Population: 1,800

Baker Lake, Nunavut’s only inland community, is situated at the mouth of the Thelon River, close to the geographic centre of Canada. The Inuit name for Baker Lake is Qamani’tuuq, meaning, “where the river widens”.

The Thelon River and the Kazan River are both designated Canadian Heritage Rivers, and are most easily accessed from Baker Lake. Paddle through a land of staring musk-ox, white wolves, soaring gyrfalcons, wandering barren-ground grizzly, and wolverine.

For the Inuit of Baker Lake, these rivers are a vital source of caribou, fish and spiritual renewal. Remains of Inuit campsites are found along the rivers, testimony of a time when these were the homelands of the nomadic Caribou Inuit, a land where vast herds of caribou - hundreds of thousands strong - still migrate to ancient rhythms. The Beverly caribou herd crosses the river in large groupings at a number of spots during the herd's annual migration; the location of the Fall Caribou Crossing is a National Historic Site.

Adventure travellers have plenty to do in and around Baker Lake. Inuujaarvik Territorial Park (campground) provides a great place to camp while in the area, and is near the airport that is used to access the Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary straddles the border with the Northwest Territories and covers over 52,000 square km of protected lands and is home to caribou, geese, grizzlies, and musk-ox.

In town, the Inuit Heritage Centre features displays interpreting the culture of the Caribou Inuit. At the Vera Akumalik Visitor Centre, located in the old Hudson’s Bay post, you’ll find a replica of the store, plus cultural displays and information on rivers of the region. Staff will help arrange local tours, and will make suggestions on local walks to appreciate the beauty of the tundra. Ask about a local heritage camp; it does not operate every year, but is worth a visit if it is operating.

Baker Lake is well known for its arts and craft community. Distinguished artists and studios promoting arts and crafts, such as Ookpiktuyuk, the Jessie Oonark Centre, and well-established independent art galleries, are famous for the quality of their art and are assets to their community.