Annah is original from Zimbabwe and emigrated to Canada with her young family. After struggling to find work in Toronto, they took a chance and moved to Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, and immediately fell in love.
“What made me fall in love is how the welcoming the Inuit people are,” Annah explains.
“Their culture isn’t it so different from my culture. They value family above all. In the African culture, we say it takes a whole village to raise up the child and in Iqaluit, I’ve seen that.
“They are community orientated; they look out for each other, they are welcoming. They always lend a hand and that’s what made me fall in love.”
With 85% of Nunavut’s population identifying as Inuit, you’ll find a vibrant, youthful spirit in its communities, where tourists are warmly welcomed.
Reasons to visit Nunavut
Discover Inuit Culture
One of the most compelling reasons to visit Nunavut is the chance to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Inuit people, who have called this region home for thousands of years.
Visitors to Nunavut can connect with Indigenous traditions that remain an integral part of daily life.
In the communities scattered across the region, including Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet and Cambridge Bay, you can meet local artisans crafting intricate carvings and textiles, watch traditional throat singing performances, or join in on community events.
Visit the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum in Iqaluit to explore exhibits on Inuit art and history, or venture to the Hamlet of Pangnirtung, renowned for its vibrant arts scene.
Arctic Wildlife Encounters
For wildlife enthusiasts, Nunavut must be a bucket-list destination. The territory is home to some of the world’s most famous Arctic species, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, muskoxen and beluga whales.
During the summer months, visitors can embark on guided tours to spot these majestic animals in their natural habitats. In the remote coastal village of Pond Inlet, guided boat tours take you into waters frequented by narwhals, the elusive “unicorns of the sea”.
Seabird colonies also dot the cliffs, while the northern landscapes are a playground for migratory birds. Birdwatchers will be particularly enthralled by the diversity of species that thrive in the Arctic, making Nunavut a prime location for “twitchers”.
The Floe Edge
This is the term that refers to the boundary between solid sea ice and open water and is a significant geographical feature in Nunavut, particularly during the spring and early summer months when the ice begins to melt.
The floe edge is a hotspot for wildlife, providing an opportunity to observe various Arctic species, such as seals, walrus, polar bears and migratory birds.
Arctic Kingdom offers floe edge safari’s.
Guided by Inuit and travelling in small groups, they journey to the floe edge for days of discovery staying in a tented safari camp. With good conditions there’s fantastic narwhal watching with the chance to see a variety of seabirds, polar bears and seals as well as possibly beluga and bowhead whales.
The floe edge is not just a natural phenomenon; it is also a culturally significant area for the Inuit communities. Tourists can engage in cultural experiences, such as traditional hunting methods, storytelling and local crafts.
These experiences offer insight into the Inuit way of life and their deep connection to the land and ice.
The Great Outdoors
For those looking for extreme adventure, Nunavut offers opportunities to explore untouched wildernesses via hiking, kayaking and dog sledding.
In the warmer months, hiking trails reveal vast tundra landscapes dotted with wildflowers, while kayaking trips around the fjords and icebergs offer a perspective of Nunavut’s coastal beauty that’s both serene and surreal.
Winter, however, brings another level of adventure: dog sledding through snow-blanketed plains and ice fishing in the frozen waters.
Inukpak Outfitting specialise in dog sledding adventures as well as a wide range of guided services, such as snowmobiling, snow sailing, hiking, canoeing and sea kayaking.
Cruise the North-West Passage
Travellers can also visit Nunavut by cruise ship. Viking offers a cruise Into the North-West Passage.
This is a 13-day trip travelling from Greenland to Nunavut, starting and ending in Nuuk. The cruise runs in July, August and September.
The Magic of the Northern Lights
One of the highlights for many visitors to Nunavut is the chance to witness the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights.
Unlike in more populous regions, Nunavut’s remote location offers virtually no light pollution, ensuring spectacular displays of the Aurora Borealis from autumn to early spring.
The communities of Iqaluit, Arviat and Kugluktuk are prime spots for viewing the lights, with local guides offering the best advice on when and where to catch these natural phenomena at their most dazzling.
What you need to know
When to visit: The best time to explore Nunavut depends on your interests. For wildlife spotting and milder weather, visit during the summer months (June to August). If you’re hoping to see the Northern Lights, plan your trip for between October and March, when the nights are long and dark.
Getting there: While there are no direct flights from Australia to Nunavut, travellers can fly to major Canadian hubs like Vancouver or Toronto and connect via domestic flights to Iqaluit or other Nunavut communities.
What to pack: Layers are key when packing for a trip to Nunavut, even during the summer. Be prepared for fluctuating temperatures and pack well-insulated clothing, particularly if you’re visiting in winter.
However, no need to buy specialised outer wear. Check with the tour operator as most will provide all the necessary outer clothing required to be protected from the cold.
Respecting culture: Nunavut’s Inuit communities are welcoming but also deeply tied to their traditions. It’s important for visitors to respect local customs and engage with the culture in a respectful manner, always asking for permission before taking photos of individuals or cultural landmarks.
Nunavut is a land of stark beauty, rich Indigenous culture and fantastic opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or simply eager to explore one of the world’s most isolated regions, Nunavut deserves a spot on your travel radar.
