Resolute Bay Airport

Canada's High Arctic gateway to polar wilderness and Inuit heritage.

Resolute Bay, known as Qausuittuq in Inuktitut, is one of Canada's northernmost and most remote communities, sitting on Cornwallis Island in Nunavut at approximately 74°N latitude. With a permanent population of fewer than 200 people, it serves as a critical staging point for Arctic expeditions, scientific research missions, and adventurous travelers seeking the raw edge of the world.

The community was established in the early 1950s partly through a controversial relocation of Inuit families from northern Quebec, a history that shapes its identity today. Despite its isolation, Resolute Bay offers extraordinary encounters with Arctic landscapes, polar wildlife, and Indigenous culture that are simply unavailable anywhere farther south.

• •Cornwallis Island Tundra — vast open terrain ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting
• •Polar Bear Viewing — one of the best accessible regions for encountering polar bears
• •Beechey Island — historically significant site of Franklin Expedition graves, reachable by boat or snowmobile
• •Midnight Sun — experience continuous daylight from May through July
• •Northern Lights — spectacular aurora borealis displays in autumn and winter
• •Resolute Bay Research Station — fascinating hub of Arctic science and exploration logistics

Getting around: There is no road, rail, or bus system connecting Resolute Bay to the outside world; access is exclusively by air via Canadian North airlines from Ottawa or Yellowknife. Within the tiny community, residents and visitors travel on foot or by ATV in summer and snowmobile in winter. Taxis do not formally operate, but local outfitters and guesthouses typically assist guests with transport arrangements.

Best time: Late May through early July offers the most accessible conditions, combining relatively mild temperatures, continuous daylight, and good wildlife activity, while March and April are ideal for dog sledding and aurora viewing.

Local food: Visitors should seek out country food shared by Inuit community members, including raw or frozen Arctic char, caribou, and ringed seal prepared in traditional ways.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.