Formerly known as Port Brabant, the community was officially renamed Tuktoyaktuk in 1950, becoming the first place in Canada to revert to its traditional Indigenous name. Under the leadership of Chief Mangilaluk (umialiq), it became a permanent settlement in 1905. Historically, thousands of Inuvialuit gathered each winter from December to March at nearby Kittigazuit, and the site served as a key location for fur trading schooners. Today, Tuktoyaktuk remains a major Inuvialuit community where residents continue to hunt, fish, and travel to traditional harvesting spots on the land.
Visitors to Tuk are warmly invited to explore the compelling contrast between traditional and modern lifestyles that still define this historic Arctic community. From the Land of the Midnight Sun with 24-hour daylight in summer to the magical frozen landscapes of winter lit by the northern lights, Tuktoyaktuk offers four extraordinary seasons and authentic cultural experiences. Local outfitters and guides welcome guests to learn hands-on skills such as setting a fish net, making dry fish, preparing muktuk, or joining a harvest—while the nearby Pingo Canadian Landmark showcases the region’s unique permafrost ice-dome hills rising dramatically from the coastal plain.
Whether you’re driving the Inuvik–Tuktoyaktuk Highway to Mile 0 on the Arctic coast or arriving by air, Tuktoyaktuk welcomes you to experience its thriving Inuvialuit culture, breathtaking skies, and the warm hospitality of Canada’s northernmost mainland community. For more details, be sure to check the official Visitor Information Package on tuktoyaktuk.ca.
Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway
Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway celebrated its official opening in November 2017 and road-travellers can now drive all the way to Tuktoyaktuk and the Arctic Ocean. This is the only public highway to the Arctic Ocean and it now connects Canada from Sea, to Sea, to Sea.
The start of your journey to the Western Arctic region of the Northwest Territories begins just outside Dawson City, Yukon, where the Dempster Highway starts. The Dempster Highway stretches 740 km bypassing the welcoming communities of Fort McPherson and Tsiigehtchic and on to Inuvik. Where the Dempster ends, is where the Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway begins.
The Inuvik Tuktoyaktuk Highway is truly beautiful to drive and the landscape on its 140 km varies by season. Enjoy the vast white frozen tundra dotted only the occasional sighting of a red fox or other wildlife. In summer, relax under the midnight sun which shimmers down on crystal lakes surrounded by blooms of arctic cotton and pink fireweed. Marvel at the explosions of colours as berries ripen all over the tundra in the fall.
As a new highway, there will be ongoing maintenance. The highway is surfaced with gravel and travelers should be prepared for rough, muddy and dusty sections as well as delays due to construction or maintenance. Travellers should check for road conditions before heading out.
Camping in Tuktoyaktuk
Paid overnight parking for RVs and campers is available in Tuktoyaktuk. The Point Campground offers 30-amp power hookups but there are no water hookups in Tuktoyaktuk so ensure your RV is prepared during your visit. The nearest campgrounds to Tuktoyaktuk with water hookups are Happy Valley Territorial Park and Jak Territorial Park in Inuvik.
Please check with the Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk (867-977-2286) about camping, locations, fees and accepted forms of payment.
Amenities and Services
Please note that some amenities and services in Tuktoyaktuk are seasonal and subject to change without notice. Please check with the Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk (867-977-2286) for current information.
Accommodation
There are no hotels in Tuktoyaktuk but there are B&Bs. For more information please visit: www.tuktoyaktuk.ca/index.php/living-here/ accomodation.
Visitor information
Visitors Information Centre before town.
Operating hours and times vary; please check with the Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk (867-977-2286) for current information.
Visit www.hellotuk.com for local events. Visit www.spectacularnwt.com for more information about travelling within the Western Arctic Region and the rest of the Northwest Territories.
Restaurants
END OF THE ROAD RESTAURANT
314 Beaufort Drive, 867-977-2044
5PM- 9PM
Serving a variety of meals, fast food, coffee and tea.
GRANDMA’S KITCHEN
330 Ocean View Road,
867-678-5226 or 867-977-2547
7 days a week - Call ahead for hours Food truck right by Front Beach serving food, hot beverages and soft drinks. There is an enclosed deck where you can enjoy your meal, take a photo with a traditional parka and purchase carvings, postcards and t-shirts.
Canoe, Kayak And Paddle Board Rentals
STEEN ENTERPRISES LTD. / TUKTOYAKTUK TOURS
Located at Grandmas Kitchen
Grocery Stores
STANTON TUKTOYAKTUK LTD.
237 Mangilaluk Loop
(867) 977-2845
NORTHERN STORE
4 Centennial Road
(867) 977-2211
Churches
There are three operational churches in Tuk: Roman Catholic, Anglican Pentecostal and Baptist. Check with the Visitor Information Centre in Tuktoyaktuk for service times.
Government Offices
Canada Post: If you want to mail post cards from the Arctic Ocean, Canada Post is open Monday to Friday 10 am – 5:30 pm
Government and other public places (including the Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk office): Monday to Friday 9 am – 5 pm.
Gas Stations
E. GRUBEN’S LTD. GAS BAR
Monday to Friday, 8 am - 10 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 10 am - 6 pm
Local Arts And Crafts
PINGO MARKET AT KITTI HALL
Opening hours vary; please check with the Visitor Information Centre.
TUK SOUVENIR STORE
Open for summer 7 days a week, 10 am- 8 pm
Things to do while
VISITING TUKTOYAKTUK
Cultural programs at the sod house. For times and information, contact Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation: (867) 977-2390.
Dip your toes in the Arctic Ocean at The Point (This area is a traditional fishing area, and while not appropriate for swimming, feel free to dip your toes).
Do a community, cultural, boat, fishing, or hiking tour with one of our friendly, knowledgeable, licensed tour operators.
Rent a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddle board from Steen Enterprises Ltd. / Tuktoyaktuk Tours. Paddle around the pingos or paddle board on the Arctic Ocean.
Check out Kitti Hall for evening events
Take a walk on the beach or go swimming. Please ask a visitor centre attendant for appropriate swimming area.
Have a picnic at one of the picnic sites.
Take a walk through the town and meet the locals. Set up a ball game at our ball diamond, or join in one of our games (speak to the locals to see what’s going on that day).
Join the evening sports at the school gym – check with the visitor centre for the schedule
