Gjoa Haven and Northwest Passage Territorial Park

A great deal of expedition history awaits in the community of Gjoa Haven. Its Inuit name, Uqsuqtuuk, means ‘place of plenty of blubber’ – the aborigines hunted seals in this area. On this hike, you’ll learn about the history of the Hudson's Bay Company’s former trading post and enjoy unique views from the coast. It’s best to organise this hike with a local provider.

The Tour starts at the Nattilik Heritage Centre, home to an exhibition on the expeditions around the Northwest Passage. Among other things, you’ll see the ship's bell from the sunken HMS Erebus, belonging to explorer John Franklin. After this, you can either head straight to the Northwest Passage Information Centre in the hamlet of Gjoa Haven or hike out to Fram Point. On the way there, you’ll pass a large stone monument erected in honour of the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. With help from the Inuit, he was the first person to successfully cross the Northwest Passage.

From Fram Point, return to Gjoa Haven along the edge of the Northwest Passage Territorial Park. Once back at the hamlet, there’s also the option of exploring Betzold Point. Bring your binoculars and keep your eyes out for polar bears and seals.