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Nunavut
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Explore Nunavut's Inuit culture, Arctic wildlife, remote communities, sea ice, mountains and national parks across Canada's eastern Arctic.

Nunavut is Canada's largest and least densely populated territory, stretching across the eastern Arctic from the mainland coast to the high islands of the Arctic Archipelago. Its 25 communities are separated by vast distances, sea ice and tundra rather than connected by roads, making travel here fundamentally different from visiting most Canadian destinations. Iqaluit, on southern Baffin Island, is the territorial capital and the principal administrative and cultural centre, but no single town represents the whole of Nunavut. Each community has its own landscape, history and relationship with the surrounding sea and land.
Read more about Nunavut
The territory's scenery ranges from broad coastal tundra and granite hills around Hudson Bay to the fjords, glaciers and steep mountains of Baffin Island, Ellesmere Island and the other High Arctic islands. Auyuittuq, Sirmilik, Quttinirpaaq and Ukkusiksalik national parks protect markedly different environments, while territorial parks and archaeological sites reveal the region's human history. In summer, long daylight illuminates wildflowers, nesting seabirds and marine mammals; in winter, darkness, snow and sea ice shape travel and daily life. Conditions can change rapidly in every season, and many wilderness areas require specialist equipment, local knowledge or an organised expedition.
Nunavut is the heartland of Inuit Nunangat and the place where Inuktut languages, knowledge and cultural practices remain central to public life. Inuit communities have occupied and travelled across this region for thousands of years, following seasonal patterns connected to caribou, seals, whales, fish and migratory birds. Contemporary Nunavut was created in 1999 through the largest land-claim settlement in Canadian history, giving Inuit owned and managed lands as well as a major role in territorial governance. Visitors will encounter a living society, not a museum of Arctic history, and should approach cultural experiences with respect and attentiveness.
Iqaluit offers the territory's most accessible introduction, with galleries, craft shops, community events and nearby hiking areas such as Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park and Qaummaarviit Territorial Historic Park. Other destinations appeal to more specialised travellers: Kinngait is internationally known for Inuit graphic art; Pond Inlet provides access to northern Baffin landscapes and Sirmilik National Park; Cambridge Bay is a base for Kitikmeot culture and Ovayok Territorial Park; and communities such as Rankin Inlet, Arviat and Baker Lake provide different perspectives on mainland Nunavut. There is little conventional sightseeing infrastructure, but journeys can bring encounters with extraordinary geology, archaeological remains, wildlife and community life that are impossible to replicate farther south.
Food reflects the Arctic environment and the limits of long-distance supply chains. Arctic char, caribou, muskox, seal, locally harvested fish, bannock and berries may appear in homes, community settings or selected restaurants, although availability varies by season and town. Travel requires advance planning, flexible expectations and a willingness to accept weather-related changes. Nunavut rewards visitors who allow time for the landscape and local knowledge to guide the journey rather than treating it as a collection of quick stops.

When is the best time to visit Nunavut?

Best: June–August · 10–15°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-2510
February-2410
March-2015
April-1015
May020
June (best)1025
July (best)1530
August (best)1330
September825
October020
November-1015
December-2010

Getting to and around Nunavut

How to get there

Nunavut is reached primarily by scheduled aircraft from southern Canadian cities, with Iqaluit serving as the main passenger gateway and other routes connecting through regional hubs. Some communities have links with Yellowknife or other northern centres, depending on the season and current airline schedules. There are no all-weather roads or railways linking Nunavut's communities to southern Canada. Sealift services bring freight during the ice-free season but are not a normal passenger option. Check routes, baggage rules and connections carefully, and confirm onward travel before booking accommodation.

Transportation

Within Nunavut, air travel is the practical link between communities, while local movement is generally by taxi, private vehicle, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle or on foot. Services and road conditions vary considerably, and most communities have no conventional public-transport network. In summer, boats may be used locally, but sea conditions and permissions matter. Hiking beyond settlements requires preparation and an understanding of wildlife and weather risks; remote parks usually need permits, equipment and experienced guides. Do not assume that a delayed regional flight can be replaced by a road journey.

Top city travel guides in Nunavut

The cities of Nunavut, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in Nunavut

Nunavut's attractions are shaped by scale, wilderness and living Inuit culture rather than by a dense network of conventional visitor facilities. Iqaluit provides the most accessible starting point, with the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, galleries, craft shops and short excursions to Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park and Qaummaarviit Territorial Historic Park. Farther north, Sirmilik National Park offers sea-ice, fjord and mountain environments around Pond Inlet and the northern Baffin coast, while Auyuittuq National Park is known for imposing granite peaks, glaciers and demanding trekking routes. Quttinirpaaq National Park on Ellesmere Island is an exceptionally remote High Arctic wilderness, normally visited through specialist expeditions. Ukkusiksalik National Park protects a broad coastal landscape around Wager Bay, with evidence of long Inuit occupation and abundant wildlife. Other experiences include Inuit art in Kinngait, community museums, archaeological sites near several settlements, boat trips, wildlife viewing, northern lights and summer hiking. Access, permits, guiding requirements and seasonal conditions vary greatly, so the attraction landscape rewards careful planning rather than spontaneous touring.

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Best landmarks in Nunavut

Nunavut's most significant landmarks include natural formations, historic sites and civic buildings that express the territory's geography and identity. Mount Thor in Auyuittuq National Park rises dramatically above the Akshayuk Pass landscape on Baffin Island, while the park's fjords and glaciers create a defining High Arctic mountain setting. Sirmilik National Park's coastal mountains and glaciated valleys are prominent around northern Baffin Island, and the remote landscapes of Quttinirpaaq National Park mark the far northern reaches of the Canadian Arctic. In Iqaluit, the distinctive St Jude's Cathedral, often known as the Igloo Cathedral, is a recognisable example of Arctic religious architecture, while the Nunavut Legislative Assembly represents the territory's modern political identity. Archaeological sites such as Qaummaarviit and Mallikjuaq preserve evidence of earlier Inuit occupation and should be treated as protected heritage. Beechey Island, in the High Arctic, is associated with nineteenth-century Franklin expedition history and is generally reached through specialist expedition travel rather than ordinary day trips.

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Explore Nunavut on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Nunavut

Dining in Nunavut reflects Arctic supply chains, local harvesting and the practical realities of small communities. In Iqaluit and the larger regional centres, visitors can find cafés, hotel dining rooms, takeaways and restaurants serving Canadian and international dishes alongside ingredients associated with the territory. Arctic char is widely recognised, while caribou, muskox, seal, locally caught fish, bannock and northern berries may appear when available and appropriately sourced. In smaller communities, food options can be limited and menus depend heavily on shipments, so advance arrangements are sensible. Country foods are connected to Inuit knowledge, family life and seasonal harvesting rather than being curiosities for visitors; availability and preparation vary between communities. Markets, community events and locally owned food services can offer useful introductions, but visitors should ask about ingredients and cultural protocols. Prices are often high because goods travel by air or seasonal sealift, and imported produce may be less consistent than in southern Canada.

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Best bars in Nunavut

Nunavut does not have a territory-wide nightclub culture, and evening life is usually centred on community events, restaurants, hotel lounges and private gatherings rather than late-night entertainment districts. Iqaluit has the broadest selection of licensed social venues, while other communities generally offer a smaller number of places where visitors can eat, meet and listen to music. Local cultural events, craft markets, screenings and performances may provide more meaningful evening activities than commercial nightlife, although programmes vary by community and season. Alcohol regulations and availability differ between Nunavut communities, with some operating under stricter local systems; visitors should check the rules rather than assume that licensed service is available everywhere. In summer, long daylight changes the rhythm of evenings, while winter conditions can make outdoor movement difficult. Drinking is not central to experiencing Nunavut, and respectful conduct in small communities is particularly important.

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Best nightclubs in Nunavut

Nunavut does not have a territory-wide nightclub culture, and evening life is usually centred on community events, restaurants, hotel lounges and private gatherings rather than late-night entertainment districts. Iqaluit has the broadest selection of licensed social venues, while other communities generally offer a smaller number of places where visitors can eat, meet and listen to music. Local cultural events, craft markets, screenings and performances may provide more meaningful evening activities than commercial nightlife, although programmes vary by community and season. Alcohol regulations and availability differ between Nunavut communities, with some operating under stricter local systems; visitors should check the rules rather than assume that licensed service is available everywhere. In summer, long daylight changes the rhythm of evenings, while winter conditions can make outdoor movement difficult. Drinking is not central to experiencing Nunavut, and respectful conduct in small communities is particularly important.

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Best shops in Nunavut

Shopping in Nunavut is concentrated in community high streets, small general stores, galleries, craft outlets and occasional markets rather than large retail districts. Iqaluit offers the widest choice of Inuit art, prints, carvings, jewellery, textiles, books and locally made crafts, while Kinngait is especially associated with internationally recognised Inuit graphic art. Other communities have their own artists and traditions, including carving, sewing and decorative work shaped by local materials and family knowledge. Practical shops stock everyday goods, but prices and availability can be affected by air freight and seasonal sealift, so do not expect the range found in southern Canadian cities. When buying art, ask about the artist, materials, provenance and whether the item is an original, print or reproduction; reputable sellers can explain these distinctions. Respect restrictions on wildlife materials and archaeological objects, and remember that an Inuit-made souvenir is a cultural work rather than a generic Arctic ornament.

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Nunavut essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD), as throughout Canada. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in established shops, hotels and many services, particularly in larger communities, but connectivity or terminal problems can occur. Carry some Canadian cash for small purchases and backup use, especially outside Iqaluit. Prices are often higher than in southern Canada because many goods travel long distances, and specialist outdoor equipment or replacement items may be difficult to obtain locally.
Safety
The principal risks are environmental and logistical rather than those associated with conventional sightseeing. Arctic weather can change quickly, visibility can deteriorate and cold exposure is serious outside built-up areas. Follow local advice about sea ice, tidal areas, open water, wildlife and polar bears, and never approach animals. In winter, darkness and extreme cold affect travel; in summer, insects, sun exposure and difficult ground can be tiring. Keep accommodation informed about excursions, use reputable guides for remote travel and obey park or wildlife-management instructions.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 where that service is available in the community, for police, fire or ambulance emergencies; coverage and arrangements are not identical everywhere, so ask your accommodation or local host for the relevant local numbers on arrival. The RCMP provides policing, while community health centres and other local services handle many medical needs. Search and rescue, coastguard and aviation resources are vital in remote areas but may take time to reach an incident. Travel insurance should cover evacuation, remote activities and weather-related disruption.
Do's and Don'ts
Ask permission before photographing people, homes, hunting, fishing, ceremonies or cultural events, and respect any request not to take pictures. Do not touch or collect archaeological objects, bones, carvings or other materials from the land. Follow local guidance around dogs, boats, firearms and wildlife, and keep a respectful distance from community activities. Tipping practices broadly follow Canadian norms where service is provided, but prices and service charges vary. Learn and use local place names where appropriate, and remember that Inuit communities are lived-in homes rather than tourism displays.
Local Tips
Allow generous connection time and keep essential medication, documents and warm layers in hand luggage. Ask local guides about seasonal wildlife, community events and appropriate access to nearby sites rather than relying solely on southern travel assumptions. In smaller communities, restaurant choices and shop inventories may be limited, and opening arrangements can change. Summer daylight lasts for much of the night in many parts of the territory; bring an eye mask if light affects sleep. Support Inuit-owned guides, artists and retailers where possible, and verify that artwork is properly identified before buying.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
Helloᐊᔭᕙᒃᓴᖅ[Ayahaksaq]
Goodbyeᐊᔭᖅᑐᖅ[Ayagtuq]
Yesᐊᖏᑐᖅ[Angituk]
Noᐊᖏᖅ[Angiq]
Please/You're welcomeᐊᒻᒪᖅ[Ammaq]
Thank youᐊᕐᕌᒍᖅ[Ardagaq]
Excuse me/Sorryᐊᖏᖅᑐᖅ[Angiqtuq]
How are you?ᐊᔭᕙᖅᑐᖅ?[Ayahaqtuq?]
Fine. And you?ᐊᔭᕙᖅᑐᖅ. ᐊᔭᕙᖅ?[Ayahaqtuq. Ayahaq?]
Do you speak English?ᐊᖅᑐᖅ ᐊᕐᕌᒍᖅ?[Aqtuq Ardaguq?]
I don't understandᐱᖃᓪᓗᖅᑐᖅ[Piqalluqtuq]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseᐊᒻᒪᖅ ᐅᕙᓂᖅ ᑎᑎᒪᖅᖅᑐᖅ[Ammaq uvaniq titimaarqtuq]
I don't eat meatᐱᖃᓪᓗᖅᑐᖅ ᐅᒥᖅ[Piqalluqtuq umiq]
Cheers!ᐊᕐᕌᒍᖅ![Ardaguq!]
I would like to pay, pleaseᐊᒻᒪᖅ ᐊᖏᖅᑐᖅ ᐱᖃᓪᓗᖅᑐᖅ[Ammaq angiqtuq piqalluqtuq]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!ᐊᔭᖅᑐᖅ![Ayaktoq!]
Go away!ᖃᐅᔭᖅ![Qaujiaq!]
Call the Police!ᐊᔭᕙᖅ ᐱᐅᓯᒪᑦ![Ayahaq Piqsimat!]
Call a doctor!ᐊᔭᕙᖅ ᐊᑭᖅᑐᖅ![Ayahaq Akituq!]
I'm lostᐊᖏᖅᑐᖅ ᐊᖑᖅᑐᖅ[Angiqtuq Akquqtuq]
I'm illᐊᖏᖅᑐᖅ ᐊᖅᑐᖅ[Angiqtuq Aqtuq]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...ᐊᒻᒪᖅ ᐊᖏᖅᑐᖅ ...[Ammaq angiqtuq ...]
I'm just lookingᐊᖏᖅᑐᖅ ᐅᖃᐅᓯᖅᑐᖅ[Angiqtuq uqaasiqtuq]
How much is it?ᐊᖏᖅᑐᖅ ᐊᖏᕐᕕᐊᖅ?[Angiqtuq angirviq?]
That's too expensiveᐊᖏᖅᑐᖅ ᐊᖕᒪᖅᖃᖅ[Angiqtuq angmaqaq]
Can you lower the price?ᐊᖏᖅᑐᖅ ᐊᖏᕐᕕᐊᖅ?[Angiqtuq angirviq?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?ᐊᖏᖅᑐᖅ ᐊᖅᑐᖅ?[Angiqtuq Aqtuq?]
It's one o'clockᐊᖏᖅᑐᖅ ᐊᔭᕙᖅ[Angiqtuq Ayahaq]
Half past (10)ᐊᖏᖅᑐᖅ ᐊᕙᓘᖅ ᐊᖏᒪᖅ[Angiqtuq Avaniq Angmalq]
Morningᐊᕙᖅᑐᖅ[Avaqtuq]
Afternoonᑯᕕᖅᑐᖅ[Kuviktuq]
Eveningᐊᔭᖅᑐᖅ[Ayahqtuq]
Yesterdayᐊᖏᖅᑐᖅ ᐊᔭᖅᑐᖅ[Angiqtuq Ayahqtuq]
Todayᐊᖏᖅᑐᖅ ᐊᕙᖅᑐᖅ[Angiqtuq Aavatuq]
Tomorrowᐊᖏᖅᑐᖅ ᐊᔭᖅᑐᖅ[Angiqtuq Ayahqtuq]
1ᑎᒃ[Tiq]
2ᐊᖅᑯ[Aqku]
3ᖃᑭ[Qaqi]
4ᐅᑭ[Uqii]
5ᖃᓕᒃ[Qalir]
6ᓱᒃ[Suk]
7ᖑᖅ[Uqaq]
8ᑕᒪᖅ[Tamaq]
9ᐅᖅᑎᒃ[Uqtiq]
10ᐅᑐ[Utu]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?ᓇᓗᒍᑦ ᐊᖏᖅᑐᖅ ...?[Nalugut angiqtuq ...?]
What's the address?ᖃᑭᖅᑐᖅ ᐊᔭᖅᑐᖅ?[Qaqiqtuq Ayahqtuq?]
Can you show me (on the map)?ᐊᖏᖅᑐᖅ ᐊᑭᖅᑐᖅ?[Angiqtuq Akituq?]
When's the next (bus)?ᐊᖏᖅᑐᖅ ᐊᖑᖅᑐᖅ?[Angiqtuq Akquqtuq?]
A ticket (to ....)ᒪᓯᖅᑐᖅ (ᐊᖏᖅᑐᖅ ...)[Masiqtuq (Angiqtuq ...)]

History of Nunavut

Indigenous Arctic Settlement and Dorset Culture

The eastern Arctic has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Earlier Palaeo-Inuit communities, including the Dorset culture, developed specialised ways of living in a demanding environment before the arrival of the ancestors of today's Inuit. Archaeological sites across Nunavut contain dwellings, tools and hunting remains that document sophisticated knowledge of sea ice, animals and seasonal movement. These cultures were not isolated from one another: people travelled, exchanged ideas and adapted to different marine and terrestrial environments across the vast archipelago.

Thule Expansion and Inuit Ancestry

From roughly a thousand years ago, Thule peoples spread eastwards across the Arctic, bringing technologies and social practices that form an important part of modern Inuit ancestry. Their larger skin-covered boats, sleds, harpoons and sophisticated whale-hunting techniques supported extensive travel and settlement. Later Inuit communities continued to refine these practices in response to local conditions. Archaeological landscapes at sites such as Qaummaarviit and Mallikjuaq help visitors understand long-term Inuit occupation, although these places should be approached as significant cultural heritage rather than simply as scenic ruins.

European Exploration and Arctic Passage Searches

European ships began probing the waters of the eastern Arctic in search of a Northwest Passage, bringing new maps, trade relationships and disease pressures into contact with Inuit communities. Martin Frobisher's sixteenth-century voyages reached the region around southern Baffin Island, while later expeditions investigated Lancaster Sound and the channels of the Arctic Archipelago. Inuit knowledge was essential to many successful journeys, even though European accounts often failed to acknowledge it fully. The legacy of exploration is visible in historic sites, shipwreck stories and the continuing importance of Inuit place names.

Whaling, Missionary Activity and the Colonial Economy

During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, commercial whaling, missionaries, traders and government officials became more influential in the eastern Arctic. Whaling stations and trading posts altered local economies, while Christianity reshaped some community institutions and cultural practices. Inuit continued to travel, hunt and maintain social networks despite these pressures, but imported goods, wage work and external administration increased dependence on southern systems. Historic settlements and accounts of the period should be read alongside Inuit oral histories, which preserve perspectives that were often missing from official records.

Relocation, Administration and the Modern Territorial Network

In the twentieth century, the Canadian state encouraged or compelled many Inuit families to move into permanent settlements, often with profound social and economic consequences. The government also established schools, medical services and administrative structures across the region, while imposing policies that weakened the use of Inuit languages and customary authority. Communities that now appear as separate travel destinations grew through these changing arrangements, but their histories are not identical. Contemporary Nunavut continues to address the effects of colonial administration through cultural revitalisation, land management and greater Inuit participation in government.

The Nunavut Land Claim and Creation of the Territory

The Nunavut Agreement, signed in 1993, was one of Canada's largest comprehensive land-claim settlements. It recognised Inuit ownership of extensive lands, established wildlife-management institutions and provided a framework for public government in the eastern Arctic. On 1 April 1999, Nunavut became a separate Canadian territory, with Iqaluit as its capital. The new territory was created to reflect Inuit priorities and identity, although many responsibilities remain shared with the federal government. Its political structure, language policies and land-management system are central to understanding Nunavut today.

Nunavut in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Nunavut

Discover Nunavut with Evendo - a 100% free, app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, and more. Plan your perfect trip with ease.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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More about the Evendo app

Explore Nunavut like never before with Evendo, your free app-based travel guide. From famous landmarks to hidden gems, find everything you need to make your trip unforgettable.

  • History of Nunavut and travel essentials
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs

Discover the majestic beauty of Nunavut with Evendo, your all-in-one travel guide app. Whether you're exploring the rugged landscapes of Auyuittuq National Park, marveling at the stunning Northern Lights in Iqaluit, or immersing yourself in Inuit culture at the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, Evendo has got you covered. Our app provides detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.

Planning your trip has never been easier. With rich information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, you can effortlessly organize your itinerary and discover amazing new places. Fancy a gourmet meal? Check out the highly recommended Black Heart Café or explore local delicacies at the Caribrew Café. For an unforgettable experience, don't miss the opportunity to book a guided tour to the Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park directly through the app.

Evendo's user-friendly features ensure you make the most of your visit. Learn about the history of Nunavut, find travel essentials, and get tons of local advice. Navigate through the app and the city with ease, using features like 'Near Me' to discover what's around you, wherever you are. The curated local tips will help you experience Nunavut like a true local.

And the best part? Evendo is completely free to use. No in-app purchases, no hidden costs – just pure travel enjoyment. Download Evendo today and unlock the wonders of Nunavut and over 7,000 other destinations worldwide. Your next adventure awaits!

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