FAQ
What and where
Tuktoyaktuk is in the Northwest Territories on the Beaufort Sea, right on the Arctic Ocean coast. It’s at the end of the Inuvik–Tuktoyaktuk Highway, making it the only Arctic Ocean community in Canada you can drive to. Sitting above the Arctic Circle, it’s a place where you can experience the midnight sun in summer and excellent northern lights in winter.
Getting to Tuk
You can reach Tuktoyaktuk by driving the Dempster Highway from Dawson City, Yukon to Inuvik, Northwest Territories, and continuing on the Inuvik-to-Tuktoyaktuk Highway to the Arctic Ocean. Some visitors choose to fly to Inuvik then rent a vehicle to drive to Tuktoyaktuk. For more details on travel options, directions, and what to expect along the way, visit our Getting Here page.
Things to do
Visitors come to Tuktoyaktuk for its Arctic Ocean views, local Inuvialuit culture, and unique northern landmarks like the pingos. You can explore the community, visit local attractions, take guided tours, or simply enjoy the landscape and wildlife. For a full list of activities and experiences, check out our Things to Do page.
Accomodations
Tuktoyaktuk has a selection of local accommodations, including bed and breakfasts and other locally-run options. Availability can vary by season, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead. For places to stay and contact details, visit our Businesses page.
Visitors wishing to camp, either by tent, or with a recreational vehicle (RV or motorhome) can use The Point Campground. Fees for camping are as follows:
Unpowered campsites: $30.00+GST
Powered campsites: $60.00+GST
Shopping
Tuktoyaktuk has local stores where you can find groceries, basic supplies, and everyday essentials. For store listings and hours, please visit our Businesses page.
Pingos, not penguins!
A pingo is a natural ice-cored hill formed in the Arctic, and Tuktoyaktuk is one of the best places in the world to see them. Several pingos are located just outside the community, and the Pingo Canadian Landmark protects many of the most well-known ones. You can view them from town or join a local tour for a closer look.
Language
Inuvialuktun, the language of the Inuvialuit people, is spoken in Tuktoyaktuk alongside English.
Inuvialuit
Tuktoyaktuk is home to Inuvialuit, meaning "the real people", who are the Indigenous people of the western Canadian Arctic. They have lived in the region for thousands of years, maintaining a rich culture, strong community ties, and deep knowledge of the land and sea. To learn more about their history and way of life, visit our About Tuk page.
Contact
The Tourism Coordinator works seasonally between May/June and September from the Visitor Information Center, located just outside of, but on the way to, Tuktoyaktuk. Outside of the summer season, any one of our Hamlet staff members would be delighted to answer any and all of your questions!
