nunanga Territorial Park

Located near Rankin Inlet, includes the archaeological site of Thule. In April, Rankin Inlet celebrates Pakallak Time with a sled race, snowmobile races, and igloo building.

Visit the world’s northernmost settlement.

Auyuittuq National Park

Its name means “the land that never melts”, and it includes many terrains of the Arctic wilderness, such as fjords, glaciers, and ice fields.

Baffin Island (Qikiqtaaluk)

Canada’s largest island, in the eastern portion of the territory of Nunavut.

Ellesmere Island

In Inuit, it’s called Umingmak Nuna which means “land of muskoxen” .

Ellef Ringnes Island

The land nearest the geomagnetic north pole, which used to pass through the island.

Devon Island

Called Tatlurutit in Inuit, the world’s largest deserted island… with a cemetery, the northernmost in the world.

Qausuittuq National Park

Covers 2/3 of Bathurst Island, and protects an important Peary caribou habitat.

Quttinirpaaq National Park

Protecting a huge area of polar desert on Ellesmere Island, accessible by charter tours, the launching point for trekking to the North Pole.

Sirmilik National Park

The “place of glaciers” consists of three parcels on Baffin Island.

Ukkusiksalik National Park

A park with more than 400 documented archaeological sites, near Repulse Bay on the mainland of Nunavut.

Four Corners (Canada)

The remote meeting point of the borders of Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Best Time to Visit

Nunavut experiences a polar climate in most regions, owing to its high latitude and lower continental summertime influence than areas to the west.

In more southerly continental areas very cold subarctic climates can be found, due to July being slightly milder than the required 10 °C (50 °F).

How to Get Here

Access is only by air: there is no road or rail from the south. Every settlement has a least a landing strip.

Iqaluit Airport hosts scheduled passenger services from Ottawa, Montreal, Rankin Inlet, and smaller communities throughout eastern Nunavut. Flights from Yellowknife and Winnipeg go through Rankin Inlet.

Exploring Nunavut by cruise ship is a popular, but expensive option. Adventure Canada, Quark Expeditions, and EYOS Expeditions do cruises to the territory.

Getting Around

In the smaller communities (less than 3,000), ATVs and trucks are used during the short summer (when there is no snow).

In the winter, snowmobiles are the main way of getting around. Dog sleds are also used but owning and maintaining a dog team can be a very costly endeavor.

Getting to and from the different communities can only be done by air; there are no roads linking the different population centers in the territory.

The official languages are English, French, Inuktitut, and Innuinaqtun. Around 65% of people living in Nunavut speak Inuktitut as a first language, and the language is co-official with English and French in the territory.

“Nunavut” means “our land” in Inuktitut, the language of the Inuit.

The singular form of “Inuit” is “Inuk” (“he is Inuk” vs “they are Inuit”).

Inuktitut is the traditional language spoken by the Inuit people, and is closely related to Greenlandic. It is a somewhat hard language to learn for the English speaker, and most English speaking people won’t even be able to read it because it is written in its own unique script.

Though most Inuit probably speak English, it would be a good idea to learn a few key phrases or bring an Inuktitut phrase book along. Learning the script in any case is relatively easy to do.

French may also be useful, though not necessary. In the more remote places, Inuktitut may be necessary. Public signage is generally bilingual in Inuktitut and English.

Local Cuisine

Try some traditional Inuit food, such as raw seal meat. For many Inuit, hunting is still the primary way of acquiring food, so many northern foods can be bought from local fishers or hunters and cooked.

Caribou meat is another popular meat in the area.

Arctic char has been a staple food for thousands of years. It is a sustainable fish related to salmon and trout that is valued for its delicate taste, striking color, and health benefits.

The main grocers are Co-op and Northern, a common grocery for Nunavut. Because most food is shipped in on planes, be prepared to pay extraordinarily high prices for perishables, such as milk, fruit, and vegetables.

During the short summer, foraging for wild plants such as mountain sorrel, snow-bed willow, Labrador tea, lamb’s quarter, violet and shepherd’s purse has been an important supplement to the Inuit diet.

Local berries include cranberries, cloudberries, blueberries, gooseberries and crowberries.

In Nunavut, any food that the land provides is called “country food”: caribou, Arctic char, salmon, musk ox, seal, whale, seafood (fish, clams and mussels), Arctic hare and ptarmigan.

Country food is often accompanied by imported sauces, such as soy sauce, or traditional sauces made from caribou or seal.

Some towns may offer small restaurants or coffee shops.

Where to Stay

As with food, accommodation is very expensive in Nunavut. Expect to pay premium prices for fairly basic accommodation. For example, a B&B in Iqaluit, the largest town, can easily cost over a hundred dollars a night.

WiFi & Internet

Wireless network service are now available at towns and hamlets. Qiniq and Bell Mobility are the service providers.

Despite government subsidy, rates are somewhat higher due to high maintenance cost associated with the cold weather and small customer base to distribute the cost. Satellite phones are better choice if you’re outside of these settlements.

Safety Tips

There is no 9-1-1 emergency number in Nunavut. Use the local seven-digit numbers to reach individual emergency services in each community.

Read out guides on cold weather, winter driving, and dangerous animals for advice which will be relevant to many travelers in the Arctic climate.

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November 15, 2020 8:42 pm Published by Salil Jha

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Nunavut travel guide

The Eastern Arctic, including much of the archipelago and the terrain east of Great Slave Lake, remained a hidden world until the age of the aeroplane. It became the new territory of Nunavut – ‘our land’ in Inuktitut – on 1 April 1999, when the Northwest Territories were split into two. 

Approximately 85 percent of Nunavut’s population is Inuit and it had been vying for independence since 1973, fuelled by the desire for a self-governed territory with control over its own future. Canada’s newest territory is also its largest, occupying about 20 percent of the country’s landmass, almost entirely above the timberline and spread across three time zones. Nunavut extends from the eastern shores of Baffin and Ellesmere islands, west to the plateaux and cliffs of the Arctic Coast on the Coronation Gulf, and north to the High Arctic ­Islands and the North Pole. It is home to various outpost settlements and 27 communities, the largest of which is the capital, Iqaluit , with a population of around 6,000 citizens.

Irrefutably, Nunavut’s main draw is the outdoors, and outfitters arrange packages, from building igloos to polar-bear watching, dog-sledding and encounters with narwhals. Most tourists come during the two-to-three-month summer, with its 24 hours of sunshine, when temperatures average 12°C (54°F). Nonetheless, some seasoned adventurers brave the lows of the Arctic winter, when the mercury plummets to –46°C (–51°F), to accompany a traditional Inuit seal hunt or view the spectacular Northern Lights under winter’s dark skies.

Places to visit in Nunavut

Cape dorset.

Baffin Island is home to roughly a quarter of Canada’s Inuit population and some of the oldest northern communities in the world. Cape Dorset, on the southwest coast, is the home of modern Inuit art, the understated simplicity of which expresses the harmonic Inuit vision of Arctic life. Inuit art has been attracting international attention since it was first developed commercially in the 1950s. For action-lovers, Cape Dorset also offers hiking and cross-country skiing tours. 

Iqaluit, on the southeast coast of Baffin Island, is the capital of Nunavut and another Baffin Island community rich in Inuit heritage. Here, the Inuit have made extensive walking trails that pass by ancient cairns, built as landmarks. 

Auyuittuq National Park Reserve

The glaciers on Baffin Island are simply breathtaking. The Penney Ice Cap is 5,700 sq km (2,200 sq miles) of ice and snow and is located high up in the mountains of  Auyuittuq National Park Reserve . Sections of Baffin Island’s east coast, where there are fjords and spectacular cliffs that rise to a height of 2,100 meters (7,000ft), higher than the walls of the Grand Canyon, offer a taste of the Ice Age. Tours by snowmobile or dogsled to the floe-edge offer a fabulous way to experience Baffin Island’s wildlife. 

Inuit Heritage Centre

tel: 867-793-2598

Situated on the shores of Baker Lake (its Inuit name –  Qamani’tuaq  – means “huge widening of the river”) is the Inuit Heritage Centre, which documents the art and heritage of the Inuit who have long occupied the area. Baker Lake is a popular base for delving into Arctic history and Inuit culture as it is known for its soapstone carvings and exquisite prints. Northeast of here is the Thelon River, first explored by Europeans in 1893, when two brothers, James and Joseph Tyrell, descended the Thelon on behalf of the Geological Survey of Canada. 

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Nunavut Travel Guide

Nunavut’s isolated location, notoriously frigid winters, and sheer physical size may intimidate many people, but those who make the long and expensive trek to Canada’s newest territory will be greeted by some of the world’s friendliest people and most pristine landscapes. Few other places on Earth give visitors the opportunity to build and camp in igloos during a dog sledding excursion or watch whales, seals, and icebergs from the edge of a floating ice floe.

The vast majority of Nunavut’s tourists arrive during the very short summer season, which lasts as little as a month in some regions. This still gives visitors plenty of time to fish in some of the planet’s most unpolluted waters or navigate them by kayak, which Nunavut‘s native Inuit invented over 4,000 years ago. Walrus, polar bears, caribou, and muskoxen can all be hunted, photographed, or admired from safe distances.

Accommodations, like everything else in Nunavut, cost several times more than their southern Canadian counterparts, especially during the short summer season. Luxury hotels are unheard of and visitors may have to share facilities with other guests at some establishments. Iqaluit contains most of Nunavut’s full service hotels, but more adventurous visitors may prefer to stay at isolated hunting lodges with welcoming Inuit families, or even camp miles away in any of Nunavut’s huge and isolated national parks.

Flying is literally the only way to enter Nunavut, which has no road links with the rest of Canada, and it is the only way to travel between the territory’s 26 incorporated communities. The first landmark all visitors will see is the bright yellow Iqaluit Airport, whose flights to Ottawa and Montréal are Nunavut’s only direct connection to southern Canada. Bus and rail lines are non-existent and the entire road network consists of streets around Iqaluit and a brief 13-mile stretch between two northern Baffin Island communities, Nanisivik and Arctic Bay.

The Inuit people who form the majority of Nunavut’s population warmly welcome all respectful visitors to the territory whose name means simply ‘our land’ in Inuktitut, the first language of approximately 65 percent of residents. The same frigid temperatures and isolated location which long kept outsiders away from Nunavut helped its Inuit people successfully maintain a strong language, lifestyle, and culture.

• Warm up with tea brewed from melted iceberg water while watching wildlife from the comfort of a giant ice floe
• Build and sleep in a private igloo during a dog sledding trip 500 miles north of the tree line
• Learn about the Inuit’s rich culture and admire carvings and artwork by over 2,000 artists at Iqaluit’s Nunatta Sunaqutangit Museum or several smaller art galleries throughout the territory
• Examine Nunavut’s oldest fossils at Southampton Island’s Fossil Creek Trail
• Kayak along the same pristine waters the Inuit have navigated for centuries
• Sample local delicacies like caribou, musk ox, whale meat, and wild berries
• Gaze upon the literal top of the world - or the top of Canada - at Quttinirpaaq National Park, Canada’s northernmost national park in the country’s northernmost island
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