The Canadian Arctic offers a truly unique and diverse experience for travellers, combining breathtaking wildlife encounters, visits to remote Inuit communities, and the enchanting beauty of the Northern Lights. This pristine region invites explorers to connect with its glacier-capped mountains, rugged coastlines, and extraordinary wildlife. Spot Arctic wolves, hares, and foxes roaming the tundra, or witness polar bears in their natural habitat, hunting across the icy landscapes. Marine enthusiasts can marvel at seals, walruses, narwhals, and beluga whales in their icy waters.
Immersion in Inuit communities provides a deeper appreciation of their rich art, culture, and traditions, including practices like whaling. Many of these communities, reachable only by sea or air, offer a rare glimpse into a way of life shaped by the Arctic’s raw and majestic environment. For those seeking adventure and a connection to untouched nature, the Canadian Arctic is an unforgettable destination.
Axel Heiberg Island: This uninhabited island, nestled in the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut, Canada, is one of the world's least-visited islands, situated approximately 1200 kilometers from the North Pole. Journeys to this remote destination are limited and cater to those who aspire to explore Canada's northernmost islands.
Baffin Island: Situated in the expanse between Greenland and the Canadian mainland within the Nunavut territory, Baffin Island ranks as the fifth largest island globally. It boasts a habitat teeming with spectacular wildlife, colossal glaciers, breathtaking fjords, and quaint coastal Inuit communities.
Beechy Island: This petite island, technically a peninsula linked to the larger Devon Island, holds the status of a Canadian National Historical Site. It is most renowned for the solitary graves of explorers, resting on a desolate rocky shore. The windswept, barren landscape makes it a favored landing site for Arctic expeditions.
Northwest Passage: The Northwest Passage is a maritime route linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Canadian Arctic. This intriguing waterway remains relatively uncharted, offering a captivating adventure for those who seek genuine Arctic exploration. It presents opportunities to visit Inuit communities and delve into the historical narratives of intrepid past explorers.
Resolute: Also referred to as Resolute Bay, it stands as a small Inuit settlement on Cornwallis Island, marking one of Canada's northernmost communities. The multitude of small islands and Arctic waters serve as habitats for nesting birds and substantial migrating pods of Beluga Whales. Additionally, Polar Bears are frequent visitors to the community and its surrounding areas.
The Canadian Arctic is best explored from May to September, when the ice begins to thaw and remote areas become accessible. Wildlife viewing is seasonal, with polar bears most visible in July and August, while mothers with cubs can be seen in March, and migration events occur in October and November. For marine life, narwhals, seals, walrus, and bowhead whales are best spotted from late May to July, and belugas peak in June and July. The caribou migration happens in May and again in early September. If you're hoping to catch the northern lights, plan your visit for March or early April.
The Arctic climate is extreme for much of the year. From October to May, temperatures often remain below freezing, ranging from -29°C to -34°C in the coldest months. Even in summer, average highs only reach 7°C to 19°C, so warm clothing is essential no matter when you travel.
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Language: English, French, and various Inuit languages
What makes it special: Northern Canada is a treasure trove of outdoor activities, an abundance of diverse flora and fauna, and a captivating fusion of cultures. Here, you can witness the mesmerizing aurora borealis, encounter black bears and grizzlies in their natural habitats, and be left in sheer wonder by the stunning mountainous terrain. Much of Northern Canada, including the entirety of Nunavut, can only be reached by sea or air, which results in vast expanses of untouched wilderness beckoning to be explored.
Social customs: In the Arctic's remote communities, subsistence hunting remains a key part of daily life. Local markets often offer raw seal meat, Arctic char, and caribou, all vital to Inuit culture and survival. Alcohol regulations vary significantly across communities: in many parts of Nunavut, strict laws prohibit the sale or consumption of alcohol due to health concerns. Visitors should always check local regulations before bringing alcohol and respect community rules.
