Tourism in Nunavut

Nunavut has a wide and lengthy river system, meaning that there are a large number of canoeing and kayaking opportunities to suit experienced travellers.

However, an exit survey conducted by the Department of Economic Development and Transportation between June and October 2008 revealed that 33,378 people visited Nunavut during that period, up from 28,802 in June–October 2006.

Nunavut features a number of outdoor adventure activity opportunities as a result of the territory's vast uninhabited area.

A number of private operators offer wildlife, bird, polar and whale watching tours, in addition to other activities.

[8] Between June and October 2008, 33,378 people visited Nunavut by air and sea, according to the territory's Department of Economic Development and Transportation.

The average age of people arriving in Nunavut was 46 during the period in 2008 that the Department of Economic Development and Transportation conducted its survey, and the majority of visitors were in the territory for business purposes.

[9] The most popular tourist destination among arrivals to Nunavut was Qikiqtaaluk (Baffin Island), home to the territory's capital, Iqaluit.

In addition, Nunavut's position north of the Arctic Circle reduces the opportunity for spring activities, and results in a highly seasonally based tourism market.

Many tourism organisations and operators faced difficulty attracting high-quality staff members to their ranks, and experienced high levels of turnover.

Finally, a lack of in-depth and relevant statistics about trends and growth in tourism in Nunavut has prevented businesses from planning for their short- and long-term futures.