Cruise Ship Passenger Port of Call Guide to Cambridge Bay, Victoria Island, Canada

Welcome to Cambridge Bay

Welcome to Cambridge Bay, or Iqaluktuuttiaq, which means “one with plenty of fish” in Inuit.

You’ll find this bustling Arctic community of 1,697 people on Victoria Island’s southeast coast.

You can experience rich Inuit culture here, where traditional ways of life merge with modern Arctic living. The community serves as the main hub for Canada’s Kitikmeot Region and stands as the largest stopping point for ships travelling the Northwest Passage.

European explorers first reached these shores in 1839, when Thomas Simpson’s team arrived.

You’ll feel the true polar climate as you explore the area, spotting Arctic char in the waters and perhaps catching glimpses of caribou in the surrounding tundra.

Your visit lets you step between two worlds: the ancient customs of the Inuit people and the dynamic present-day Arctic settlement.

The waters around you teem with fish, just as the traditional name suggests, making it clear why people have called this place home for generations.

Getting Around Our Arctic Community

Getting around Cambridge Bay is straightforward when you know your options. You’ll find no buses or trains – the community uses ATVs, trucks and snowmobiles instead.

You can walk anywhere in town within 15 minutes during summer. Winter travel needs more planning because of snow and extreme cold.

Two taxi services operate locally:

• Go Cargo Taxi: 983-2001
• Ziggy’s Taxi: 983-5775

For trips outside town, such as to Ovayuk Territorial Park (15 km away), you can rent vehicles from:

• Kalvik Enterprises
• AWR

The roads switch between gravel in summer and snow in winter.

Keep these emergency numbers with you:

• Police: 867-983-1111
• Fire/Ambulance: 867-983-2222

Remember to dress for the weather conditions, particularly in winter months.

Cultural Heritage and Local Art

The Kuugalak Cultural Centre lets you dive into Cambridge Bay’s Inuit heritage. You can view local artifacts, traditional artworks and hear authentic Inuinnaqtun language recordings throughout the centre.

The 120-foot gallery shows you local artists at work, carving pieces using time-honoured techniques. You can chat with these craftspeople to understand the meaning behind their art.

At the centre’s marketplace, you can buy genuine Inuit carvings and artwork straight from the makers, helping keep these vital traditions alive.

Inuit Carving Marketplace

The Inuit Carving Marketplace in Cambridge Bay lets you explore traditional Arctic sculptures up close. The local master carvers create pieces from soapstone, serpentine, ivory, and bone.

You’ll meet talented artists like Aapa Geetah, Abraham Manning, and Alariaq Shaa who showcase their work daily.

You can watch the carvers shape intricate figures of Arctic animals, mythical beings, and cultural symbols. The marketplace offers you direct access to authentic pieces, from detailed polar bear sculptures to traditional inukshuks and Sedna figurines.

Each carving represents a story from Inuit culture, carefully crafted with traditional techniques.

The artists welcome you to observe their carving process and learn about their methods. You can buy pieces directly from the creators, knowing each sculpture carries genuine cultural significance.

The marketplace connects you to Cambridge Bay’s living Inuit heritage through these handcrafted works of art.

Traditional Art Demonstrations

At Red Fish Arts Studio, you’ll see local artists demonstrate traditional artworks in real-time.

Watch them work with marble, soapstone, serpentine, ivory and antler. You can also observe metalwork using bronze, brass and sterling silver. Expert artists, including the famous Inuk Charlie, regularly lead these demonstrations.

You can join practical workshops to master traditional methods and experiment with new materials.

These sessions often align with local festivals like the Omingmak Frolics. You’ll work alongside experienced artists, community elders and young learners in a welcoming space.

This creates an active learning environment where traditional artistic skills pass naturally between generations.

Cultural Heritage Centers

You can explore the new Kuugalak Cultural Centre from early 2024 in Cambridge Bay. This £1.3 million building uses eco-friendly materials to help preserve Inuit heritage.

The Pitquhirnikkut Ilihautiniq/Kitikmeot Heritage Society runs the centre, offering you:

• Direct learning from local elders
• Traditional food tastings and cultural meals
• Hands-on Inuit art workshops
• Inuinnaqtun language sessions

You’ll find the building works as both a community space and a test site for Arctic-proof sustainable construction. The centre focuses on keeping the Inuinnaqtun language and customs alive through daily activities.

You can learn about:

• Soapstone carving
• Ivory crafting
• Local storytelling
• Traditional ceremonies

The centre brings together modern design and ancient traditions to give you a genuine cultural experience in the Arctic region.

Must-See Historical Landmarks

You can explore three key historic landmarks in Cambridge Bay:

1. The HMS Maud wreckage
   • Shows the story of early Arctic exploration
   • Remains visible in the harbour waters
   • Marks a significant piece of maritime history
2. The RCMP heritage building
   • Stands as the first government building in the area
   • Represents the start of official settlement
   • Maintains its original structure
3. The Franklin Expedition monuments
   • Mark one of the Arctic’s most significant historical events
   • Tell the story of the famous 19th-century expedition
   • Provide a memorial to the lost explorers

You can walk between these sites to understand the area’s development from the 1800s to the early 1900s.

Each landmark connects you directly to Cambridge Bay’s maritime past and settlement history.

HMS Maud Historic Site

Visit the historic site where HMS Maud, a famous Arctic exploration vessel, rested for over 85 years in Cambridge Bay. You can explore the location where this 119-foot oak-hulled ship, built in 1916 for Roald Amundsen’s expedition, met its fate in 1930.

You’ll find yourself at the exact spot where:

• The ship spent years trapped in Arctic ice
• Brave explorers faced extreme polar conditions
• The vessel finally sank beneath the icy waters
• A recent salvage team recovered the hull for its return to Norway

The site connects you directly to Cambridge Bay’s polar exploration heritage. You can walk the same ground where Amundsen’s crew once stood while pursuing their North Pole dream.

Though the ship now rests in Norway, you’ll experience an authentic piece of Arctic history at this original location.

This updated version maintains essential facts while using simpler sentence structures and more approachable language, making the historical information more accessible and engaging for visitors.

RCMP Heritage Building

The RCMP Heritage Building stands in Cambridge Bay’s Itqaumavik Park, marking the former location of local law enforcement.

You’ll find this historic federal building alongside metal sculptures created by young community members using recycled materials.

The park showcases several key historical elements.

You can explore restored Hudson’s Bay Company structures, view a propeller from a DEW line aircraft crash, and see a painted wooden boat donated by a local family.

Situated behind the municipal office near the waterfront, Itqaumavik Park offers you a glimpse into Cambridge Bay’s past.

Cruise ship visitors often stop here to learn about the community’s law enforcement and cultural heritage.

Franklin Expedition Monuments

Franklin Expedition monuments exist across the Arctic region, not in Cambridge Bay itself.

You can explore these historic sites at key locations:

Beechey Island

• Three expedition crew members rest in graves here
• The crew spent their last comfortable winter at this site

Shipwreck Locations

• You’ll find HMS Erebus in Victoria Strait (discovered 2014)
• You can see HMS Terror in Terror Bay (discovered 2016)
• Inuit knowledge helped locate both ships

Site Protection

• Local Inuit communities protect these locations
• The Guardian programme oversees wreck site preservation
• You need special permits to visit these historic areas

These locations help you understand Arctic exploration history and show how new discoveries continue to emerge in Canada’s North.

Each site offers you a direct connection to this remarkable expedition.

Shopping and Local Experiences

Looking for authentic Arctic experiences in Cambridge Bay? You can find local treasures and cultural activities throughout this vibrant community.

You can buy fresh and frozen Arctic char and muskox at Kitikmeot Foods Ltd. The Ikaluktutiak Co-op and Northern Store stock all your daily essentials and groceries.

You’ll discover unique souvenirs at Red Fish Arts Studio, known for its scrap metal creations. Several shops showcase Inuit art pieces made from marble, soapstone and ivory.

The May Hakongak Community Library and Cultural Centre offers fascinating displays about local history.

The Omingmak Frolics in May lets you watch seal hunting contests, ice carving displays and dog sledding races.

You can enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year:

• Hiking local trails
• Fishing in nearby waters
• Watching wildlife in their natural habitat

You’ll often spot caribou, muskoxen and seals during your outdoor adventures.

Weather and Safety Tips

Essential Weather and Safety Information for Cambridge Bay

You’ll experience two distinct seasons in Cambridge Bay:

Summer (May-July):

• Temperatures reach 25°C
• 24-hour daylight
• Clear visibility for outdoor activities

Winter:

• Temperatures drop to -35°C
• Wind chill can make it feel like -60°C
• No daylight in December
• Northern Lights are visible

What you need to know:

• Pack weather-appropriate gear for extreme temperatures
• Check weather forecasts daily
• Carry emergency supplies when exploring
• Stay on marked paths near coastal areas
• Follow local safety advice

Natural features you’ll see:

• Arctic tundra
• Lakes and coastal cliffs
• Wildlife: caribou, muskoxen, seals

Safety basics:

• Tell someone your travel plans
• Keep emergency contacts handy
• Learn basic cold weather survival skills
• Stay within mobile phone coverage areas
• Keep a fully charged phone

Remember: Weather conditions can change rapidly, so you should always prepare for sudden shifts in temperature and visibility.

Environmental Stewardship During Your Visit

You’ll find Cambridge Bay’s community taking clear steps towards protecting their environment. Their work includes using renewable energy and managing local resources wisely.

To help their efforts, follow these simple actions:

• Stay on marked paths and designated areas
• Join eco-friendly guided tours
• Use local recycling facilities
• Follow “leave no trace” practices

The area faces real challenges from climate change. The ground is thawing, and water sources need protection.

Your choices matter here because the local culture depends heavily on keeping nature healthy.

You can make a positive difference by treating the environment with care during your visit. This helps preserve both the natural surroundings and the community’s traditional way of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Can I See the Northern Lights During My Visit?

You can watch the Northern Lights from Cambridge Bay’s beaches between December and April. The best viewing times start from 10 PM each night. For the clearest views, head to areas away from street lights and buildings. The darker your surroundings, the better you’ll see the lights dance across the sky.

Are There Any Restaurants Serving Traditional Inuit Cuisine?

Traditional Inuit cuisine is available at select locations in the area. You can find authentic dishes like caribou roast, Arctic char and ptarmigan stew in local restaurants. Your cruise ship might organise special Inuit food tastings, giving you a chance to sample these unique dishes. Several eateries blend traditional ingredients with modern cooking styles, making the food more accessible to visitors.

What Wildlife Species Might We Encounter During Our Shore Excursion?

You’ll spot abundant wildlife during your shore visit. Common birds include Thayer’s Gulls and Pacific Loons, which frequent the town’s waters. Local mammals you might encounter are caribou grazing on the tundra, Arctic foxes hunting near settlements, and seals bobbing in the harbour. Keep your eyes open for polar bears that sometimes patrol the coastline, though viewings are rare.

Can Visitors Participate in Local Fishing Activities at Ferguson Lake?

You can’t currently fish at Ferguson Lake due to limited access and unclear regulations. For a better fishing experience, try the nearby Ekaluk River, where you’ll find guided Arctic Char fishing tours. The river’s established routes and professional guides make it a more reliable choice for visitors.

What Cellular Phone and Internet Service Options Are Available?

Mobile and internet services in Cambridge Bay:

You can access:

• Bell Mobility’s LTE mobile service with 12-40 Mbps speeds
• Northwestel’s high-speed internet with 100GB data packages

Simple and direct, keeping you connected with reliable coverage in the area.