· CA

Iqaluit

Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada

Iqaluit, located in Nunavut, Canada, is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance. As the capital of Nunavut, Iqaluit serves as a gateway to th…

#Arctic#Remote#Inuit culture#Northern Canada#Capital city

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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Iqaluit.

Top Hotels in Iqaluit

Top Flights to Iqaluit

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Iqaluit.

Tours

Explore the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum

Discover the rich history and culture of Nunavut through exhibits showcasing Inuit art and artifacts.

Visit Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre

Learn about the local culture, wildlife, and environmental stewardship through interactive displays.

Shopping

Experience Inuit Art at the Inuit Art Centre

Explore traditional and contemporary Inuit artworks and crafts.

Iqaluit Farmers' Market

Purchase fresh local produce and handmade crafts at Iqaluit's weekend market.

Outdoor

Hiking at Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park

Enjoy breathtaking views and rich Arctic wildlife on a hiking adventure.

Arctic Winter Games Complex

Get active at this multi-use sports facility built for the Arctic Winter Games.

Apex Beach Relaxation

A serene beach attraction ideal for picnics and relaxation.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

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Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Iqaluit.

Currency

$ | CAD | Canadian Dollar

Population

8,000

Languages

Inuktitut, English, French, Inuktitut

Average weather

Iqaluit

Jan

-21°-29°

Feb

-21°-30°

Mar

-16°-26°

Apr

-8°-18°

May

-1°-7°

Jun

6°0°

Jul

12°5°

Aug

11°4°

Sep

6°1°

Oct

-1°-6°

Nov

-10°-17°

Dec

-17°-26°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Iqaluit.

What people love

Iqaluit, located in Nunavut, Canada, offers a unique and remote travel experience. Some of the pros of traveling to Iqaluit include:

Rich Inuit Culture: Iqaluit is the capital of Nunavut and is a hub of Inuit culture and traditions. Travelers can immerse themselves in the local culture by visiting museums, art galleries, and attending cultural events.
Arctic Wilderness: Iqaluit is surrounded by stunning Arctic landscapes, including fjords, tundra, and ice-covered waters. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like hiking, wildlife watching, and dog sledding in this pristine wilderness.
Northern Lights: Iqaluit is located in the auroral oval, making it a great place to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Travelers can enjoy spectacular light displays during the winter months.
Adventure Opportunities: Iqaluit offers a variety of adventure activities such as snowmobiling, ice fishing, and kayaking. Visitors can explore the rugged terrain and unique wildlife of the Arctic region.
Small Town Charm: Iqaluit has a small-town atmosphere with friendly locals and a welcoming community. Travelers can experience authentic northern hospitality and get a taste of life in Canada's far north.

Overall, traveling to Iqaluit provides a chance to explore a remote Arctic destination, experience Inuit culture, and enjoy outdoor adventures in a stunning natural environment.

What to know

Traveling to Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, does have some potential challenges and cons that you should be aware of:

Extreme Weather Conditions: Iqaluit experiences harsh weather conditions, especially in the winter months. Temperatures can drop significantly low, with strong winds and heavy snowfall, making travel difficult and potentially dangerous.
Limited Transportation Options: Given its remote location, getting to and from Iqaluit can be challenging. Flights are the primary mode of transportation, and delays or cancellations due to weather conditions are common, which can disrupt travel plans.
High Cost of Living: Iqaluit is known for its high cost of living, which can extend to accommodations, food, and other goods and services. Travelers should be prepared for higher-than-average prices during their stay.
Limited Tourist Infrastructure: Compared to more popular tourist destinations, Iqaluit may have limited tourist infrastructure and amenities. Accommodation options, restaurants, and attractions may be more limited, and visitors should manage their expectations accordingly.
Cultural Sensitivity: Iqaluit is home to a predominantly Inuit population, and visitors should be respectful of their culture and traditions. It's essential to educate yourself on local customs and norms to ensure a positive and respectful travel experience.
Limited Daylight Hours: Iqaluit experiences extreme variations in daylight hours throughout the year, with long days in the summer and very short days in the winter. Travelers should be prepared for the impact of these daylight changes on their activities and schedules.
Limited Health Care Facilities: Being a remote location, Iqaluit may have limited healthcare facilities and services. Travelers with specific medical conditions should ensure they have adequate health insurance coverage and access to necessary medications.

While Iqaluit offers a unique and authentic travel experience, it's essential to be prepared for the potential challenges and cons that come with visiting this remote Arctic destination.

Iqaluit, the capital city of Nunavut, Canada, has a rich history that reflects the cultural and historical evolution of the Arctic region. Below is a detailed overview:

Early History:

Iqaluit, meaning "place of many fish" in Inuktitut, has been inhabited by Inuit peoples for thousands of years. The area was traditionally used as a fishing camp by the Inuit.
The Thule people, ancestors of the modern Inuit, settled in this region around 1000 AD.

European Contact and 20th Century Development:

The first recorded European contact was in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when whalers and explorers began to frequent the area.
During World War II, the United States established an airbase known as Frobisher Bay Air Base in 1942 as part of the Crimson Route, a series of airbases for ferrying aircraft to Europe. This marked the beginning of significant non-Indigenous settlement in the area.

Post-War Period:

After the war, the Canadian and American governments continued to use the airbase, which led to the development of a small community around it.
In the 1950s, the community was officially named Frobisher Bay, after the English navigator Martin Frobisher, who was one of the first Europeans to explore the area in search of the Northwest Passage.

Creation of Nunavut:

In the 1970s, Inuit leaders began negotiating with the Canadian government for the creation of a new territory.
On April 1, 1999, Nunavut officially became a territory, separate from the Northwest Territories, and Frobisher Bay was renamed Iqaluit, becoming the capital of the new territory.

Significant Events and Figures:

The creation of Nunavut was a significant event, marking a major step in the recognition of Inuit self-governance and culture.
Important figures in the history of Iqaluit include Inuit leaders like John Amagoalik, often referred to as the "Father of Nunavut," who played a crucial role in the negotiations for the creation of the territory.

Important Landmarks:

St. Jude's Cathedral: Known for its unique igloo-shaped architecture, the cathedral is an iconic landmark in Iqaluit.
Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of the Inuit, featuring artifacts and exhibits that highlight the traditional and contemporary life of the Inuit.
Legislative Assembly of Nunavut: As the seat of the territorial government, this building is central to the political life of Nunavut.
Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park: Located just outside Iqaluit, this park offers stunning natural landscapes and is a popular spot for outdoor activities.

Iqaluit continues to grow as a center of Inuit culture and government, balancing modern development with traditional ways of life.