The MILEPOST: Alaska Travel Guide and Trip Planner

Population: 3,430

Inuvik is located on the east channel of the Mackenzie River, at the end of the Dempster Highway, 481 miles from Dawson City, YT, by road and some 60 air miles south of the Beaufort Sea.

Visitor Information: Western Arctic Regional Visitors Centre on Mackenzie Road, phone (867) 777-4727; open June to September. http://inuvik.ca/tourism/.

Inuvik, meaning “The Place of Man,” is the largest Canadian community north of the Arctic Circle, and the centre for government, transportation and communications in Canada’s western Arctic. Construction of the town began in 1955 and was completed in 1961. Inuvik was “the first community north of the Arctic Circle built to provide the normal facilities of a Canadian town.” Today, government, transportation, tourism and construction are the major industries. The Mackenzie River Delta is one of the richest muskrat areas in the world and Inuvik is the western centre for shipping furs south.

Visitors will find food, gas and lodging in Inuvik. Accommodations at Arctic Chalet (cabins, bed-and-breakfast), and at 4 hotels (2 with dining lounges). Camping at Happy Valley Territorial Campground and at Jak Territorial Park.

There is also a post office, territorial liquor store, churches and a bank. There are 2 gas stations each with car wash; propane, auto repair and towing are available. Hardware, grocery and general stores, and gift shops are here.

Attractions:

Favorite photo subject is Inuvik’s famous Igloo Church, Our Lady of Victory Roman Catholic Church, painted white with lines to simulate snow blocks.
Take a custom or package tour of Inuvik and the Dempster Highway, or fly out to Tuktoyaktuk, Herschel Island and other locations with Arctic Adventure Tours and Up North Tours.
Great Northern Arts Festival features artists and performers from across the North. Held for 10 days every summer in July.