Called 'Sanirajak' in Inuktitut, this is the oldest known permanently inhabited community existing north of the Arctic Circle. Hall Beach is a very traditional Inuit hamlet located on the eastern side of Melville Peninsula, which is part of the Canadian mainland. It faces south toward the fertile waters of Foxe Basin. For thousands of years, the local people have enjoyed and benefited from the yearly arrival of large herds of sunbathing, squabbling ivory-tusked walruses of enormous girth and tooth. This ancient place boasts some of the best northern wildlife viewing sites on the planet and it has an exceptional human history. The local hunters say that you will see creatures here that you just won't see in many other parts of the circumpolar world. A happy sense of community here warmly welcomes you and draws you deeply into the local Inuit culture.
- Ethnic distribution
- 92% Inuit
- Inuktitut, English
Longitude 81° 13’ W
Latitude 68° 46’ N
Flat, seagoing beach ground.
Hall Beach summers have 24-hour daylight from May 21 to July 22. During the warmer months of July through September the temperature gets as high as 20°C sometimes, averaging around 10°C. In the wintertime, the temperature can drop to -30°C.
In ancient times, the Thule people (pronounced 'too-lee') inhabited the region surrounding Hall Beach. They are the direct ancestors of the Inuit people living here today. Nearby archaeological sites of the Thule culture — including ancient tent rings of stone, sod houses, food cache sites and graves — are still being discovered to this day.
First contact with Europeans happened in 1821, when British explorers William Edward Parry and George Francis Lyon arrived in two Royal Navy ships, the Fury and the Hecla. The narrow strait that divides Melville Peninsula from Baffin Island, which is jammed with ice for most of the year, is named after these two vessels.
The community of Hall Beach was formally recognized as a hamlet in 1957, following the construction of a NORAD Distant Early Warning (DEW) station here. The military base attracted people to this area with the promise of jobs and trade. Hall Beach has continued to prosper and grow ever since. After the Cold War ended, the DEW station was eventually decommissioned. The local Inuit men have always continued to hunt and fish in this area to provide their families with nutritious foods, tools, art supplies and clothing materials.
Activities & Wildlife
Snowmobiling and dog sledding excursions are very popular activities for visitors here, also cross-country skiing and hiking, yet the greatest attraction for many people who come to visit Hall Beach is the incredible diversity of arctic wildlife species to be seen and enjoyed here. Huge numbers of migratory birds flock to this area, including loons, geese, eider ducks, terns, jaegers, gyrfalcons, snow buntings and snowy owls. The nutrient rich waters of Foxe Basin are perfect for an abundance of walruses, seals, narwhals, belugas and bowhead whales. Polar bears are also commonly seen in this region. It is best to have an experienced local guide take you to the optimal locations for viewing wildlife. In addition, they will happily escort you to a number of interesting historical places nearby — including a whale skeleton eight hundred years old, the wreckage of a WWII vintage bomber aircraft that crashed on route to the old DEW station, plus several archaeological sites with ancient Thule artifacts, transporting you back in time for a glimpse into the lifestyle of Inuit ancestors.
Arts & Culture
Hall Beach is a deeply traditional community, which means that our unique Inuit culture completely envelops you from the moment you arrive. You will be immersed in our special arctic way of life while still being able to enjoy most of the modern amenities that you have at home. The art scene in 'Sanirajak' is exciting and vibrant, with many talented local artists creating unique, high-quality prints, carvings and jewellery in a variety of materials.
There are no territorial or national parks located near Hall Beach.