Arviat

Arviat (Inuktitut syllabics: ᐊᕐᕕᐊᑦ) is Nunavut's third largest town with a population of 2,864 (2021).

Arviat is the southernmost community in mainland Nunavut, on the western edge of Hudson Bay. It is less than an hour from Churchill, Manitoba. People who live in Arviat are called Arviammiut. They are a proud people who live in harmony with the land and wildlife around them and maintain a strong connection to their traditions and Inuit culture. Two national historic sites, Arvia'juaq (an island shaped like a large bowhead whale) and Qikiqtaarjuk (a small island), are easily accessible from the community are testament to the rich heritage and cultural resources.

The town was known as Eskimo Point until 1989 when it was renamed Arviat, a name derived from an Inuktitut work, arviq, meaning "bowhead whale" as the nearby coastal landscape resembles the shape of a bowhead whale.

61°6′29″N 94°3′47″W

Map of Arviat

61.093889-94.0716671 Arviat Airport (YEK  ^IATA) is served by Calm Air from Baker Lake, Chesterfield Inlet, Churchill, Rankin Inlet, Thompson, Whale Cove, and Winnipeg. Local taxis provide service between the town and the airport for $7.

• 61.1397-93.99331 Arvia'juaq and Qikiqtaarjuk National Historic Site, Qikiqtarjuac, Sentry Island. An Inuit spring camp used to harvest the nearby marine resources.  (updated Aug 2022)
• 60.833333-94.3333332 McConnell River Migratory Bird Sanctuary. 111 bird species have been recorded in this sanctuary and a great place to see some geese.  (updated Aug 2022)
• The Northern Lights (aurora borealis) are very clear from Arviat during autumn and winter.

• 61.1062-94.06351 Kiluk, 900 6th St (Near Inns North and Katimavik Suites), ☏ +1 867 857-2713, [email protected]. M-F 9AM-5PM. Local seamstresses handcrafting sealskin fur and leather clothing.  (updated Apr 2024)

• 61.10844-94.06231 Inns North Motel and Cafe, 601 6th St, ☏ +1 867 857-2919.  (updated Aug 2022)

Arviat is a dry town. Anyone caught in possession of alcohol can be arrested.

• 61.1064-94.06461 Katimavik Suites, 900 5th St, ☏ +1 867-857-2752. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. This hotel has two properties, one with five suites along the shores and one with eight suites that is further inland. Satellite TV, high speed internet and free airport shuttle.  (updated Sep 2025)
• 61.1082-94.06152 Padlei Inns North (601 6th St, Arviat), ☏ +1 867 857-2919. 16 rooms (12 queen beds and 4 suites). WiFi, Cable TV, private bathroom, free airport shuttle. $399/night.  (updated Sep 2025)

• 61.1085-94.05611 Donald Suluk Library (Next to visitor centre), ☏ +1 867 857-2579, [email protected]. M W F 3–8PM, Tu Th 10AM-noon, 3–8PM, Sa 1–4PM (closed Su).  (updated Apr 2023)