Inuvik (NWT)

Since 1979, Inuvik has been at the top end of the Dempster Highway, the most northern highway in the world, thus connecting the Arctic with southern communities. Known as “Land of the Midnight Sun” and Gateway to the Beaufort-Delta, Inuvik is also the main headquarters for the oil and gas industry operating in the Beaufort Sea/Mackenzie Delta.

Inuvik was the first planned town north of the Arctic Circle, as during the mid 1950's the government of Canada felt there was a need for an administrative centre in the Western Arctic.  In 1958 the Canadian government made the historic decision to build a 671 km (417 mile) road through the Arctic wilderness from Dawson City to Inuvik in the Northwest Territories.  The Dempster Highway, Canada’s first all-weather road to cross the Arctic Circle, was officially opened on August 18th, 1979, making Inuvik accessible for all.

Inuvik, (Inuit for “place of man”) is the homeland of the Inuvialuit and Gwich'in People, and a wide variety of other aboriginal and non-aboriginal people and cultures. Their languages are spoken today, and are heard throughout the town along with English, the main language.

Located 2 degrees above the Arctic Circle on the scenic Mackenzie River and Delta, Canada’s largest fresh water delta, Inuvik is a place of rich diversity.  Famous for its Igloo Church and dazzling northern lights, Inuvik enjoys 56 days of twenty-four hour daylight (late June, July and part of August), and has 30 days without sunlight, mostly in the month of December. 

Today, Inuvik is the government centre and transportation hub for the Western Arctic, and is the largest Town north of the Arctic Circle.  It offers a wide range of services and experiences to make your visit enjoyable and memorable.  Take in the galleries of abundant native art and craftsmanship, and stay or eat a hearty meal at the MacKenzie Hotel.

Inuvik hosts tourists from all over the globe, and you’re sure to thoroughly enjoy this hospitable and cultural northern town.