The Nunavut Research Institute is situated in the arctic zone with vegetation consisting of mosses, lichens, small shrubs, grasses, and low flowering plants. The sub-soil remains frozen throughout the year. Temperatures average below freezing eight months of the year. The terrain around Iqaluit is hilly with influence of marine and glacial deposits. Tidal range in Iqaluit is up to 12 m with a mean tidal range of 9 m. Caribou, polar bear, fox, wolves, and hares can be found in the vicinity of the town. Ring, harp, and bearded seal are found in Frobisher Bay, and beluga whales and walrus are common in the region as well. Eider ducks and Canada geese appear during the warmer months, and wheatears, snow buntings, and rock ptarmigan are present in spring and summer. Arctic char are abundant in the rivers and coastal lakes. Landlocked cod can be found in some lakes off Frobisher Bay.

Nunavut Research Institute accommodates more than 100 research projects each year within the fields of natural, social, and health sciences. Descriptions of research projects licensed by the institute are available on the website at www.nri.ca. Nunavut Research Institute shares a research library with several other organisations that carry out research in Nunavut. The library can be accessed at www.nwmb-lib.com. Research is carried out by Canadian and international universities with an interest in the Arctic.