Nunavut

June sun shines 24 hours a day, horned whales roam the waters and underground ice pushes up the earth in this Canadian Arctic Inuit territory.

Nunavut is both the largest and the least populated Canadian territory, covering northern Hudson Bay area and the islands extending along western Greenland into the Arctic Circle. Most of its population is Inuit, an indigenous people whose roots in the area go back over 3,000 years. Throughout Nunavut, Inuit villages hug the coast of vast Arctic islands covered in jagged mountains, ancient glaciers and some of the world’s strangest animals. The territory is a fascinating and sometimes dangerous place. Hire a good guide or visit independently if you are a skilled and experienced Arctic traveler.

Nunavut centers on two main islands: Baffin and Ellesmere. Book a summer cruise when the ice has broken up to allow navigation between these landmasses and other smaller islands.

Iqaluit, Nunavut’s capital, is located on the southern coast of Baffin Island. The town is one of the province’s most settled areas, with government buildings and museums. Visit the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum to see art and artifacts designed by both contemporary and ancient Inuit area residents. Take a boat to the remains of a 1,000-year-old Thule camp at Qaummaarviit Territorial Park.

At the northern tip of Baffin Island, the town of Arctic Bay awaits you. From here, snowmobile to the mysterious countryside of Sirmilik National Park. Between glaciers, moraines and nunatuks (mountain peaks), you will find strange rock formations including hoodoos (red sandstone towers formed by erosion) and pingos (broken mounds formed by an underground ice mass pushing up through the earth). Travel farther to Nunavut’s northernmost island, Ellesmere Island, a barren landscape best explored by avid, experienced Arctic travelers.

Arctic animals are common throughout Nunavut. Beluga whales swim around Hudson Bay. Find walruses and horned narwhals in the northern waters around Arctic Bay and Grise Fiord. Book a seat on a whale-watching boat to have easy access for great photo opportunities.

Fly into Iqaluit’s airport to start your Nunavut adventure. Visit during the summer, when northern Nunavut enjoys 24-hour sunlight.