Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Canada's newest and largest territory, Nunavut spans 2 million km² of Arctic splendor. Its "landmarks" are less about monuments and more about living communities where Inuit culture thrives amid breathtaking landscapes. Here are six notable settlements.
The territorial capital on Baffin Island's southeast coast is the administrative, transportation, and cultural hub. Visit the Nunavut Legislative Assembly, the distinctive igloo-inspired St. Jude's Cathedral, and the Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre. Summer brings midnight sun; winter, spectacular aurora displays.
Nestled at the gateway to Auyuittuq National Park ("the land that never melts"), "Pang" is renowned for its woven tapestries and prints from the Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts & Crafts. The park offers world-class hiking (Akshayuk Pass) and climbing (Mount Thor's 1,250 m vertical face).
Globally celebrated as the "Capital of Inuit Art," Kinngait's West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative has produced generations of acclaimed printmakers and sculptors (Kenojuak Ashevak, Pudlo Pudlat). The annual Dorset Fine Arts Festival draws collectors worldwide.
Not Quttiktuq (a common confusion). Igloolik, on a small island in Foxe Basin, is a cultural stronghold: home to Isuma Productions (Zacharias Kunuk's Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner) and the annual Alianait Arts Festival. Ancient Thule sites dot the area.
The Belcher Islands' only community, in Hudson Bay, is famed for its eider duck down parkas (sanikiluaq means "place of many eiders") and stunning sandstone cliffs. The Sanikiluaq National Wildlife Area protects critical migratory bird habitat.
On the Boothia Peninsula, Taloyoak (formerly Spence Bay) is the northernmost mainland community in Canada. The annual Muskox Jamboree celebrates Inuit games, drum dancing, and traditional food. Nearby, the historic Netsilik River area offers archaeological riches.
Travel Note: No roads connect these communities. Access is by air (Calgary, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Iqaluit hubs) or seasonal sealift. Visitors should engage local guides and respect Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (traditional knowledge).