The high Arctic of Nunavut holds settlements that once supported hunting, trading posts, mining or seasonal camps, and their empty buildings and cairns tell pieces of that history. Travel here is remote and weather-driven, so the sites feel quiet and isolated rather than staged for visitors.
There are 10 Ghost Towns in Nunavut, ranging from Amadjuak to Port Leopold. For each entry I list Country, Coordinates (lat, long), Last inhabited (year) — you’ll find below.
Are these ghost towns safe to visit?
Safety varies: many sites are remote, lack services, and are subject to extreme weather and wildlife risks. Visit only with proper planning, permits if required, reliable transport and communication, and local guidance; check current conditions with territorial authorities or nearby communities before you go.
How reliable are the “Last inhabited” dates?
Dates are drawn from historical records, census data, and local sources, but they can reflect different endpoints (final seasonal use vs. last permanent residents). Treat them as useful guides rather than exact moments; consult cited archival or community sources for detailed research.
Ghost Towns in Nunavut
| Name | Country | Coordinates (lat, long) | Last inhabited (year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dundas Harbour | Canada | 74.53, -82.40 | 1951 |
| Fort Ross | Canada | 72.01, -94.23 | 1948 |
| Craig Harbour | Canada | 76.21, -81.01 | 1956 |
| Port Leopold | Canada | 74.03, -90.35 | 1937 |
| Nanisivik | Canada | 73.04, -84.54 | 2002 |
| Port Burwell (Killiniq) | Canada | 60.42, -64.82 | 1978 |
| Padlei | Canada | 61.93, -96.68 | 1960 |
| Ennadai | Canada | 61.13, -100.89 | 1957 |
| Kivitoo | Canada | 67.92, -64.88 | 1963 |
| Amadjuak | Canada | 64.63, -70.83 | 1934 |
Images and Descriptions
Dundas Harbour
Established on Devon Island in 1924 as an RCMP sovereignty post with relocated Inuit families. Harsh conditions led to its final abandonment. The remaining buildings and graves are now a historic site within Sirmilik National Park, often visited by expedition cruise ships.
Fort Ross
The last Hudson’s Bay Company post built in the Arctic, established in 1937 on Somerset Island. Closed after only 11 years due to severe ice conditions making resupply impossible. The main buildings are maintained by Inuit as an emergency shelter and are extremely remote.
Craig Harbour
An RCMP post on southern Ellesmere Island founded in 1922 to enforce Canadian sovereignty. The site was permanently abandoned when its staff and local Inuit residents were moved to the new settlement of Grise Fiord. It is now a remote historical site.
Port Leopold
A former Hudson’s Bay Company trading post on Somerset Island that operated from 1926 to 1937. It was abandoned due to its extreme isolation and the difficulty of resupply. The well-preserved building is a landmark for the few Arctic travelers who pass by.
Nanisivik
A modern mining town on Baffin Island that operated from 1976 until the lead-zinc mine closed in 2002. The townsite was dismantled to prevent environmental issues. The port is now part of a Canadian Forces naval facility, and public access is restricted.
Port Burwell (Killiniq)
A community on Killiniq Island that included a mission, HBC post, and RCMP detachment. Its residents were forcibly relocated in 1978 by the Quebec government, making it a ghost town overnight. The site is a poignant reminder of forced resettlement, accessible by boat.
Padlei
An inland Hudson’s Bay Company post serving the Ahiarmiut Inuit. It was closed as part of a government policy to centralize services, which involved forced relocations of the local population. The site is extremely remote and accessible only by special charter flight.
Ennadai
Site of a former HBC post and Ahiarmiut Inuit settlement near Ennadai Lake. The post closed after the government’s tragic and repeated forced relocations of the Ahiarmiut. The area is a landmark of this controversial chapter in Canadian history and is extremely remote.
Kivitoo
A traditional Inuit settlement on Baffin Island that later became a DEW Line support site. The community was relocated by the government as part of a centralization policy. Today, remnants of both Inuit and Cold War military history mark this remote coastal site.
Amadjuak
A Hudson’s Bay Company trading post on southern Baffin Island that operated from 1921 to 1934. It was closed during a period of HBC consolidation as trade routes shifted. The remote site is a testament to the early fur trade era in the region.
