Cambridge Bay Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Experience the raw beauty of the High Arctic in Ikaluktutiak, where Inuit culture thrives beneath the Midnight Sun and Muskox roam the tundra. This guide explores the history, nature, and community warmth of Victoria Island.
Cambridge Bay, or Ikaluktutiak (‘Good Fishing Place’), sits on the southeast coast of Victoria Island, serving as a vital hub in the legendary Northwest Passage. This is not just a remote outpost; it is a vibrant community where ancient Inuit traditions coexist with cutting-edge polar science. Here, the air is crisp and untainted, and the silence of the tundra is broken only by the wind and the call of migrating birds.
Visitors are drawn here for the raw, unpolished beauty of the High Arctic. Whether you are watching a herd of prehistoric-looking muskoxen graze on the sedge or standing under the dancing ribbons of the Aurora Borealis, Cambridge Bay offers a profound connection to the natural world. It is a place that challenges you with its climate but rewards you with the warmth of its people and landscapes that feel like the edge of the earth.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
A Crossroads of Arctic History
Cambridge Bay has long been a gathering place for Inuit following the migration of char and caribou. In more recent history, it played a strategic role in the exploration of the Northwest Passage. The area is famously linked to Roald Amundsen, whose ship, the Maud, lay sunken in the harbour for decades before being raised and returned to Norway in 2018. The spirit of exploration continues today with the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS), a futuristic campus attracting scientists from around the globe.
The town also served as a site for the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line during the Cold War. Remnants of this era still dot the landscape, standing as rusting sentinels against the stark horizon. Walking through the hamlet, you will see a unique blend of government infrastructure, traditional hunting equipment, and modern art, reflecting a community in transition that proudly holds onto its roots.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Hike Uvajuq (Mount Pelly) Territorial Park
Explore the legends of the sleeping giants by hiking up this esker, which rises dramatically from the flat tundra about 15 km from town.
Tour the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS)
Visit this world-class science facility to see cutting-edge polar architecture and learn about ongoing Arctic climate research.
Arctic Char Fishing
Cast a line at the bridge near the town centre or take a boat out to catch the world-renowned, bright red-fleshed Arctic Char.
Inuit Art and Heritage
Visit the Arctic Coast Visitors Centre to see exquisite local carvings, prints, and wall hangings made by local Ikaluktutiak artists.
Love what you see? Get a personalized itinerary tailored to your interests, budget, and travel style.
The Icons You’ll Want to See
Uvajuq (Mount Pelly) Territorial Park - Located 15 km east of town, this park features an esker rising 200 meters from the flat tundra. It is central to local Inuit legends about three giants who died of hunger and transformed into the hills. The summit offers unmatched views of the island. Free access; taxi/rental required.
The Old Stone Church - Situated near the waterfront, this Anglican church was built in 1954 using local materials: seal oil, sand, clay, and rocks. It is the most photographed landmark in town and stands as a testament to the resourcefulness of the early community. Located in town; free to view from the outside.
Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) - This stunning facility is a masterpiece of polar architecture, blending into the landscape with copper-coloured cladding. It serves as a headquarters for Arctic science. Located on the northern edge of town; guided tours are free but must be arranged in advance.
The Northwest Passage Trail - A scenic walking trail that winds along the coast, featuring interpretive plaques that explain the history of Arctic exploration and local flora. It is an easy, flat walk accessible from the town centre. Free access.
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Cambridge Bay requires flying with Canadian North from major hubs like Yellowknife or Edmonton. Flights can be expensive and weather delays are common, so travel insurance and flexible schedules are essential. Once in town, the hamlet is small enough to walk, but taxi services are available for roughly $7 to $10 per trip within town limits. For excursions to Uvajuq, you will need to rent a vehicle or hire a local outfitter.
Pack for the cold, regardless of the season. Even in July, temperatures can drop near freezing, and the wind is constant. Layering is key: bring merino wool base layers, a fleece mid-layer, and a windproof/waterproof outer shell. If visiting in summer, a bug jacket or head net is absolutely critical, as the tundra mosquitoes are legendary for their intensity.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Summer (July - August)
Pros
- 24-hour daylight allows for endless exploration
- Tundra is in full bloom and accessible for hiking
- Wildlife (muskox, birds) is most active
- Flight schedules are generally more reliable
Cons
- Accommodation prices are at their highest
- Mosquitoes can be intense on the tundra
- Limited darkness makes sleeping difficult for some
- Muddy conditions in some areas
Shoulder Season: Spring (April - May)
Pros
- Excellent ice fishing and snowmobiling
- Omingmak Frolics festival takes place
- Days are long and sunny but still frozen
- Good chance of seeing Northern Lights before endless sun
Cons
- Still extremely cold for unaccustomed travelers
- Slushy roads as melting begins late May
- Some summer hiking trails are still snow-covered
Off-Peak: Winter (November - February)
Pros
- Experience the true Polar Night
- Best opportunities for Aurora Borealis photography
- Quiet atmosphere with few tourists
- Interaction with locals at indoor community events
Cons
- Extreme cold requires specialized gear
- Flights frequently cancelled due to blizzards
- Limited outdoor activities due to darkness
- Many services operate on reduced hours
Cambridge Bay is a destination for the intrepid traveler. It is not a place of luxury resorts, but a land of stark beauty and deep culture. Whether you come for the Midnight Sun in July or the return of the light in April, the silence and scale of the Arctic will leave a mark on your soul long after you fly south.
Sample Itineraries
The High Arctic Weekend
A compact itinerary focusing on the highlights of Cambridge Bay, from cultural history to accessible nature, perfect for a short immersive stay.
Day 1: Arrival and Arctic Orientation
- Morning: Arrive via Canadian North at Cambridge Bay Airport and transfer to Green Row Executive Suites to drop bags, costing about $20 CAD for a taxi.
- Afternoon: Walk to the Arctic Coast Visitors Centre to purchase a mandatory simplified hiking permit and view the impressive displays of Inuit history and local biology.
- Evening: Enjoy a hearty dinner of Muskox Burger or Arctic Char at Kuugaq Café, expecting to pay around $35 CAD per person.
Day 2: The Sleeping Giant and Science
- Morning: Rent a truck or arrange a local guide for approximately $150-$200 CAD to drive 15 km east to Uvajuq (Mount Pelly) for a hike up the esker.
- Afternoon: Return to town for a guided public tour of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS), noting that tour times must be booked in advance.
- Evening: Walk along the waterfront to photograph the Old Stone Church during the golden hour, followed by a casual meal at the Saxifrage Resto.
Day 3: Culture and Departure
- Morning: Visit the local Co-op or the Red Fish Art Studio to browse and purchase authentic Inuit carvings and wall hangings directly from the community.
- Afternoon: Take a final stroll along the Heritage Trail to see the DEW Line site remnants before heading to the airport for your afternoon flight.
- Evening: Depart Cambridge Bay, enjoying views of the frozen or open Northwest Passage from the air depending on the season.
Summer Solstice Adventure
An extended trip designed for July or August to take full advantage of the 24-hour sunlight, including fishing and deeper tundra exploration.
Day 1: Welcome to the Tundra
- Morning: Land in Cambridge Bay and check into the Arctic Islands Lodge, budgeting approximately $300 CAD per night for accommodation.
- Afternoon: Get your bearings with a walking tour of the hamlet, stopping at the Northern Store to pick up snacks and expensive but necessary produce.
- Evening: Experience the Midnight Sun by taking a walk at 11:00 PM along the shore, watching children play outside in broad daylight.
Day 2: Fishing the Northwest Passage
- Morning: Meet a local outfitter for a half-day fishing trip at the bridge or by boat, costing roughly $400 CAD, to catch Arctic Char.
- Afternoon: Have your fresh catch prepared or cook it yourself if your accommodation has a kitchen, enjoying the freshest fish possible.
- Evening: Visit the local Heritage Park to read the plaques about Roald Amundsen and the history of the Maud, which sank here before being raised.
Day 3: Uvajuq Extended Hike
- Morning: Dedicate the day to Uvajuq Territorial Park, packing a lunch and plenty of water for a 3-4 hour exploration of the trails.
- Afternoon: Picnic on the tundra while looking for Peregrine falcons and Rough-legged hawks nesting on the slopes of the esker.
- Evening: Return to town and relax with a coffee and pastry at Kuugaq Café while chatting with locals about life in the north.
Day 4: Tundra Wildlife Safari
- Morning: Rent ATVs, which cost around $250 CAD per day, to travel the overland trails toward the West Arm.
- Afternoon: Spend hours spotting Muskoxen herds grazing on the willows and sedges, keeping a respectful and safe distance.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel restaurant, trying traditional bannock if available on the menu.
Day 5: Arts and Adieu
- Morning: Do some final souvenir shopping at the Kitikmeot Foods outlet for vacuum-packed smoked char to take home.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport early, as security processing can be slow, and browse the small display cases in the terminal.
- Evening: Fly out, watching the vast myriad of lakes and islands of the Arctic Archipelago disappear beneath the clouds.
Explore Neighboring Areas
Ready to visit Cambridge Bay Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary?
Let AI build your perfect itinerary in seconds.