Nestled on Nunavut’s remote western shores, Gjoa Haven welcomes small-ship explorers with Arctic authenticity you won’t find in busier ports. This official port stands apart from typical cruise stops by offering unspoiled landscape, intimate cultural exchanges, and exhilarating wildlife encounters that feel tailor-made for expedition cruising. Signature experiences revolve around immersion with the local Iñupiat community—participating in carved art demonstrations, listening to storyteller accounts of Arctic life, and enjoying throat-singing performances that echo across the tundra. Shore excursions unfold via Zodiac craft along ice-streaked coastlines to glimpse beluga pods, seabird cliffs, and quiet bays where muskeg and wildflowers mingle in the short Arctic summer. As a gateway to nearby natural and historic sites tied to the region’s exploration heritage, including stories linked to early Northwest Passage expeditions, Gjoa Haven offers a sense of the Arctic that is both remote and reachable. The visiting fleet is built for exploration: ice-strengthened expedition ships with capable crews, a fleet of nimble Zodiacs, and onboard specialists—from naturalists to Inuit guides—who enrich every stop. Onboard services complement the rugged scenery with panoramic observation decks, climate-controlled lounges, and a hospitality program that blends Arctic-inspired cuisine, wellness options, and a rotating lineup of lectures, photography workshops, and cultural activities. Together, these elements give Gjoa Haven a distinctive charm: a rare combination of authentic culture, pristine landscapes, and shipboard innovation that elevates a port call into a genuine Arctic experience.
