How to get to Arviat

Arviat is a unique and remote Inuit settlement located on the western coast of Hudson Bay in the Kivalliq Region (Canada). This destination attracts travelers seeking to witness the true Arctic, experience the traditional northern way of life, and observe wildlife, including the migration of polar bears.

When planning how to get to the city of Arviat, it is important to consider its geographic isolation: no roads or railways lead here. The primary and practically the only way to reach this corner of the country is by air, making a trip here a true expedition.

The fastest and most reliable way to reach the region is by air transport. The city is served by the local Arviat Airport (YEK), which acts as a vital artery connecting the community to the outside world. Regular flights here are usually operated from larger transport hubs in Nunavut or Manitoba.

The airport is located in immediate proximity to the settlement, ensuring convenient access for arriving passengers. Since the weather in the Arctic is changeable, when planning a flight to Arviat, it is recommended to allow extra time for possible flight delays due to meteorological conditions.

Travelers should be aware that it is impossible to get directly to Arviat by train. The country's railway network does not extend this far north, and the Nunavut region lacks passenger rail service entirely due to the complex permafrost landscape.

The nearest railway stations are located hundreds of kilometers to the south, in the province of Manitoba (for example, in the city of Churchill), but even from there, the onward journey to your destination must be completed by plane. Therefore, a train can only be part of a complex composite route, but not the final method of arrival.

Traveling to Arviat by intercity bus is not feasible, as the settlement is not connected by a road network to the rest of the continent. The absence of all-season highways makes the movement of ground public transport from the southern regions of Canada impossible.

Bus service in the conventional sense does not exist here. The only option for using motor transport is for local trips within the village, but physically arriving here by bus from another city is impossible.

You cannot reach the city of Arviat by private car or taxi, as no roads lead to it. The city is completely isolated from the North American road system by vast expanses of tundra and water barriers.

There are cars in the settlement, but they are delivered there by sea during the navigation season or by cargo aviation for local use. For travel between neighboring settlements, locals sometimes use snowmobiles in winter, but this requires special training and is not a standard tourist route.

Traveling to the Arctic region requires careful preparation, as conditions here differ significantly from typical urban environments. To ensure your trip to Arviat is comfortable and safe, please review these key recommendations.

1. Clothing and Gear. The weather here is harsh even in summer. Be sure to bring thermal underwear, a windproof jacket (parka), warm waterproof boots, and a hat. The principle of layering clothing is key to retaining heat.
2. Transport within the City. The settlement is small and easy to navigate on foot. For longer excursions or trips into the tundra, locals use ATVs in the summer and snowmobiles in the winter; renting them can be discussed with local guides.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Cards are accepted in major shops (Co-op, Northern Store), but it is highly recommended to have a reserve of cash, as ATMs may not work or connectivity may be down.
4. Connectivity and Internet. Mobile coverage can be unstable or limited to specific operators. Wi-Fi in hotels is often slow (satellite-based), so be prepared for a digital detox.
5. Safety and Nature. Arviat is known for a high population of polar bears, especially in autumn. Never walk outside the settlement without an experienced guide and strictly follow all warnings from local patrols.
6. Respect for Culture. The majority of the population are Inuit. Please be polite, ask for permission before taking photos of people, and respect local traditions and the way of life.
7. Buying Souvenirs. Magnificent items made of stone and bone are created here. When purchasing Inuit art, ensure you have the necessary certificates for export if required by customs regulations.
8. Alcohol Policy. Some communities in Nunavut have strict restrictions or a total ban on alcohol. Please verify the current rules regarding the importation and consumption of spirits in this specific settlement in advance.

Following these simple rules will help you enjoy the unique beauty of the North and the hospitality of the local people without unnecessary hassle.