Cape Dorset
in Canada

Cape Dorset

Cape Dorset is a small hamlet located on Dorset Island in the Canadian territory of Nunavut. It is located on the southwestern tip of Baffin Island, on the shore of Foxe Basin. The population of Cape Dorset is about 1,500 people, and it is the most populous community in the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut.

The Inuit of Cape Dorset have been living in the area for thousands of years, and the community is known for its strong traditional culture and art. The Inuit of Cape Dorset are renowned for their stone carvings and prints, which have been collected and exhibited around the world.

The geography of Cape Dorset is characterized by rocky shorelines, low hills, and glaciers. The land is mostly treeless and covered with tundra vegetation. The climate is cold and dry, with average temperatures ranging from -25C in the winter to 8C in the summer.

Cape Dorset has a long history of exploration and trade. In the early 19th century, whaling ships from the United States and Britain visited the area, and in 1838, the Hudson’s Bay Company established a trading post in the community. In the 1950s, the Canadian government relocated many Inuit families from the High Arctic to Cape Dorset, where they continue to live today.

Cape Dorset is an important cultural and economic centre for the Inuit of Nunavut. The community is home to the West Baffin Co-operative, which produces and markets Inuit art. The community also has a local store, a health centre, a recreation centre, and a museum. Cape Dorset is an important fishing and hunting base, and the community is home to a commercial fish plant.

Experience Cape Dorset 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 Cape Dorset. 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 Cape Dorset

The climate in Cape Dorset, Canada is generally cool and wet. In the winter months, temperatures range from -15 to -25 degrees Celsius and there is plenty of snowfall. In the spring, temperatures rise to around 0 degrees Celsius and the snow begins to melt. Summers are mild, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius and there is usually quite a bit of rain. Autumn sees temperatures drop again and there is a mix of rain and snow. Overall, Cape Dorset experiences a cool and wet climate throughout the year.

Cruise weather for Cape Dorset

Our weather forecast for Cape Dorset 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.