Cambridge Bay LORAN Tower

The Cambridge Bay LORAN Tower was a 189-meter tall lattice structure with a four-sided base measuring 18 meters on each side near Cambridge Bay. The tower transmitted navigation signals at 245 kHz with a power output of 2,000 watts, using the identification code CB to guide vessels and aircraft across the Arctic.

The tower was built in 1947 as part of the LORAN navigation system and was the tallest freestanding structure in Canada at that time. Its strategic importance shifted when the Distant Early Warning Line was later developed and newer navigation technologies emerged.

The tower served as a vital reference point for local Inuit hunters and travelers, helping them navigate and locate Cambridge Bay from considerable distances. This practical role made it an important landmark in daily life for people across the Arctic region.

The location lies in Canada's remote Arctic and requires careful planning for visits due to limited accessibility. Visitors should inquire about local conditions and the best season to travel in this harsh environment.

The elements that appeared to be supporting guy-wires actually functioned as top-loading components of the antenna system. This clever design detail was integral to how the structure transmitted its navigation signals across the Arctic.

Location: Nunavut

GPS coordinates: 69.11470,-105.01600

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:45