Overview
Nunavut is Canada's largest and newest territory, covering roughly two million square kilometres of Arctic and sub-Arctic land and islands. Created in 1999 as a result of the largest Indigenous land claim settlement in Canadian history, it is home to approximately 40,000 people, the vast majority of whom are Inuit. The capital, Iqaluit, sits on southern Baffin Island and serves as the territory's main hub for government, services, and air connections.
The territory is defined by extremes — months of continuous daylight in summer, prolonged polar night in winter, permafrost beneath virtually all ground, and distances that dwarf most countries. There are no roads connecting Nunavut's communities to the southern Canadian highway network, and no roads connect most communities to each other. Travel is almost entirely by air, supplemented seasonally by sea and snowmobile.
For travelers, Nunavut offers experiences found almost nowhere else: encounters with polar bears, narwhals, beluga whales, and Arctic foxes; hiking through landscapes untouched by agriculture or industry; and direct engagement with one of the world's most resilient Indigenous cultures. It demands careful preparation, significant expense, and genuine respect for the environment and the people who call it home.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Most visitors enter Nunavut as part of a trip to Canada. For visa requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, as rules vary by nationality and can change.
Costs and Booking
Nunavut is one of the most expensive travel destinations in Canada. Nearly all goods, fuel, and food are flown or shipped in, which drives costs well above southern Canadian averages. Accommodation in smaller communities is extremely limited — in many cases the only option is a small hotel, a bed-and-breakfast run by a local family, or a research station. Book all accommodation and flights months in advance, especially for summer travel.
Health and Medical Preparedness
Medical facilities outside Iqaluit are limited to small health centres. Serious medical emergencies typically require medevac to Iqaluit or Winnipeg. Ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers emergency medical evacuation in remote Arctic regions — standard policies often do not. Carry a supply of any prescription medications adequate for your entire trip plus extra days in case weather delays your return.
What to Pack
- Layered, windproof, and waterproof outer clothing regardless of season
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes and black flies can be intense in July and August)
- High-SPF sunscreen (UV exposure is significant, especially on snow or water)
- Sturdy, waterproof footwear suitable for wet tundra
- Any personal medications; pharmacies in small communities have limited stock
- Cash — card acceptance varies widely by community
Getting There
By Air
Air is the primary means of reaching Nunavut. Canadian North and Air Inuit are among the carriers serving the territory, with Iqaluit (YFB) receiving direct flights from Ottawa and other southern hubs. Other communities — including Rankin Inlet, Cambridge Bay, and Pond Inlet — are served by regional flights, often requiring a connection through Iqaluit or Winnipeg. Check current schedules and routes directly with carriers, as service can change seasonally.
By Sea
Small expedition cruise ships operate in Nunavut waters, typically July through September when sea ice permits. Routes often include Baffin Island fjords, Qikiqtaaluk (Baffin) communities, and the Northwest Passage. This is a specialized, high-cost mode of travel; research operators carefully and verify their environmental and community engagement practices.
Practical Notes
Weather cancellations and delays are common throughout the year. Build extra days into your itinerary at either end of your trip to absorb potential disruptions. Baggage weight limits on smaller regional aircraft are often strict — verify limits before packing.
Getting Around
Within most communities, walking is the primary way to get around — the communities themselves are small. Taxis operate in Iqaluit and some larger communities; verify locally on availability and fares.
Travel between communities is almost always by air. In winter, snowmobiles are widely used by locals, and guided snowmobile tours can be arranged. In summer, ATVs are common on community trails. Boat travel — by motorized canoe or small vessel — is used in summer for fishing, hunting, and some guided wildlife tours.
If you plan to travel on the land outside a community for any distance, go with an experienced local guide. The terrain, weather, and navigation challenges are serious. Organized guided outfitter trips are both safer and more culturally appropriate than independent land travel in most cases.
Things to See & Do
Wildlife Viewing
Nunavut is among the best places on Earth to observe polar bears (particularly near Coral Harbour and other coastal areas), narwhals and beluga whales (Baffin Island fjords in summer), walrus, Arctic foxes, snowy owls, and vast seabird colonies. Wildlife viewing typically requires a local guide and, in some cases, ranger or outfitter arrangements. Verify season windows before booking, as they are narrow and weather-dependent.
Auyuittuq National Park
Located on Baffin Island, Auyuittuq National Park is one of Canada's most dramatic protected areas, featuring glacier-carved fjords, the striking Akshayuk Pass, and iconic peaks including Mount Asgard. Access is through Pangnirtung or Qikiqtarjuaq. Parks Canada requires visitors to register before entering the park; check the Parks Canada website for current registration requirements, fees, and seasonal conditions.
Sirmilik and Quttinirpaaq National Parks
Sirmilik, on northern Baffin Island, and Quttinirpaaq on Ellesmere Island (the world's most northerly national park) offer extraordinary wilderness experiences. Quttinirpaaq is extremely remote and expensive to access; it is typically visited only by experienced expeditions. Consult Parks Canada for current requirements.
Inuit Culture and Arts
Nunavut is the centre of Inuit art in Canada. Sculptures in stone, bone, and antler, as well as prints and wall hangings from communities such as Cape Dorset (Kinngait), are internationally recognized. Visiting artists' cooperatives and local galleries is one of the most meaningful cultural experiences available. Engage respectfully, ask before photographing people or ceremonies, and purchase art directly from co-ops or artists where possible.
Aurora Borealis
The northern lights are visible on clear, dark nights from roughly late August through early April. Iqaluit and communities across the territory are well-positioned for viewing. Light pollution is minimal throughout Nunavut.
Food & Drink
Iqaluit has the widest range of dining options in the territory, including a small number of sit-down restaurants, cafes, and fast-food outlets. Smaller communities may have only a single café, a co-op store, or no public restaurant at all — confirm what is available in your specific destination before you arrive.
Traditional Inuit foods — muktuk (raw or frozen whale skin and blubber), caribou, Arctic char, and bannock — hold deep cultural significance. If offered the opportunity to try country food by a local host, it is a genuine act of hospitality. Do not expect to simply purchase these foods in a retail setting; they are largely outside the commercial food system.
Grocery stores (typically operated by the North West Company's Northern chain) exist in most communities but prices are substantially higher than in southern Canada, reflecting the cost of freight. Fresh produce availability can be limited and unpredictable. Alcohol regulations vary by community — some are restricted or prohibited. Check current rules for your specific destination.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In an emergency, dial 911 where available. In remote areas or smaller communities, local RCMP detachments and health centres are the first points of contact. Verify locally which emergency numbers apply in the specific community you are visiting, as infrastructure varies.
Connectivity
Cell coverage in Nunavut is limited. Iqaluit has reasonable mobile coverage; most smaller communities have little or none. Satellite communication devices (such as personal locator beacons and satellite messengers) are strongly recommended for any travel outside community boundaries. Internet access exists in most communities but is slower and more expensive than southern Canadian standards.
Money
The Canadian dollar is the currency. ATMs exist in Iqaluit; availability in smaller communities is limited and not guaranteed. Carry sufficient cash for your stay in smaller communities, especially for local services and co-op purchases.
Time Zones
Most of the territory observes Eastern Time, but the western Kitikmeot region uses Mountain Time. If your itinerary spans multiple communities, confirm local time to avoid missed flights.
Safety
Nunavut presents genuine wilderness safety considerations that travelers must take seriously. Weather can change rapidly and severely, making outdoor travel dangerous without proper preparation and local knowledge. Never travel on sea ice, tundra, or in fjord areas without an experienced local guide — the risks of getting lost, encountering dangerous wildlife, or being caught in sudden weather are real.
Polar bears are present throughout much of the territory and are capable of entering communities. Follow guidance from local residents and authorities regarding bear awareness. Many guides carry firearms for safety; independent travelers should consult with community authorities before entering areas with known polar bear activity.
The territory's remoteness means that rescue or emergency response can take significant time. Personal locator beacons (PLBs) should be considered essential for any backcountry or land travel. Register your travel plans with someone reliable before departing any community.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Inuit culture in Nunavut is living and contemporary, not a historical artifact. The Inuit have inhabited the Eastern Arctic for thousands of years and maintain deep connections to the land, language, and traditions of hunting, travel, and community life. Nunavut's creation formalized a degree of Inuit self-governance, and the territory's institutions — including the Legislative Assembly — reflect Inuit values and consensus-based decision-making.
Respectful engagement with Inuit communities is essential. Ask before taking photographs of people, their homes, or ceremonies. Follow any guidance from community members or guides about where to go and what activities are appropriate. Some communities may have events or gatherings that are not intended for outside visitors; respect these boundaries.
Language is important: Inuktitut is the first language of most residents outside Iqaluit, and learning even a few basic words of greeting is appreciated. The Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated are among the organizations whose published materials can help visitors understand the political and cultural context of Inuit life.
