Grise Fiord

Aujuittuq

Canada's northernmost inhabited settlement, Grise Fiord offers an extreme Arctic experience with dramatic cliffs, glaciers, and wildlife including musk oxen and polar bears. The remote location and stark landscape appeal to adventure seekers seeking authentic polar exploration.

Things to do

• Polar Bear Watching — Spring and fall expeditions by snowmobile or boat seek out polar bears on the sea ice and surrounding tundra, often guided by experienced local hunters.
• Hiking to Makinson Inlet — A challenging day hike across Arctic tundra with views of towering cliffs, glaciers, and access to a fjord system rich in marine wildlife.
• Musk Ox Encounter — Guided trips to observe herds of musk oxen on the surrounding tundra, particularly rewarding in summer months for photography and wildlife observation.
• Glacier and Ice Field Exploration — Visit accessible glaciers and ice fields surrounding the settlement with views of dramatic crevasses and Arctic ice formations.
• Kayaking in Grise Fiord — Summer paddling in the fjord among icebergs calved from glaciers, offering unique perspectives of the landscape and opportunities for seal spotting.
• Aurora Borealis Viewing — Late summer through spring offers opportunities to witness the Northern Lights dancing over the Arctic landscape, best viewed from dark locations away from settlement lights.

Food to try

• Arctic Char — Fresh local fish from surrounding waters, typically prepared simply by local cooks to highlight its delicate, slightly sweet flavor.
• Musk Ox Meat — Lean, locally harvested meat prepared as steaks or stews, representing traditional Inuit sustenance and available at community meals or through outfitters.
• Seal Meat and Blubber — Traditional Inuit food sourced from local hunting, sometimes served at cultural gatherings or community events celebrating subsistence practices.
• Dried Fish and Country Food — Traditional preservation methods result in dried Arctic fish and game that represent the settlement's food security and cultural heritage.
• Arctic Berries — Wild cloudberries, bearberries, and crowberries foraged from the tundra in summer and served fresh or preserved as jams and compotes.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Hunting and Harvesting Traditions — Grise Fiord's residents depend on traditional hunting and fishing for survival; visitors should show respect for this way of life and avoid interference with active hunting or food preparation activities.
• Limited Services and Cash Economy — The settlement has minimal accommodation, few stores, and limited services; plan ahead and bring cash, as ATMs and card payments are unreliable.
• Extreme Weather and Self-Reliance — Arctic conditions can rapidly change and isolate the community; visitors must be prepared for delays, extreme cold, and periods when flights cannot operate.
• Inuit Language and Community Connection — Inuktitut is the primary language spoken; learning basic greetings and showing genuine interest in Inuit culture and local perspectives fosters respectful interactions.