Gjoa Haven, Nunavut

Gjoa Haven is a hamlet in Nunavut, above the Arctic Circle, located in the Kitikmeot Region, 1,056 km (656 mi) northeast of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. It is the only settlement on King William Island. It is the only settlement on King William Island. The name Gjoa Haven is from the Norwegian "Gjøahavn" or "Gjøa's Harbour", and was named by polar explorer Roald Amundsen after his ship Gjøa.

Gjoa Haven is typical of Nunavut communities in that it has many artisans who make traditional soapstone carvings, jewelry, sewn items and Inuit art; however, the quality of work produced by Gjoa Haven carvers is recognized in the industry as exceptional. There are two or three 'pockets' of very talented carvers and artisans in Nunavut, and our Gjoa Haven carvers have a very good reputation.

General Information

Cruise Season - May - Oct
Currency - Canadian dollar ($) (CAD)
Language - Inuit Language (Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun), English, French
Population - 1,280
Area - 28.47 km2
Electricity - 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT minus seven hours
International Country Telephone Code - +709

Travel Links - The community is served by the Gjoa Haven Airport and by annual supply sealift.