Cambridge Bay
in Canada

Cambridge Bay

Cambridge Bay is a small hamlet located in Nunavut, Canada, on the south coast of Victoria Island. It is the administrative centre of the Kitikmeot Region and has a population of about 1,700 people. Cambridge Bay is located at the mouth of the Ekalluk River, on the east side of the Dease Strait, and is accessible by air and by sea.

The first inhabitants of Cambridge Bay were the Inuit, who were attracted to the area by the abundance of fish and wildlife. The area was explored by Europeans in the 19th century, and a Hudson's Bay Company trading post was established in the early 1900s. In the 1920s, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police built a post in the area, and a Roman Catholic mission was established in the 1930s.

The hamlet was officially incorporated as a village in 1953, and in 1961, it was designated as a settlement. In 1969, the settlement was renamed Cambridge Bay, after the British explorer Sir John Franklin's ship, HMS Cambridge.

Today, Cambridge Bay is a vibrant community with a variety of services and amenities. The hamlet is the home of the Nunavut Arctic College, a post-secondary institution that provides education and training to the local Inuit population. The hamlet is also the site of the Nunavut Research Institute, which conducts research into the Arctic environment.

The hamlet is known for its rich cultural heritage, and many of its traditional Inuit customs and beliefs are still practiced. The Ekalluktogmiut, a local Inuit group, hosts a yearly festival to celebrate the culture and traditions of the region.

Cambridge Bay is also a popular tourist destination, with a variety of outdoor activities and attractions. The hamlet is home to the Ekalluktogmiut Cultural Centre, which showcases Inuit art and culture, and the nearby Dease Strait is a popular spot for kayaking and fishing. The hamlet is also home to a variety of wildlife, including muskoxen, caribou, and polar bears.

Experience Cambridge Bay with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Cambridge Bay. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.

The climate in Cambridge Bay

Cambridge Bay in Canada experiences a cold, arctic climate throughout the year. During the summer months, the average temperature is around 6°C (43°F) and the days are long and bright. During the winter months, temperatures can drop to as low as -30°C (-22°F), and the sun sets for days at a time. The spring and fall months are generally milder, with temperatures ranging from -10°C to 10°C (14°F to 50°F). All four seasons bring a variety of precipitation, from light snow in the winter to heavy rains in the summer.

Cruise weather for Cambridge Bay

Our weather forecast for Cambridge Bay helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.

Galery: Cambridge Bay

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