Pond Inlet, Nunavut

Nestled on northern Baffin Island, Pond Inlet is more than a stop along a Arctic itinerary—it’s a living doorway to the North’s enduring culture and spectacular scenery. Unlike crowded southern ports, this preeminent Inuit community of about 1,500 offers intimate shore experiences anchored in wildlife, history and art, from the galleries that showcase its renowned printmaking and stone carving to Dorset and Thule archaeological sites telling stories thousands of years old. Signature experiences unfold during your polar day ashore and on the water: close-up whale and seal viewing in glacial coves, zodiac excursions among ice floes and towering glaciers, and guided walks through lunar-like granite landscapes where caribou trails and birds mark the season. The nearby glaciers and mountain ranges frame panoramic vistas that feed photography and soft adventure alike, while cultural interactions—visits with local artists, demonstrations of traditional Inuit crafts, and storytelling—offer a meaningful connection to daily life in the North. Fleet features visiting Pond Inlet reflect modern expedition design: purpose-built ice-rated vessels with stabilized platforms, reinforced hulls for Arctic waters, and a ready fleet of Zodiacs that allow intimate, low-impact landings at remote shores. Onboard services aboard these ships typically emphasize Arctic education and comfort: expert naturalists and Inuit culture specialists deliver lectures on glaciology, wildlife, and history; photography clinics, cooking demonstrations and regionally inspired menus heighten the culinary experience; and generous lounges, libraries, and wellness options provide warm respite after frosty shore outings. In sum, Pond Inlet stands apart as a jewel of the North—an authentic, artful, and adventure-rich gateway to Canada’s Arctic realm.