Resolute Bay, Nunavut, known as Qausuittuq in Inuktitut, proudly holds the title of the second northernmost community in Canada, closely following Grise Fiord. Also known as Resolute, this lively hamlet shares its borders with frequent polar bear visitors, welcomed beyond the town limits but less enthusiastically received from within. If you are seeking to get a true Canadian Arctic experience, Resolute is for you, no matter what time of year you stay. Here are a few ideas that are favourites of those who visit.
This sanctuary, vital for both wildlife and the Inuit of Grise Fiord, offers a unique adventure. In the summer, locals boat to the island to collect eggs, while tourists cruise to witness the diverse wildlife. Located north of Bathurst Island, it hosts a substantial ivory seagull colony, with the ivory gull considered endangered.
The breeding period, from May to September, is a bird enthusiast's paradise. The ivory gull's white plumage, reminiscent of winter snow, adds to the island's barren beauty, where rocky rubble and strong winds prevail. Seymour Island, accessible by snowmobile in late spring and early fall, also provides an opportunity for sightseeing of Arctic foxes and polar bears.
Resolute is also the gateway to the well-known land of Devon Island, recognized as the largest uninhabited island in the world and home to NASA’s scientific program where they conduct astronaut training. This extraordinary landmass is the most well-preserved crater on earth, dating back approximately 31 million years ago. The terrain mirrors planet Mars, with its reddish-brown hues of rugged terrain.
Resolute played a pivotal role in Cold War history, serving as a crucial and strategic location. Situated on the south shore of Cornwallis Island, the bay functioned as a vital supply center for military bases in the High Arctic. Today, there is an abundance of Cold War history to reveal.
The establishment of the community was a military response to the growing threats from Russia, leading to the settlement of Inuit residents in the area. Presently, numerous plane wreckage sites from the Cold War era and remnants of its military history offer a glimpse into the community's past.
Qausuittuq, translated as the "place with no dawn," in Inuktitut, summarizes the spirit of Resolute's unique name. The few who are fortunate enough to witness Resolute in the summer among the 200 residents get to welcome the return of the sun. With winter making up the majority of the year, including extended periods of 24-hour darkness, the arrival of the sun becomes a joyous occasion for the community.
During this time, Inuit migrate to their summer camps to fish, hunt, and forage alongside family and friends. Inuit art is often inspired by the environment and their relationship to it. If you are looking to take a little piece of Resolute home with you after you take in the Midnight Sun, check out Tudjaat Co-op and Resolute Bay Sunset. Discover a collection of stone and ivory carvings, traditional clothing, and prints that are available for purchase.
Whether you're catching a flight to Resolute Bay or arriving at Resolute Airport, you'll recognize that the population of Resolute Bay Nunavut is a warm and welcoming community, eager to share its rich history and culture with visitors.
