Top 5 Tourist Places In Nunavut, Canada

Nunavut: Exploring Canada’s Arctic Frontier

Nunavut is Canada’s newest and largest territory, covering nearly one-fifth of the country’s landmass. Vast, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful, Nunavut represents the true Arctic frontier. This is a land of towering glaciers, endless tundra, dramatic fjords, and resilient Inuit culture that has thrived in extreme conditions for thousands of years.

Traveling to Nunavut is not about luxury resorts or crowded attractions—it is about raw nature, cultural authenticity, and unforgettable experiences. From watching icebergs drift through Arctic waters to learning ancient Inuit traditions, Nunavut offers travelers a deep and meaningful connection to the land and its people. This long-form travel guide explores the top five tourist destinations in Nunavut, highlighting why this remote territory deserves a place on every serious traveler’s bucket list.

1. Iqaluit – Capital of Nunavut and Heart of Inuit Culture

Iqaluit, the capital city of Nunavut, sits on the southeastern coast of Baffin Island along Frobisher Bay. Despite its small population, Iqaluit is the political, cultural, and transportation hub of the territory. For most visitors, Iqaluit is the gateway to exploring Nunavut and understanding Inuit life in the modern Arctic.

The city offers a unique blend of contemporary life and traditional culture. Inuit heritage is visible everywhere—from public art and carvings to Inuktitut language signage. Visitors can explore cultural centers and museums that showcase Inuit history, storytelling, tools, and traditional clothing. These institutions provide valuable insight into how Inuit communities have adapted to Arctic conditions for generations.

Iqaluit is also an excellent place to experience local cuisine. Traditional foods such as Arctic char, seal, and caribou are still important parts of the diet, while modern restaurants blend northern ingredients with contemporary cooking styles. Community events, drum dancing, and throat singing performances give travelers a chance to experience living culture rather than just observe it.

Nature surrounds the city. Hiking trails lead into rocky tundra landscapes with panoramic views of Frobisher Bay. In winter, dog sledding and snowmobiling are popular ways to explore the frozen terrain, while summer brings kayaking, wildlife viewing, and the magical glow of the Midnight Sun. Iqaluit offers a welcoming introduction to Nunavut’s culture and environment.

2. Auyuittuq National Park – Land That Never Melts

Auyuittuq National Park is one of Canada’s most spectacular and remote national parks. Located on Baffin Island, the park’s name means “the land that never melts” in Inuktitut, reflecting its massive glaciers, ice caps, and snow-covered peaks.

The park is dominated by dramatic Arctic scenery. Towering granite mountains rise sharply from glacial valleys, while deep fjords carve through the landscape. The Akshayuk Pass, a famous trekking route within the park, attracts experienced hikers from around the world. This multi-day trek takes travelers through a pristine wilderness of glaciers, rivers, and steep rock walls.

Wildlife viewing is another highlight of Auyuittuq National Park. Visitors may encounter Arctic foxes, caribou, seals, and a variety of seabirds. Polar bears inhabit the region as well, reminding travelers that this is a true wilderness where respect for nature is essential.

Auyuittuq is not a casual destination—it requires careful planning, physical endurance, and respect for the Arctic environment. However, for adventurous travelers, the reward is an unparalleled sense of isolation and beauty. Standing beneath towering cliffs and ancient ice, visitors experience one of the last truly untouched landscapes on Earth.

3. Pond Inlet – Gateway to Arctic Wildlife and Icebergs

Pond Inlet, known as Mittimatalik in Inuktitut, is a small Inuit community located on the northern tip of Baffin Island. It is widely regarded as one of the best places in Nunavut for wildlife and iceberg viewing.

During the summer months, massive icebergs drift past the community, creating a surreal and constantly changing seascape. Boat tours allow visitors to get close to these floating giants, offering incredible photography opportunities. The surrounding waters are also rich in marine life, including narwhals, seals, and whales.

Pond Inlet is also a gateway to Sirmilik National Park, another Arctic wilderness area known for its glaciers, bird cliffs, and polar bears. The region is especially popular with birdwatchers, as thousands of seabirds nest along the dramatic coastal cliffs.

Cultural experiences are central to visiting Pond Inlet. The community has a strong tradition of Inuit art, including stone carvings, prints, and textiles. Visitors can meet local artists, learn about traditional hunting practices, and gain a deeper understanding of life in the High Arctic.

Despite its remote location, Pond Inlet leaves a lasting impression on travelers. The combination of towering icebergs, abundant wildlife, and warm community hospitality makes it one of Nunavut’s most memorable destinations.

4. Rankin Inlet – Inuit Art, History, and Modern Life

Rankin Inlet is one of Nunavut’s largest communities and an important cultural center for the Kivalliq region. Unlike many Arctic settlements, Rankin Inlet has a relatively diverse economy and a strong reputation for Inuit art and craftsmanship.

The community is particularly known for its stone sculptures, ceramics, and metalwork. Local art studios and galleries showcase works that reflect Inuit stories, animals, and spiritual beliefs. Purchasing art in Rankin Inlet supports local artists and helps preserve cultural traditions passed down through generations.

Rankin Inlet also has historical significance. It was once a mining town, and remnants of this past remain visible today. Over time, the community transitioned into a modern Inuit settlement while maintaining strong cultural roots.

The surrounding landscape offers excellent opportunities for outdoor exploration. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing across the tundra and coastline. Seasonal changes bring unique experiences—from frozen winter landscapes to summer days filled with sunlight and migratory birds.

Rankin Inlet provides travelers with insight into contemporary Inuit life, balancing tradition with modern challenges and opportunities in the Arctic.

5. Baffin Island – Remote Arctic Landscapes and Endless Horizons

Baffin Island is the largest island in Canada and one of the most dramatic Arctic regions in the world. Much of Nunavut’s most famous scenery and destinations are found here, making it a centerpiece of Arctic exploration.

The island features towering mountains, vast glaciers, deep fjords, and expansive tundra landscapes. Its coastline is deeply indented with inlets and bays, creating stunning views where mountains meet icy waters. Baffin Island feels immense and untouched, offering travelers a profound sense of scale and solitude.

Adventure tourism on Baffin Island includes hiking, mountaineering, kayaking among icebergs, and wildlife expeditions. Polar bears, Arctic foxes, seals, whales, and migratory birds all inhabit the region. Each encounter with wildlife reinforces the island’s wild and unpredictable nature.

Equally important is the island’s cultural significance. Inuit communities across Baffin Island maintain strong traditions in language, art, hunting, and storytelling. Visitors who engage respectfully with local communities gain a deeper appreciation for how humans and nature coexist in extreme environments.

Baffin Island is not an easy destination—but for those willing to venture north, it offers one of the most powerful travel experiences on Earth.

Best Time to Visit Nunavut

The best time to visit Nunavut depends on the experience you seek. Summer (June to August) offers milder temperatures, accessible travel routes, wildlife viewing, and iceberg-filled waters. The Midnight Sun provides nearly 24 hours of daylight.

Winter (November to March) is ideal for experiencing Arctic darkness, Northern Lights, dog sledding, and traditional winter activities. However, extreme cold and limited daylight require careful preparation.

Each season reveals a different side of Nunavut, making it a destination that rewards thoughtful planning.

Conclusion: Discover the Spirit of the Arctic

Nunavut is more than a travel destination—it is a journey into one of the world’s last great wilderness regions. From the cultural heart of Iqaluit to the frozen grandeur of Auyuittuq National Park and the remote beauty of Baffin Island, Nunavut offers experiences found nowhere else on Earth.

Travelers who visit Nunavut gain more than photographs; they gain perspective, respect for nature, and appreciation for the resilience of Inuit culture. For those seeking authenticity, adventure, and profound natural beauty, Nunavut stands as one of Canada’s most extraordinary destinations.