Gjoa Haven Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Gjoa Haven with this comprehensive travel guide, featuring top attractions, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Gjoa Haven

Gjoa Haven is a small hamlet located in Nunavut, Northern Canada. The community is named after the ship, Gjoa, which belonged to Roald Amundsen, the famous explorer who was the first person to navigate the Northwest Passage. Gjoa Haven is a unique destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the Inuit culture and explore the stunning natural scenery of Northern Canada.

List of Places to Visit in Gjoa Haven

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Gjoa Haven Heritage Park: This park is dedicated to the history and culture of the Inuit people. It features a museum that showcases artifacts and exhibits about the traditional way of life in the region.

  • Amundsen’s Cairn: This site is dedicated to Roald Amundsen and his crew who spent two winters in the region during their journey to navigate the Northwest Passage. The cairn is located on a hill overlooking the community and is accessible by hiking trail.

  • John Ross’s House: This house was built by John Ross, a British explorer who spent two winters in the region in the 1830s. The house is now a museum that showcases the history of the region.

Natural Attractions of Gjoa Haven: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • King William Island: This island is located just south of Gjoa Haven and is accessible by boat or hiking trail. The island is home to a number of historic sites and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

  • Hood River: This river is located near Gjoa Haven and is popular for fishing and boating. The river is also home to a variety of wildlife, including muskoxen and caribou.

  • Red Mountain: This mountain is located just outside of Gjoa Haven and offers visitors a chance to hike and explore the unique flora and fauna of the region.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gjoa Haven

  • Amundsen’s Trail: This trail follows the route that Roald Amundsen took when he visited Gjoa Haven in the early 1900s. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is accessible by hiking or biking.

  • King William Island Hike: This multi-day hike takes visitors across King William Island, offering a chance to explore the stunning natural scenery and historic sites of the region.

Best Things to Do in Gjoa Haven: Activities and Tours

  • Cultural Tours: Visitors can take a tour of the local Inuit community to learn about their culture and way of life.

  • Fishing Tours: Gjoa Haven is a popular destination for fishing, and visitors can take a guided tour to catch fish such as Arctic char and lake trout.

  • Boat Tours: Visitors can take a boat tour of the surrounding waterways to explore the islands and coastal areas of the region.

Week-Long Itinerary for Gjoa Haven

Day Activity
1 Arrive in Gjoa Haven and explore the community
2 Visit Gjoa Haven Heritage Park and the Amundsen Cairn
3 Hike Amundsen’s Trail
4 Take a fishing tour or boat tour
5 Visit John Ross’s House and Red Mountain
6 Hike King William Island
7 Depart Gjoa Haven

Food and Drink Scene of Gjoa Haven

Must-Try Dishes

  • Arctic Char: This fish is a staple of the Inuit diet and is often served grilled, smoked, or baked.

  • Caribou Stew: This hearty stew is made with caribou meat, mixed vegetables, and potatoes.

Local Beverages

  • Arctic Berry Tea: This tea is made from the berries that grow in the region and is known for its sweet and tangy flavor.

  • Labrador Tea: This tea is made from the leaves of the Labrador tea plant and is known for its medicinal properties.

Where to Stay in Gjoa Haven: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Gjoa Haven Hotel: This hotel offers comfortable, newly renovated rooms and is located in the heart of Gjoa Haven.

  • Arctic Adventures Lodge: This lodge offers a unique experience, with traditional Inuit-style accommodations and access to a variety of outdoor activities.

What to Buy in Gjoa Haven: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Inuit Art: Gjoa Haven is known for its beautiful Inuit art, such as carvings, prints, and sculptures.

  • Local Crafts: Visitors can also find a variety of handmade crafts, such as beaded jewelry and woven textiles.

Local Culture and Customs of Gjoa Haven

The Inuit culture is an integral part of life in Gjoa Haven. Visitors should be aware of the following customs:

  • Respect for Elders: Elders are highly respected in the Inuit culture, and visitors should always show them deference and respect.

  • Sharing: Sharing food and resources is an important part of the Inuit culture, and visitors should be prepared to participate in this tradition.

Best Time to Visit Gjoa Haven

The best time to visit Gjoa Haven is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is mild and the outdoor activities are in full swing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gjoa Haven

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.

  • Dress appropriately for the weather.

  • Carry bear spray when hiking or exploring the surrounding wilderness.

Don’t:

  • Disturb the local wildlife.

  • Take pictures of people without their permission.

  • Engage in reckless or dangerous behavior.

Safety and Health

Safety in Gjoa Haven

Gjoa Haven is a safe destination for tourists, but visitors should be aware of the following:

  • Always carry bear spray when hiking or exploring the surrounding wilderness.

  • Avoid wandering alone in remote areas.

Health in Gjoa Haven

There are no known health risks in Gjoa Haven, but visitors should be aware of the following:

  • Be prepared for cold temperatures and unpredictable weather.

  • Carry any necessary medication with you.

Getting to Gjoa Haven: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Gjoa Haven

  • Gjoa Haven Airport: This airport offers daily flights to and from Yellowknife.

Bus Stations Near Gjoa Haven

There are no bus stations near Gjoa Haven.

Other Options

  • Boat Tours: Visitors can take a boat tour of the surrounding waterways to access Gjoa Haven.

How to Get Around in Gjoa Haven

Visitors can get around Gjoa Haven on foot or by renting a bike from a local rental shop.

Where to Go Next from Gjoa Haven: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Cambridge Bay: This town is located just north of Gjoa Haven and offers visitors a chance to explore the history of the region and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing.

  • Kugaaruk: This Inuit community is located on the Arctic Ocean and offers visitors a chance to experience the unique culture and natural beauty of the region.

Conclusion

Gjoa Haven is a unique and fascinating destination that offers visitors a chance to explore the history, culture, and natural beauty of Northern Canada. With its stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and welcoming community, Gjoa Haven is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in discovering the best of Canada’s North.

Gjoa Haven from above Gjoa Haven from above Ship's bell recovered from the wreck of HMS ''Erebus'', Nattilik Heritage Centre, September 2019 Ship's bell recovered from the wreck of HMS ''Erebus'', Nattilik Heritage Centre, September 2019 Non-directional beacon at Gjoa Haven Airport Non-directional beacon at Gjoa Haven Airport All-terrain vehicle All-terrain vehicle Nattilik Heritage Centre, September 2019 Nattilik Heritage Centre, September 2019