Few cruise destinations on earth feel this remote, this raw, or this genuinely untouched. Resolution Island sits at the entrance to Hudson Strait in Nunavut, Canada — a dramatic, fog-laced landmass where Arctic wilderness meets the open North Atlantic. If you’re sailing here, you’re in for something extraordinary.
Arriving by Ship
There is no cruise pier at Resolution Island — all arrivals are by tender, so expect a small boat transfer from your ship to shore. The process can take 20–30 minutes depending on sea conditions, which in these Arctic waters can shift quickly, so flexibility is essential.
This is expedition cruise territory. Ships anchor offshore and land passengers at rocky, natural shorelines rather than any formal port infrastructure, which means the experience begins the moment you step into the tender and the wild coastline comes into full view.
Things to Do
Resolution Island rewards the genuinely curious — this isn’t a beach-bar destination, it’s a place where the landscape and history do all the talking. Come prepared to walk, observe, and absorb.
History
- Explore the abandoned Loran-C station: A Cold War-era navigational facility sits on the island, its rusted infrastructure a haunting reminder of mid-20th-century Arctic strategy — one of the most atmospheric man-made sights in Nunavut.
- Learn about Inuit heritage: The waters around Resolution Island have been navigated by Inuit peoples for thousands of years; expedition guides typically provide rich oral history context during landings.
- Photograph the HMS Resolute memorial area: The broader Hudson Strait region carries deep ties to 19th-century Arctic exploration, and your ship’s historian will likely brief you on the famous expeditions that passed these exact waters.
Wildlife
- Spot polar bears along the shoreline: Resolution Island sits in prime polar bear territory — sightings during shore excursions are possible, particularly in late summer and autumn.
- Watch for humpback and bowhead whales: The nutrient-rich Hudson Strait currents attract multiple whale species, and zodiac tours frequently encounter them at close range.
- Seabird colonies: Thick-billed murres, northern fulmars, and glaucous gulls nest on the island’s cliffs in impressive numbers — bring binoculars.
- Arctic fox sightings: These nimble, white-coated animals are surprisingly bold around human visitors and make for unforgettable photography. Consider booking a dedicated photography session to capture the moment properly 🎟 Book: Private Vacation Photography Session with Local Photographer in Vancouver.
Landscape
- Hike the tundra plateau: Short guided hikes across the island’s flat-topped terrain reveal sweeping views of Hudson Strait and, on clear days, the Labrador coast across the water.
- Coastal geology walks: The island’s exposed Precambrian rock formations are among the oldest on the planet — your expedition geologist will point out features invisible to the untrained eye.
- Iceberg viewing: Depending on your visit timing, enormous tabular icebergs drift through the strait — dramatic from the ship’s deck, breathtaking from a zodiac 🎟 Book: Private Vacation Photography Session with Local Photographer in Tofino.
What to Eat
There are no restaurants, cafés, or food vendors on Resolution Island — this is uninhabited wilderness, so all meals happen aboard your cruise ship. Your expedition vessel will typically provide packed lunches or hot drinks during longer shore excursions.
- Arctic char: A staple of Nunavut cuisine, often served smoked or pan-seared aboard expedition ships — sweet, delicate, and unlike anything you’d find further south.
- Bannock bread: A traditional Indigenous flatbread sometimes prepared by cultural guides during expedition programs — simple, warming, and deeply connected to the land.
- Ship-board Inuit-inspired menus: Many expedition cruise lines sailing this route collaborate with Inuit cultural advisors to offer regionally relevant dishes — ask your ship’s dining team what’s sourced locally.
- Hot bouillon on deck: A small but beloved ritual on Arctic expedition ships — cups of warm broth handed out during zodiac returns to help you thaw out.
- Muktuk (if offered culturally): Frozen beluga whale skin and blubber — a traditional Inuit delicacy sometimes shared by local guides as part of cultural programming; approach respectfully and gratefully.
Shopping
There are no shops, markets, or vendors on Resolution Island itself. Any authentic Inuit art or crafts you wish to purchase should be sought through your ship’s onboard shop or at previous ports of call in Nunavut communities like Iqaluit or Kimmirut.
Look specifically for soapstone carvings, hand-stitched kamiks (traditional boots), and prints by Inuit artists — these are genuinely meaningful souvenirs. Avoid purchasing anything made from protected marine mammal products unless you have confirmed legal clearance for import into your home country.
Practical Tips
- Currency: There are no transactions possible on the island — carry cash only for onboard purchases; Canadian dollars are standard throughout Nunavut.
- Dress in layers: Temperatures can drop below 5°C even in August; waterproof outer layers and thermal underlayers are non-negotiable.
- Tipping: Tip your expedition guides aboard ship — CAD $10–20 per day per guide is considered appropriate for this level of specialised knowledge.
- Go ashore early: Morning landings typically offer calmer seas and better wildlife activity than afternoon attempts.
- Safety briefings are mandatory: Follow all polar bear watch protocols issued by your expedition team — this is not a formality.
- Photography planning: The light in the High Arctic is extraordinary but fleeting; a professional session can help you make the most of it 🎟 Book: Private Vacation Photography Session with Local Photographer in Victoria.
- Allow 3–4 hours ashore: A proper Resolution Island landing deserves unhurried time — don’t rush back to the ship.
Pack your sense of wonder alongside your thermals, and Resolution Island will hand you memories that no beach resort ever could.
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
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📍 Getting to Resolution Island, Nunavut Canada
Use the interactive map below to explore the port area and plan your route from the terminal.
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