The community of Cambridge Bay is located on the southeast coast of Victoria Island at the western end of Queen Maud Gulf where it narrows into Dease Strait.

In Inuinnaqtun it is called ‘Iqaluktuuttiaq’ because it is a ‘good fishing place.’

Cambridge Bay is the centre of government for Kitikmeot, the administrative, economic, and transportation hub for this region of Nunavut. It is the largest stop for passenger and research vessels traversing the Northwest Passage. The hamlet is located close to the Ekalluk River, which is famous for giant char. The Ekalluktogmiut people come from there. Arctic Char is a cornerstone of Cambridge Bay’s fishing industry. The commercial fishery, managed by Kitikmeot Foods Ltd.—a subsidiary of the Nunavut Development Corporation. This fishery is recognized for its sustainability and employs local Inuit fishers and processors. The fish is marketed under the “Truly Wild Arctic Char™” brand, reaching both domestic and international markets. Pêches et Océans Canada

The short section of the river that flows from Ferguson Lake to Wellington Bay is called ‘Iqaluktuuq’ in Inuinnaqtun, meaning ‘place of big fish.’

Its people are the Iqaluktuurmiut. This ancestral region of Nunavut has been inhabited for 4,000 years. It is rich in archaeological history and blessed with abundant fish, seals, geese, muskoxen and caribou.

Qillaq Innovations, a 100% Inuit-owned construction and trades company based in Cambridge Bay, is spearheading the Bay Home Expansion Project. This initiative aims to pilot the construction of four small homes with shared utilities, promoting efficient and cost-effective homeownership. The project is supported by a $600,000 investment from the Government of Canada. Canada.ca

The Canadian High Arctic Research Station provides employment opportunities in scientific research and technology programs. It also supports infrastructure development and offers training for local residents. Furthermore, Cambridge Bay is well-connected through the Cambridge Bay Airport, offering daily air services to Yellowknife and other Kitikmeot Region communities. Additionally, the Cambridge Bay Water Aerodrome facilitates seasonal floatplane operations, enhancing transportation options for residents and businesses.

Cambridge Bay is home to a healthy variety of businesses, including the Northern Store, Ikaluktutiak Co-operative, and local construction companies like Kalvik Enterprises and Nanook Woodworking. These enterprises provide essential goods and services, contributing to the local economy. Search our directory for a more complete list of chamber members.

The storied community of Gjoa Haven is located on the southeast coast of King William Island at the heart of the Northwest Passage.

The area’s economy is a mix of public services, local retail, hospitality, traditional cultural activities, and growing seasonal tourism. History- and nature-based tourism is a key growth area. Gjoa Haven is a gateway for visitors interested in Arctic history (Franklin expedition sites nearby) and Inuit culture — the Nattilik Heritage Centre, the Umiyaqtutt festival, guided wildlife/boat trips, and cultural craft sales (carvings, art) draw seasonal visitors and expedition operators.

Subsistence hunting, fishing and harvesting remain central to the local economy and food security; these activities also support small local businesses (outfitters, guide services, ATV/boat rentals, artisans). Local craft sales — especially carvings and prints — reach southern and international markets via collectors and dealers. northwest.ca+1

Considered part of the Kitikmeot region, Gjoa Haven has ongoing mineral exploration activity. Exploration and eventual mine development attract outside (often southern Canadian and occasionally foreign) capital and contractors, creating potential for jobs, training and infrastructure investment. The region benefits from investment in programs that fund community energy and infrastructure projects (e.g., clean-energy upgrades, power-plant planning), bringing external government investment into local utilities and construction. gov.nu.ca+

The English name for this place honours the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen who wintered here with his ship the Gjøa. He called this place ‘the finest little harbour in the world.’ In 1906 he was the first European explorer to transit the Northwest Passage.

The John Ross expedition of 1829-1833 had previously visited this region and the ill-fated John Franklin expedition of 1845 perished nearby, so Gjoa Haven is often visited by arctic history buffs.

Kugaaruk is located on the southeastern shore of Pelly Bay off the Gulf of Boothia on the western side of the Simpson Peninsula.

This place is also sometimes called ‘Arviligjuaq’ in Inuktitut, which means ‘place of many bowhead whales’ because it is situated near bowhead habitat.

Kugaaruk is a small, predominantly Inuit hamlet in the Kitikmeot region where the local economy blends traditional activities with public-sector employment, small local businesses and growing seasonal tourism and resource-exploration activity.

Hunting, fishing (notably Arctic char in nearby lakes/rivers), sealing and caribou harvesting remain central — both culturally and economically — supplying food, materials and informal income. These activities underpin household food security and local small-scale trade. Government of Nunavut+1

Outdoor tourism (sport fishing, wildlife viewing, sea-kayaking, dog-sledding, snowmobiling) and small local outfitters/guide services bring seasonal visitors interested in Arctic experiences; tourism is small-scale but an important diversification opportunity. Travel Nunavut+1

Federal and territorial government programs offer year round employment in administration, health, education, and community services while a number of retail outlets, co-operatives and service businesses support daily life (groceries, fuel, construction trades, aircraft/boat servicing, local arts/crafts). Building Nunavut Toolkit+1

The territory’s mineral potential drives exploration activity across Nunavut, bringing in exploration projects and related outside investment, supporting regional economic activity. Government of Nunavut+1

Adventure cruise operators, fly-in outfitters including niche northern-tour operators based outside the community bring higher-spend visitors to the region. While this creates revenue opportunities, local leadership is mindful of maintaining a high standard of awareness and respect for the environment and community culture. The Guardian+1

Formerly known as Pelly Bay, the community changed its name to Kugaaruk in 1999. Home to some famous Inuit artists, it’s a great destination for sea kayaking and whale watching adventures.

Kugluktuk is the westernmost community in Nunavut. It is located north of the Arctic Circle on the Canadian mainland at the mouth of the Coppermine River where it feeds into Coronation Gulf, which is part of the Northwest Passage. It has a unique microclimate that extends a narrow band of stunted boreal forest trees northwards toward the Arctic Ocean. ‘Kugluktuk’ means ‘place of moving water’ and the root word ‘kugluk’ means ‘waterfall.’ Upriver from this hospitable hamlet is the beautiful Kugluk cascade, also known as Bloody Falls, an ancient fishing and hunting location that is now a territorial park of historic cultural importance.

Kugluktuk’s economy remains strongly grounded in the Inuit traditional economy: local harvesting of fish, seals and caribou (for food, clothing and small-scale trade) is central to community life and livelihoods. Kugluktuk supports small retail, service businesses and Indigenous-owned enterprises (tourism outfitters, guiding, arts/crafts, equipment services). Regional project activity (mining, exploration, and tourism) creates demand for local contractors, training, and joint-venture opportunities, though benefits depend on capacity, procurement practices and long-term agreements. kugluktuk.ca

While the region benefits from public sector employment, the community is a focal point for seasonal sealift, air freight and marine access as a hub for supply-chain logistic operations.

Outdoor tourism (guided fishing, hunting, river trips on the Coppermine River, bird and wildlife viewing, and even an 18-hole coastal golf course) is an active and growing niche. Local outfitters and seasonal tourism operators bring visitors for sporting and cultural experiences. Travel Nunavut+1

As part of the Kitikmeot region, Kugluktuk is a focus for mineral exploration and larger projects (e.g., regional gold projects and associated socio-economic agreements). Exploration and mine development activity brings outside contractors, capital, and employment/contracting opportunities to the community, subject to negotiated Inuit benefits and local business development plans. Government of Nunavut+1

Taloyoak is located on the southwestern coast of Boothia Peninsula at the Northwest Passage. It is the northernmost community on Canada’s mainland. Taloyoak has a mixed economy that blends traditional Inuit practices with modern economic activities.

The hamlet name of ‘Taloyoak’ means ‘large caribou hunting blind’ in Inuktitut. These screens were built with piled stones along the caribou migration routes. Muskoxen are also found near here and the fishing is some of the best in Nunavut.

Taloyoak’s economy is characterized by a harmonious blend of traditional Inuit practices and modern initiatives aimed at sustainable development. The community’s focus on conservation, supported by both local efforts and external investments, positions it as a model for integrating cultural heritage with economic growth.

Hunting, fishing, and trapping remain central to daily life in Taloyoak. Locals actively engage in harvesting seals, walrus, caribou, muskox, and various bird species. These practices provide for a primary food source but also materials for clothing and crafts. Traditional knowledge and skills are passed down through generations, maintaining a strong cultural connection to the land. Destination Nunavut+1.

Taloyoak is recognized for its excellent hunting and fishing opportunities, attracting visitors interested in traditional Inuit practices and Arctic wildlife. The community offers a unique experience for those seeking to learn traditional hunting methods and enjoy the pristine Arctic environment. Destination Nunavut.

In addition to subsistence activities, local businesses include carving and handicrafts, which are sold through community outlets and co-operatives. The Paleajook Co-op, part of Arctic Co-operatives Limited, plays a significant role in supporting these local enterprises.

The community is exploring the development of a conservation economy, focusing on sustainable use of natural resources. This approach aims to improve access to nutritious country food, create culturally appropriate employment opportunities, and leverage traditional skills and knowledge. A key initiative is the proposal to establish an Inuit-led protected and conserved area on the Aviqtuuq Peninsula, which would support long-term community development and ecological stewardship. Smart Prosperity Institute.

Artistically unique Taloyoak carvings made from stone, whalebone, caribou antler and walrus ivory frequently depict mystical subjects of ancient Inuit legend