Basil Bay is located on the mainland coast of Nunavut, approximately 60 kilometres from the community of Kugluktuk. It is a coastal bay on the Arctic Ocean, characterized by deep water and good shelter, making it a viable destination for paddlers. The south shore of the bay is noted for having good beaches, which provide potential access points for launching and landing small craft like kayaks. The coastline from Locker Point to Bernard Harbour, which includes the area around Basil Bay, is very exposed and shallow, indicating that conditions can change rapidly and paddlers must be prepared for open water and variable depths. The region is remote, featuring a landscape of rolling tundra with innumerable lakes and streams inland from the coast. The bay has been used as a site for science camps, suggesting a base level of seasonal human activity. Paddlers should be prepared for typical high Arctic conditions, including cold water temperatures year-round, the potential for sea ice into the summer months, and exposure to wind. There is no information on specific facilities, amenities, or regulations for recreational paddling, underscoring the need for complete self-sufficiency, careful planning for extreme remoteness, and consultation of official nautical resources for navigation.