Hudson Bay Coastal Region

Hudson Bay

The Hudson Bay coast stretches across southern Nunavut and is renowned for exceptional beluga whale, narwhal, and polar bear viewing, particularly during summer and fall migration seasons. This marine ecosystem is crucial for wildlife observation and traditional Inuit hunting practices.

Things to do

• Beluga Whale Watching — Observe thousands of white beluga whales in their natural habitat during summer months, particularly around the Churchill River estuary and coastal waters.
• Polar Bear Viewing — Experience guided polar bear tours during fall migration season when bears congregate along the coast waiting for sea ice to form.
• Narwhal Watching — Spot the elusive narwhal with their distinctive tusks during summer months in the deeper waters and ice edges of Hudson Bay.
• Bird Watching at Seal River Heritage Lodge — Observe numerous Arctic bird species including snowy owls, long-tailed ducks, and shorebirds in their breeding grounds.
• Guided Tundra Walks — Explore the Arctic tundra landscape with local guides to learn about vegetation, geology, and traditional Inuit knowledge of the region.
• Visit Inuit Archaeological Sites — Discover ancient tent rings and stone structures that reveal centuries of Inuit settlement patterns along the coast.

Food to try

• Char — Arctic char caught fresh from Hudson Bay and coastal rivers, often grilled or smoked and considered a delicacy with delicate pink flesh.
• Musk Ox and Caribou — Traditional country foods harvested locally and prepared as stews, roasts, or dried meat, central to Inuit cuisine and cultural practices.
• Seal Meat — Traditionally hunted seal prepared in various ways including as stews and dried meat, rich in nutrients and deeply important to local food security.
• Beluga Muktuk — The skin and blubber of beluga whales, harvested during traditional hunts and eaten raw or cooked, offering unique nutritional value.
• Ptarmigan and Arctic Birds — Seasonal wild birds prepared fresh during hunting season, offering tender meat with distinctive Arctic flavor.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Hunting Seasons and Practices — Understand that hunting is not sport but sustenance; observe quietly during seal and whale hunts and never interfere with traditional harvesting activities.
• Learn Inuktitut Place Names — Making an effort to use and respect Inuit place names shows cultural respect and helps support the continuation of the Inuit language.
• Dress Appropriately for Extreme Conditions — Pack layers, waterproof gear, and insulated clothing as weather changes rapidly; locals can advise on proper Arctic preparation.
• Hire Local Guides — Employ Inuit guides who provide authentic knowledge of wildlife behavior, safe travel practices, and traditional ecological understanding of the region.