Resolute Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Known as Qausuittuq or 'Place with no Dawn,' Resolute offers intrepid travelers an unfiltered glimpse into the Canadian High Arctic, serving as the launching point for North Pole expeditions and legendary Northwest Passage history.
Resolute, or Qausuittuq (‘Place with no dawn’), is not your typical tourist destination. Located on Cornwallis Island in the middle of the Northwest Passage, it is the second-most northern community in Canada. This is a land of extremes, where the sun refuses to set in summer and refuses to rise in winter. For the traveler, Resolute offers a profound sense of isolation and a raw, unfiltered connection to the Earth’s most rugged environment.
Visiting Resolute is a journey into the heart of Canadian history and Inuit resilience. Originally established as a base for High Arctic sovereignty and a Cold War outpost, it is now a quiet hamlet that serves as the logistical hub for North Pole expeditions and scientific research. The beauty here is stark, gravel plains, imposing cliffs, and an ocean that remains frozen for most of the year. It is a place that demands respect and offers silence found nowhere else.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
A History Written in Ice
Resolute is deeply tied to the tragic history of the Franklin Expedition and the Cold War era. The area is dotted with archaeological sites from the Thule people, ancestors of the modern Inuit, who traversed these lands centuries ago. More recently, the community stands as a testament to the ‘High Arctic Exiles,’ Inuit families relocated here by the government in the 1950s. A visit to the local memorial provides a somber but necessary understanding of the town’s origins.
The town also serves as the gateway to Quttinirpaaq National Park and the fossil forests of Axel Heiberg Island. While the town itself is small, the surrounding wilderness is vast. You are walking on ground that has preserved the history of polar exploration, from the cairns left by desperate British sailors to the modern weather stations monitoring our changing climate.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Tupirvik Territorial Park Hiking
Explore the rocky terrain of this territorial park which offers archaeological sites of Thule culture and incredible views of the Northwest Passage.
Floe Edge Wildlife Tour
Take a guided qamutik (sled) ride to the edge of the sea ice where the frozen ocean meets open water to see narwhals, belugas, and polar bears.
Resolute Bay Community Tour
Walk through the hamlet to see the striking Inukshuk overlooking the bay and visit the memorial dedicated to the High Arctic exiles.
Qausuittuq National Park Flightseeing
Charter a Twin Otter for an aerial tour over the endangered Peary caribou habitat on nearby Bathurst Island.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
The Resolute Inukshuk - Standing guard over the bay, this massive stone structure is the symbol of the town. It is located just a short walk from the main hamlet and offers a perfect vantage point for viewing the sea ice.
Cape Martyr - Located approximately 5 km from town. This site contains ruins of Thule winter houses and cairns erected by early European explorers charting the Northwest Passage. Access is usually via ATV or snowmobile depending on the season.
Tupirvik Territorial Park - A designated area protecting significant archaeological sites. It is an excellent spot for hiking during the summer months, offering sweeping views of the barren, Mars-like landscape. Free access.
The Crash Site Memorial - A monument dedicated to the victims of the 2011 First Air flight crash. It is a place of quiet reflection located near the airport, reminding visitors of the harsh realities of Arctic travel.
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Resolute is an adventure in itself. You will fly via Canadian North, usually connecting through Iqaluit. Flights can be expensive (often exceeding $3,000 CAD) and are subject to weather delays. It is crucial to have travel insurance and flexible dates. Once there, the town is small enough to walk, but for excursions, you must hire local guides with vehicles or snowmobiles, both for navigation and polar bear safety.
Pack for conditions colder than you expect. Even in July, temperatures hover near freezing, and the wind chill is significant. Accommodation is limited to a few hotels which provide full board, as there are no independent restaurants. Booking months in advance is highly recommended, especially during the spring research season.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Arctic Summer (July - August)
Pros
- 24-hour sunlight allows for unlimited exploration
- Temperatures are bearable for hiking
- Tundra wildflowers are in bloom
Cons
- Mosquitoes can be intense on calm days
- No snowmobiling or ice crossing possible
- Muddy terrain in certain areas
Shoulder Season: Spring Floe Edge (April - June)
Pros
- Best wildlife viewing (polar bears, narwhals)
- Excellent conditions for snowmobiling
- 24-hour sunlight with snow cover
Cons
- Still extremely cold requiring specialized gear
- High cost for guided expeditions
- Flight delays due to blizzards are possible
Off-Peak: Polar Night (October - February)
Pros
- Incredible Aurora Borealis viewing
- Experience true Arctic silence and isolation
- Lower accommodation demand
Cons
- 24-hour darkness can be mentally challenging
- Extreme cold limits outdoor activity duration
- Many tours and services do not operate
Resolute is a destination for the brave and the curious. Whether you come for the 24-hour sun of the purple saxifrage-filled summer or the ethereal gloom of the dark season, you will leave with a new perspective on the planet. It is the edge of the world, and it is unforgettable.
Sample Itineraries
The High Arctic Explorer (Summer)
A summer itinerary focusing on hiking under the midnight sun, history, and community interaction without the need for heavy ice gear.
Day 1: Arrival in the Land of Midnight Sun
- Morning: Arrive at Resolute Bay Airport (YRB) via Iqaluit. Transfer to the South Camp Inn (approx. $300 CAD/night) and settle in while chatting with the staff about local bear safety protocols.
- Afternoon: Take a guided walking tour of the hamlet (approx. $150 CAD), visiting the striking Resolute Inukshuk and the beach to touch the Arctic Ocean waters.
- Evening: Enjoy a hearty dinner at the hotel dining room ($40-60 CAD per person) and take a ’night’ hike at 10 PM under full sunlight near the town perimeter.
Day 2: History and Hiking
- Morning: Hire a local outfitter for a trip to Cape Martyr (5 km west) to see the remains of Thule winter houses and rock cairns left by early explorers.
- Afternoon: Picnic on the tundra with supplies from the Co-op ($30 CAD), keeping an eye out for Arctic hares and foxes camouflaged against the rocks.
- Evening: Visit the Tudjaat Co-op to browse local soapstone carvings and prints, supporting the local artists directly (budget $200+ CAD for art).
Day 3: Tupirvik Territorial Park
- Morning: Travel by ATV or truck to Tupirvik Territorial Park for a rugged hike along the coastline, looking for fossils which are common in the sedimentary rock.
- Afternoon: Visit the memorial to the High Arctic Exiles to learn about the 1953 relocation history, a somber but essential part of the town’s story.
- Evening: Relax in the common room of the South Camp Inn, swapping stories with visiting researchers or polar adventurers preparing for expeditions.
Day 4: Departure
- Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast and perhaps a short walk to the shore to photograph the sea ice floes drifting in the bay.
- Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Iqaluit, browsing the small display cases in the terminal.
- Evening: Arrive in Iqaluit or connect to Ottawa, concluding your Arctic journey.
Spring Floe Edge Adventure
An expedition-style trip in May/June utilizing local guides to venture onto the sea ice for world-class wildlife viewing.
Day 1: Arrival and Gear Check
- Morning: Land in Resolute and transfer to Qausuittuq Hotel. Meet your local Inuit guide for a mandatory safety briefing and gear check (extreme cold weather gear is vital).
- Afternoon: A short snowmobile ride near the hamlet to get comfortable with the qamutik (wooden sled) transportation style used for the upcoming days.
- Evening: Dinner at the hotel and early rest, as the sunlight will be continuous, but energy conservation is key for the cold days ahead.
Day 2: Journey to the Floe Edge
- Morning: Depart early (8 AM) on snowmobiles/qamutiks, traveling 2-3 hours across the frozen Lancaster Sound towards the floe edge.
- Afternoon: Set up a temporary base camp or stop for hot tea and bannock on the ice while scanning open water for beluga whales and narwhals.
- Evening: Return to Resolute in the late evening (approx. 6 PM), warming up with a hot shower and a heavy meal ($50 CAD/person) at the hotel.
Day 3: Polar Bear Tracking
- Morning: Head out with guides specifically looking for polar bear tracks along the pressure ridges of the ice; guides use traditional knowledge to spot bears safely from a distance.
- Afternoon: Photography opportunities of icebergs frozen into the sea ice, capturing the intense blue hues against the white snow.
- Evening: Return to town. Visit a local elder’s home (if arranged by your guide) to hear stories of the land and traditional survival skills.
Day 4: Cape Martyr and Ice Caves
- Morning: Travel west to inspect ice caves formed near the shoreline and visit the historical cairns at Cape Martyr.
- Afternoon: Try your hand at traditional ice fishing for Arctic Char through several feet of solid ocean ice.
- Evening: A celebratory farewell dinner at the South Camp Inn, perhaps trying local country food if available (market price).
Day 5: Departure
- Morning: Pack up gear and purchase final souvenirs or snacks from the Co-op.
- Afternoon: Flight departure. Be prepared for delays; weather in the spring can change rapidly, potentially extending your stay.
- Evening: Connect through Iqaluit for your journey south.
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