Are you in search of the best places to explore in Nunavut? Look no further. Traveler Heavens has you covered! From the capital city of Iqaluit to the breathtaking vistas of Auyuittuq National Park and the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, we guarantee you’ll find something spectacular no matter where your travels take you.
Prepare to be amazed by the natural beauty and rich culture that await you in the Land of the Inuit! Established in 1999, Nunavut Territory is part of northern Canada in the eastern section, formerly part of the Northwest Territories. With an area of 1.9 million square kilometers across a fifth of Canada and eight times the size of the UK, Nunavut extends to 800 km of the North Pole, and its southern border is the 60th parallel. Predominantly featuring treeless tundra cut deep by fjords, Nunavut is a unique destination to explore the attractions, history, culture, nature, and best places in Canada’s Far North.
Nunavut is an exciting Canadian destination for tourists to explore, with craft- and hand-made products being one of the region’s biggest drawcards. These locally made leather goods, jewelry, and ivory works boast great appeal, attracting local visitors and those from far and wide.
Such products are usually created in small workshops, and there is even a thriving export trade to other tourist hotspots in the south, including Québec, Toronto, and Vancouver. No matter what kind of adventure you’re planning, our top tourist attractions list in Nunavut, Canada, will help give you plenty of ideas to get you started.
Iqaluit
Iqaluit is one of the best places to visit in Nunavut. The bustling center of Nunavut, Iqaluit, is full of activity. This is the starting and ending point for many travels to the territory. Here, you can experience the traditional Inuit culture through various arts and crafts, festivals, and local creatives such as musicians, filmmakers, and artists.
Iqaluit is also close to three incredible territorial parks, boasting awe-inspiring scenery, captivating nature, and Thule artifacts dating back centuries. Inuit pastimes such as skiing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding are integral parts of everyday life, as are hunting, fishing, and berry picking. Iqaluit is where it all starts, from exploring the town to heading into nature.
Baffin Island
Famous for its stunning scenery and the hospitality of the Inuit, Baffin Island offers a truly unique holiday experience. But there are few tourists – making it an ideal destination for those seeking a remote and wild adventure. The fifth-largest island in the world, Baffin Island has diverse landscapes, from its coastline to its Mountains that reach up to 2,591 meters in Auyuittuq National Park on the Cumberland peninsula.
The east coast has impressive fiords resembling those of Norway. Baffin Island is to be noticed by any nature-lover looking for an extraordinary getaway. Exploring Iqaluit on the remote Frobisher Bay is the only way to experience a unique Canadian vacation.
However, airfare to the far north might be expensive, but the stunning landscapes and culture more than make up for it. Those braving the “unfriendly” climate and summertime insects may find themselves with an unforgettable adventure, although one should bear in mind the high cost of living in the area.
Auyuittuq National Park
Located in Nunavut, Auyuittuq National Park’s stunning beauty is unmatched. It features incredible mountain ranges, breathtaking glaciers, and spectacular wildlife. The park comprises 741,000 hectares of protected land, including 26 glaciers and hundreds of kilometers of glacial lakes and rivers. This landscape is incomparably rugged and diverse, with mountains, glaciers, and valleys.
It provides unique hiking, fishing, kayaking, and camping opportunities during the summer months. Depending on the season, visitors can experience various activities such as snowmobiling, dogsledding, or even taking an Arctic circle tour to get an authentic feel of the Arctic tundra. Auyuittuq National Park is a nature lover’s paradise and a cultural delight.
Home to the Inuit people, this park is full of history, legends, and stories that date back centuries. Traditional ecological knowledge on harvesting seal, caribou, fish, and Inuit crafts is kept alive here. Auyuittuq National Park also has a few art galleries and a nearby theatre, making a visit authentic and memorable.
Ellesmere Island
With its icy blue glaciers, pristine waters, and inviting atmosphere, the island’s beauty is incomparable to any other place in the world. At about the same size as Scotland, Ellesmere Island is the world’s most northerly large island. Home to an array of unique wildlife, such as polar bears, caribou, and rare snow buntings, the island is one of the largest and most pristine ecosystems in the North American Arctic.
What makes Ellesmere Island so unique? It’s an overwhelming natural beauty! With its dramatic cliffs, massive glaciers, and stunning wildlife, Ellesmere Island is the perfect destination for anyone wanting to experience the best of the Arctic. But don’t let the island’s beauty blind you from its cultural and historical importance. The island has been inhabited for thousands of years, offering glimpses into the lives of various Inuit cultures throughout the centuries.
But let’s remember the weather! Average winter temperatures in Ellesmere Island can reach lows of -40°C, so it’s essential to come prepared. Despite its cold climate, the Arctic offers endless possibilities for adventure, from ice fishing and snowmobiling to sailing and photography.
Getting here may be intimidating, but it’s also perfect for those wanting to embark on an Arctic expedition. Although there are daily flights and ferry services, visitors can explore their adventures. The wildness of Ellesmere Island can be a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the cities.
Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum
Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum is one of the best places to visit in Nunavut. The old Hudson’s Bay Company building now houses a quaint and interactive museum full of traditional Inuit attire, tools, children’s toys, weapons, and transportation technology, with a complete sealskin canoe on show.
View ancient Thule artifacts, including snow goggles, while admiring the unique soapstone and whalebone carvings. Temporary exhibitions also showcase contemporary Inuit artists and their works. Visit the museum’s gift shop for various carvings, jewelry, ulus, and other items.
Sirmilik National Park
Sirmilik National Park, located in the northwest corner of Baffin Island, is home to an impressive range of wildlife, including narwhals, caribou, polar bears, ringed seals, and killer whales. Along with the incredible wildlife, the park also contains the Bylot Island bird sanctuary, home to over 70 species and a popular nesting spot for hundreds of thousands of birds.
With over 22,000 square kilometers, there is plenty of space for activities, such as mountain climbing, ski touring, sea kayaking, touring the floe edge where the sea ice meets the open water, and visiting archeological sites.
Naujaat (Repulse Bay)
Discussing birds, we must consider Naujaat, which is translated as the ‘nesting place for seagulls’ from the Inuktitut language. Formerly known as Repulse Bay, the hamlet is close to a cliff where the seagulls breed during June. Naujaat stands on the Arctic Circle, identified by a stone cairn near the village. Home to only 1,050 individuals, the locals are outnumbered by the feathered and animal inhabitants of the area.
Hills and tundra define a landscape where temperatures are intemperate. Despite it, the warmer months are ideal for visiting and fishing, hiking, kayaking, ATV riding, and watching birds. These birds range from the seagulls, the origin of Naujaat’s name, to tundra swans, snow geese, and peregrine falcons.
Pond Inlet
Pond Inlet is one of the best places to visit in Nunavut. Welcome to Pond Inlet! Located in Nunavut, Canada, on the northern tip of Baffin Island, Pond Inlet is a beautiful destination and a vibrant Inuit community actively advocating for its home. We’re officially welcoming you to the “Top of the World!” This beautiful slice of the Arctic offers spectacular landscapes and a bounty of wildlife, with plenty of opportunities for adventurers.
Take the plunge and dive into the magical culture of the Inuit, a lifestyle that has remained unchanged for centuries. From traditional art forms to Inuit stories and intricate clothing, Pond Inlet is the perfect place to experience one of the world’s great cultures. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider taking a guided tour to the floe edge, where You can view magnificent animals like whales, narwhals, seals, and polar bears.
You can also see the spectacular auroras when the Arctic sky paints the night sky with colors and shapes. Whether by day or night, you’re sure to be captivated by the beauty of Pond Inlet! At the center of the community is Pangnirtung. The town’s Inuit-owned-and-operated businesses are home to some of Canada’s best artisanal crafts, traditional clothing, and artwork.
In recognition of the town’s traditional culture, the government of Nunavut designated Pangnirtung as the World’s First Inuit Accessible National Historic Site. Come to this particular corner of the world to experience the way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries.
Iqalugaarjuup Nunanga Territorial Park
It’s not always easy to pronounce the name of Iqalugaarjuup Nunanga Territorial Park – but it’s easy to love! Located 5 miles from Rankin Inlet, this spectacular park showcases a wide range of breathtaking landscapes, from lakes and tundra to wetlands and forests.
With plentiful trails for hiking, ancient Thule archeological sites, and an array of wildlife – from peregrine falcons to Arctic char – it’s a fantastic destination for any season, whether it’s snowmobiling in the winter or embracing the summer bloom of purple mountain flowers. So grab your binoculars and fishing rod and explore the diverse bounty of Iqalugaarjuup Nunanga today!
Belcher Islands
Belcher Islands is one of the best places to visit in Nunavut. The Belcher Islands are a beautiful and unique destination in Hudson Bay, Canada. From breathtaking views of the northern lights to incredible wildlife, the Belcher Islands offer a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a relaxing getaway, the Belcher Islands have something for everyone.
From kayaking and fishing to whale watching and bird watching, the Belcher Islands offer a variety of activities to enjoy. The Belcher Islands are home to various wildlife, including polar bears, seals, whales, and more. You can also spot various birds, including puffins, falcons, and owls. The Belcher Islands are also home to many unique cultures and traditions.
The Inuit people have lived on the Belcher Islands for centuries, and their culture is still alive today. You can learn about the Inuit culture by visiting the nearby Inuit communities or taking a guided tour.
The Belcher Islands are an excellent destination for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a chance to explore a unique culture, the Belcher Islands have something for everyone. So explore the Belcher Islands and experience something extraordinary!
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our list of the Best Places to Visit in Nunavut! From our perspective, Baffin Island is the ideal destination to start your journey. All destinations in Nunavut provide something unique and spectacular that you’re sure to enjoy. So, explore and have a great time!
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