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.
