Taloyoak, Nunavut, formerly known as Spence Bay until 1 July 1992, is a unique community located on the Boothia Peninsula, in the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut, Canada. The community, also known as Talurjuaq in Inuktitut syllabics (ᑕᓗᕐᔪᐊᖅ [taloʁjuˈaq]), is the northernmost community in mainland Canada. The name "Taloyoak" translates to "large blind" in Inuktitut, referring to a stone caribou blind or a screen used for caribou hunting.
According to the 2021 Canadian census conducted by Statistics Canada, Taloyoak had a population of 934 living in 203 of its 251 total private dwellings. This represented a change of -9.2% from its 2016 population of 1,029. With a land area of 35.38 km2 (13.66 sq mi), it had a population density of 26.4/km2 (68.4/sq mi) in 2021. The languages spoken in the community are English and Inuktitut.
Since 2005, the community of Taloyoak has been served by the Qiniq network. This fixed wireless service provides connectivity to homes and businesses, linking them to the outside world via a satellite backbone. The Qiniq network is designed and operated by SSi Canada. In 2017, the network was upgraded to 4G LTE technology, and 2G-GSM for mobile voice.
The landscape surrounding Taloyoak is a stunning blend of tundra and black/grey ground. To the north, visitors can marvel at an impressive rock formation that bears a striking resemblance to Uluru. Further north lies the Murchison Promontory, the northernmost mainland point of the Americas and of Canada.
Taloyoak experiences a tundra climate (“ET”), a sub-type of the polar climate under the Köppen climate classification. This means that the community has short but cool summers and long, cold winters. Despite the harsh climate, the natural beauty of the area and the rich cultural history of the community make Taloyoak, Nunavut a fascinating destination for those seeking a unique travel experience.
