About the Port
Set on the southern coast of Victoria Island in Nunavut, Cambridge Bay is one of the Canadian Arctic's most significant hamlets, long valued by Inuit for its rich hunting and fishing grounds and later used as a waypoint for explorers and traders navigating the Northwest Passage. Today it serves as a regional hub for the Kitikmeot region, blending traditional Inuit culture with modern Arctic research and community life.
Visitors arriving by small vessel find a close-knit community eager to share its heritage through local guides, artisans, and cultural centers highlighting Inuit history and craftsmanship. The surrounding tundra offers chances to spot Arctic wildlife, while the settlement itself provides insight into life above the treeline. Landing typically occurs by tender, with the community and its facilities within easy walking distance of the shore, making this a rewarding stop for those seeking an authentic encounter with the far north.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Cambridge Bay.
Explore the Heritage Centre
The May Hakongak Community Library and Cultural Centre displays traditional tools, clothing, and oral histories that trace Inuit life on Victoria Island across generations. It sits a short walk from the tender landing, making it an easy first stop.
Tour the Arctic Research Station
The Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) anchors Cambridge Bay's role as a modern scientific hub, with facilities open to visitors curious about climate and wildlife studies conducted above the treeline.
Spot the Wreck of the Maud
Roald Amundsen's polar exploration ship rests in the shallows of the harbor, a poignant reminder of the town's deep ties to Northwest Passage history; visible right from the shoreline.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Cambridge Bay
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 5, 2026 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 24 | $27,648 | |
| Aug 10, 2026 | HX | MS Roald Amundsen | 25 | $23,436 | |
| Aug 14, 2026 | HX | MS Fridtjof Nansen | 25 | $22,423 | |
| Aug 14, 2026 | HX | MS Fridtjof Nansen | 25 | $22,423 | |
| Aug 29, 2026 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 24 | $28,698 | |
| Jul 3, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 47 | $63,797 | |
| Jul 17, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 33 | $47,297 | |
| Jul 17, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 45 | $71,597 | |
| Jul 30, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 19 | $32,997 | |
| Jul 30, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 31 | $53,997 | |
| Aug 17, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 31 | $55,797 | |
| Aug 17, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 69 | $90,197 | |
| Aug 17, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 45 | $75,197 | |
| Aug 17, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 94 | $104,998 | |
| Aug 17, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 53 | $80,597 | |
| Aug 29, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 41 | $56,297 | |
| Aug 29, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 19 | $34,997 | |
| Aug 29, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 57 | $65,897 | |
| Aug 29, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 33 | $50,897 | |
| Aug 29, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 82 | $88,898 |
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