Inuvik is one of the northernmost towns in Canada, sitting just above the Arctic Circle in the Mackenzie Delta. For many travelers, simply getting here is an adventure in itself. You might drive the length of the Dempster Highway from Dawson City, take a flight from Yellowknife, or arrive by boat when river conditions allow. However you come, reaching Inuvik feels like stepping into another world.
It is more than just the gateway to the Arctic Ocean. Inuvik has its own unique character shaped by Indigenous traditions, northern survival, and a tight-knit community that thrives in extreme conditions. From cultural encounters to outdoor adventures, the town offers travelers a fascinating mix of history, nature, and modern life at the edge of the Arctic.
Visit the Igloo Church
The most recognizable landmark in Inuvik is the Our Lady of Victory Church, known everywhere as the Igloo Church. Built in the 1960s by Brother Maurice Larocque, this domed structure was designed to withstand the permafrost and heavy snow. From the outside, it looks like a giant igloo with a cross perched on top.
Inside, murals painted by Inuvialuit artist Mona Thrasher cover the walls with bright, colorful scenes. They mix local northern landscapes with traditional Catholic imagery, making the interior feel both familiar and distinctly northern. Tours are available in summer, and they explain how the building was engineered in such challenging conditions. Even if you only have a short time in town, this is a must-see.
Experience the Midnight Sun and Northern Lights
Inuvik sits far enough north that daylight is extreme. From late May until late July, the sun never sets. You can walk outside at 2 am and still see the town lit up in full daylight. This “midnight sun” changes the rhythm of life, with people gardening, barbecuing, or walking around at odd hours simply because they can.
In winter, the opposite happens. Darkness dominates, but the reward is the chance to see the aurora borealis. On clear nights from November to March, the northern lights ripple across the sky, turning shades of green, purple, and red. It is one of the main reasons visitors come in winter, and it is worth braving the cold for.
Walk the Boardwalks
Because Inuvik is built on permafrost, much of the town rests on pilings to prevent buildings from sinking. To make life easier, raised wooden boardwalks connect parts of town. Walking these paths gives you a feel for how people adapt to the environment. You see colorful houses, murals painted by local artists, and kids riding bikes or walking to school. It is also a good way to meet residents, since the town is small and friendly.
Stop at the Western Arctic Visitor Centre
This should be your first stop if you want to get oriented. The Western Arctic Visitor Centre has exhibits about the history of the region, the wildlife of the Mackenzie Delta, and the cultures of the Inuvialuit and Gwich’in peoples. It is also where you can get your Arctic Circle certificate if you arrived by road. Staff are helpful and can give advice on local tours, road conditions, and things happening in town.
Drive to Tuktoyaktuk
One of the biggest changes in Inuvik’s recent history came in 2017, when the Inuvik–Tuktoyaktuk Highway opened. Before that, you could only reach Tuktoyaktuk by ice road in winter or by plane. Now you can drive 138 kilometers across the tundra to reach the Arctic Ocean.
The drive itself is an adventure, passing by pingos—mound-like hills with ice cores that are unique to this part of the Arctic. In Tuktoyaktuk, or Tuk as locals call it, you can dip your feet in the Arctic Ocean, visit community centers, and learn about Inuvialuit culture. Local guides offer tours that explain the significance of the land and traditions that continue today.
Explore Local Arts and Crafts
Inuvik is a hub for northern art. Beadwork, carvings, and clothing made from traditional materials are available in co-ops and galleries. Buying directly from artists not only gives you an authentic souvenir but also supports the community. The Great Northern Arts Festival, held every July, is the best time to see this creativity in action, but shops carry works year-round.
Outdoor Adventures
The Mackenzie Delta and surrounding landscapes are a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. In summer, canoeing and kayaking are popular, with endless waterways to explore. Guided trips range from a few hours to multi-day expeditions deep into the delta. Fishing is excellent too, with Arctic grayling, northern pike, and lake trout in local rivers and lakes.
In winter, snowmobiling is the main outdoor activity. Guided tours take you across frozen rivers and tundra, sometimes paired with northern lights viewing. Dog sledding is another way to experience the landscape, giving you a taste of traditional transportation.
The Inuvik Greenhouse
One of the most unusual attractions is the Inuvik Community Greenhouse, the northernmost in North America. Built inside a former hockey arena, the greenhouse uses the 24-hour summer daylight to grow an impressive amount of produce. Locals rent plots, and the greenhouse helps provide fresh vegetables in a region where food is often expensive and shipped from far away. Visitors can tour the facility to see how gardening adapts to Arctic conditions.
Festivals and Events
Inuvik has several community festivals worth planning around.
- Great Northern Arts Festival (July): Ten days of exhibitions, workshops, and performances by artists from across the North.
- Midnight Sun Fun Run (June): A marathon and shorter races held in the middle of the night under daylight skies.
- Muskrat Jamboree (April): A spring festival featuring dog sled races, snowmobile competitions, dancing, and traditional foods like muskrat and bannock.
These events bring the community together and give visitors a chance to experience northern culture firsthand.
Practical Information
- When to visit: Summer (June–August) is easiest for travel, with the midnight sun and warmer weather. Winter (November–March) is for northern lights and festivals, but be ready for extreme cold.
- Getting there: Inuvik is connected by road via the Dempster Highway, by air with regular flights from Yellowknife, and by river in summer.
- Where to stay: Options include hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rentals. Book early if visiting during festivals.
- What to pack: In summer, bring insect repellent and layers for cool evenings. In winter, pack extreme cold-weather gear, including insulated boots, mitts, and parkas.
Why Inuvik Is Worth Visiting
Inuvik is not just a place you pass through on the way to the Arctic Ocean. It is a community where modern life and tradition blend in surprising ways. You see it in the Igloo Church, in the beadwork sold at local markets, in the boardwalks built to adapt to permafrost, and in the laughter at festivals that brighten long winters.
For travelers, the town offers both comfort and adventure. You can enjoy good food, stay in a warm bed, and still step outside to see northern lights or paddle in the Mackenzie Delta. Reaching Inuvik is an accomplishment, but the experiences here make the journey worthwhile.
Final Thoughts
Inuvik may be remote, but it has a richness that rewards travelers who make the effort. From the Igloo Church to the greenhouse, from summer’s midnight sun to winter’s aurora, the town shows what life above the Arctic Circle is really like. Add in the chance to drive to Tuktoyaktuk and dip your toes in the Arctic Ocean, and you have the makings of a trip that feels truly epic.
If you are traveling the Dempster Highway or exploring the Canadian North, Inuvik deserves more than just a quick stop. Stay a few days, meet the people, and experience the balance of culture, history, and wilderness that defines this remarkable town.
