Coral Harbour is located on the southern shore of Southampton Island, in the northern rim of Hudson Bay. The Inuktitut name for the community is Salliq ("large, flat island in front of the mainland"); the English name refers to the fossilized coral that is found in the harbour. Coral Harbour is one of the best places in Nunavut to see marine wildlife. The nearby Coates Island is a resting place for colonies of walruses. Two bird sanctuaries, the East Bay Migratory Bird Sanctuary and the Harry Gibbons Migratory Bird Sanctuary are a must for bird watchers. Thousands of snow geese, as well as tundra swans, sandhill cranes and other species migrate to the area in spring. Local outfitters offer boat tours to view the wildlife in the area.