Population: 2,300

Located on the western shore of Hudson Bay, Arviat is the southernmost mainland community in Nunavut. Its lands and waters are rich in wildlife; in the fall, beluga whales are frequently seen in the bays around town and caribou are often spotted near the community. The name Arviat comes from arviq, the Inuktitut name for bowhead whale.

The Margaret Aniksak Visitors Centre is a great place to start off. The centre celebrates the rich history of Arviat and the Padlei area with exhibits on traditional Inuit life and artifacts from the Arvia'juaq National Historic Site.

The McConnell River Migratory Bird Sanctuary, south of town, is a Ramsar designated Wetlands of International Importance, where almost a quarter million birds make their homes in the rich marshes that surround the mouth of the river. It is a great place to observe thousands of nesting waterfowl.

Arrange a visit to the Sivulinut Elders Society, where you can learn string games, throat singing and take part in traditional cookouts with local delicacies.

Held in March, the Hudson Bay Quest, an amazing 400km race from Churchill to Arviat, is one of the world’s foremost dog team races.

Arviat has strong artistic and musical traditions, and is the hometown of renowned Inuit performers Charlie Panigoniak and Susan Aglukark. Every year, Hamlet Day celebrations are combined with the Inuumariit Music Festival.