Whether you bask in Baker Lake’s fleeting summer or embrace the crispness of its winter, Qamani'tuaq (Baker Lake in Inuktitut) welcomes you with open arms to a community brimming with endless possibilities. Nestled at the mouth of the Thelon River, Baker Lake’s serene shores, though calm, are full of life. Home to over 2,500 residents and a range of wildlife including Arctic hare, caribou, muskoxen, Arctic wolves, and Arctic foxes, this is a place where nature and community harmoniously coexist.

Enjoy a heartfelt welcome from residents of all ages, but perhaps most notably, kids in homemade parkas proudly displaying their favourite hockey team’s logo. Baker Lake is a hockey town, and like most of Nunavut’s communities, there is no better way to feel the energy of the place than by attending a local hockey game.

Wander Baker on foot; a delightful experience regardless of the season! Several local landmarks are worth noting, including an abandoned igloo church—a unique fragment of Baker Lake's innovative and historical past. This church, formerly known as the Christian Fellowship Hall, was recognized as the very first “Inuit church,” created by Armand Tagoona.

Though Baker Lake may be small, it has left its mark in the Inuit art world, being home to the famous Jessie Oonark Center. Oonark’s works are iconic in the Canadian art scene, often focusing on Inuit women and domestic activities. Immerse yourself in the gallery and workspace, where local carvers, printmakers, and jewelry makers make their dreams come to fruition.

If you are more of an outdoors person, try your hand at fishing along the Thelon Heritage River! Trophy Lake Trout are found here among other common species of fish. Baker Lake is the main access point to the river, and it is common to see canoeists, fishers, and locals enjoying the environment and its wildlife. If you travel here in May, join in on the fishing derby celebrations—a beautiful blend of culture, sport, and harvest!

For an adventurous twist, consider Baker Lake kayaking. Take a private expedition paddling the Kazan Heritage River, with charters from Baker Lake. The Kazan is still vitally important to the Caribou Inuit, and many people from Baker Lake still travel to the river in the spring and summer to spend time on the land to hunt and fish as their ancestors did.

It is a special experience to meet families that are out on the land, and paddlers often mention how enjoyable the exchanges are. After your final paddle to Baker Lake, relish a stay at Inuujaarvik Territorial Park, offering amenities like tent pads, a cookhouse, outhouses, a fire pit, picnic tables, and a barbecue.

No matter what you decide to do in Baker, you will want to recharge from your unique experience in comfort. Rest at one of Baker Lake’s hotels where most are 100% Inuit-owned. You can be sure you are investing back into the local economy and supporting Inuit families. There is everything you need to decompress, including comfortable beds, and friendly service.
Whether you stay for a short or long time, Baker Lake beckons to travellers. Whether you are a serious paddler or a thoughtful soul looking for a cultural experience, Baker Lake campgrounds offer a chance to connect with nature while enjoying the comforts of home.