Located to the north of Whale Cove, to the south of Chesterfield and to the east of Baker Lake, attractions near Rankin Inlet include the Meliadine River, known as a good spot for trout and char fishing, and Marble Island, a major whaling site.

Situated close to the geographical centre of Canada, and surrounded by several large rivers, the community was established as a Hudson Bay trading post in 1936, when fur traders made their way up the Kazan river, bringing with them Anglican and Catholic missionaries. In addition to its proximity to the lake of its namesake and the navigable rivers that wind their way through the region, Baker Lake is also surrounded by wide expanses of rolling tundra, home to musk-oxen and caribou.

Visitors to this hamlet can learn about the history of the Inland Inuit people at the Inuit Heritage Centre, through its extensive collection of artifacts, photos, traditional clothing and tools.

Take inspiration from the natural direction of the compass needle and venture north - all the way to the community of Hay River. Past the 60th parallel, the town is situated on the southern shore of Great Slave Lake, and is bordered by the river that shares its name. Hay River was founded in the 1860s when the Hudson's Bay Company set up a trading post and Catholic mission settlement. Prior to the Europeans were the Dene First Nations people, who congregated in the area due to exemplary fishing. Today, it is considered the hub of the north, serving as a gateway to many other Northwest Territories (NWT) locations via the NWT highway system, as well as being the northernmost point serviced by a railway (the Canadian National Railway).

To say that Hay River can become a bit chilly in winter may be an understatement. The temperature can dip down to a toe freezing -30 °C (-22 °F). This does not stop many from braving the frost to enjoy cross-country skiing and snowmobiling during the typically clear-sky days. In summer, temperatures can jump up to 21 °C (70 °F). The story at this time of year is the never-ending daylight (up to 19 hours a day), ideal for canoeing, fishing or gazing at the pristine beauty of the area.

If its vast boreal forests, spectacular sunsets and regular wildlife sightings are not enough to attract visitors to this little northern town, then the spectacular light displays of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) in late August and October surely will.