tourism in iqaluit

• Cambridge Bay
• Cape Dorset
• Chesterfield Inlet
• Clyde River
• Coral Harbour
• Grise Fiord
• Pangnirtung
• Qikiqtarjuaq
• Rankin Inlet

The city of Iqaluit is located on Baffin Island at the northern end of Frobisher Bay near the mouth of the Sylvia Grinnell River.

This exciting, dynamic city is the political, business, journalism and transportation hub of Nunavut, with an excellent airport. The landing strip is long enough to land the space shuttle, so it is often used for cold weather testing of the world’s largest new aircraft.

Formerly known as Frobisher Bay, the modern city of Iqaluit is rich with traditional Inuit culture. It is the home of many Inuit artists, filmmakers and musicians, plus there are arts and culture festivals staged in the spring and summer that bring artists here from across the territory.

Iqaluit is located near beautiful parklands that feature a range of landscapes, mountains, rivers, waterfalls and ancient Thule sites to visit.

Iqaluit ᐃᖃᓗᐃᑦ 'Place of many fish'

Inuktitut, English, French

Longitude 68° 31’ W Latitude 63° 45’ N Elevation 34m City of Iqaluit Map

Iqaluit is situated on gently rolling hills, with rocky outcrops and lush tundra valleys. The tides of Frobisher Bay at Iqaluit rise and fall eight to twelve metres (26-39 feet) twice a day — the second highest tides in Canada after the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia.

Weather & Climate

The city enjoys nearly 24 hours of sunshine in late June and early July, with beautiful twilight skies for two hours around midnight. The shortest days of December have four hours of daylight, with the sun hovering on the southern horizon. Northern Lights are frequently seen from October to April. Winter temperatures of -10°C to -32°C are common.

From May through August, Iqaluit days are long and sunny, averaging 16 hours of daylight with temperatures of 5°C to 25°C.

Current weather in iqaluit.

Broken Clouds

‘Iqaluit’ means ‘place of many fish’ in Inuktitut. The ancient Thule people knew it well. At nearby Qaummaarviit Island there are several archaeological sites containing thousand-year-old artifacts of these great Inuit ancestors.

He sailed into the bay and believed he had found a direct route to China, so he named it ‘Frobisher’s Straites’ after himself. He thought he discovered gold here too, shipping a large amount of it to England where it was recognized as pyrite — fool’s gold. In 1861, the American explorer Charles Francis Hall arrived in search of the lost Franklin Expedition. He learned from a local hunter named Koojesse that ‘Frobisher’s Straites’ was really just a big long bay and not the fabled Northwest Passage, so he hired Koojesse as his guide and geographer, naming an inlet after him.

By 1870, Frobisher ‘Bay’ was frequently visited by whaling vessels and fur trading began. Whaling died out in the early 1900s, but the fur trade expanded. Anglican and Catholic missions arrived. In 1914, the Hudson Bay Company (HBC) opened a trading post at Ward Inlet, about 64 kilometres (40 miles) south of here. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrived in the 1920s.

Americans chose the location of Koojesse Inlet for a United States Air Force (USAF) base during WWII. The airstrip was operational by 1943. The HBC trading post relocated itself nearby and many Inuit families made permanent homes here. The settlement of Frobisher Bay was born.

During the Cold War 1950s it became part of the NORAD DEW line with a population of 1,200 people (40% Inuit) in 1957. The federal government of Canada brought in doctors, teachers, administrators, clerks and support staff. Large numbers of Inuit people continued to settle here. The USAF pulled out in 1963. In 1987 the community changed its name back to Iqaluit, reverting to the original Inuktitut name. The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement was signed here in 1993. By plebiscite in 1995 Iqaluit was chosen to be the capital of the new territory of Nunavut — which officially came into being on April 1, 1999.

The first European to make a big fuss about this place was the British explorer Sir Martin Frobisher in 1576.

Activities and wildlife.

Dog sledding , cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are very popular activities in Iqaluit, also boating, river rafting, canoeing , kayaking , kite skiing and tobogganing.

In the summertime, there are many scenic places to go hiking , fishing , camping and berry picking, such as Sylvia Grinnell Park , the Road to Nowhere and the seaside trail to Apex.

Arctic hares, lemmings and arctic foxes are often found nearby. Caribou are found farther away. When the sea ice breaks up, inquisitive seals can be spotted from town.

There are many opportunities to go hunting and fishing in both summer and winter. Permits are available and local experts will guide you to the best sites. Sledding expeditions into nearby Tarr Inlet, Sylvia Grinnell Park and Katannilik Park are great ways to spend a winter or spring day!

Expect to see large, talkative ravens all year round, as well as ptarmigans, snow buntings and seagulls. Polar bears are rare, but sometimes do show up.

Arts and Culture

Iqaluit has a superb arts tradition.

Locally made carvings, prints, jewellery and finely sewn items of Inuit clothing can be purchased in several locations.

The Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association (NACA) organize an annual summer festival event showcasing Nunavut artists. The Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre celebrates Nunavut — its lands, people and history. Plus there is an excellent museum.

Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association Ph: (867) 979-7808 Fax: (867) 979-6880 www.nacaarts.org

Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre This facility features several cultural exhibits and wildlife displays. It provides maps, tourism and historical information. Unikkaarvik also rents bicycles and shows Inuit movies. With special weekly events, guest speakers and visiting exhibitions, there is always something new and enjoyable happening here. Ph: (867) 979-4636 Fax: (867) 979-3754 Email:  [email protected] www.destinationnunavut.ca

Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum Home to a large collection of local and regional Inuit artifacts and fine art, with interpretive displays and travelling exhibits. Ph: (867) 979-5537 Fax: (867) 979-4533

Traditional cultural activities and the performing arts of Nunavut are showcased in the spring and summer at two very popular festivals.

Toonik Tyme Festival  Iqaluit’s spring festival is held every April. It is a weeklong event that includes traditional Inuit games and activities such as igloo building, dogsled races, snowmobile races, seal skinning contests, musical performances and feasts. www.tooniktyme.com

Alianait Arts Festival  This is a popular summertime cultural event in Iqaluit, taking place in late June to early July, that features performing and visual artists from Nunavut and around the world for several days of music, theatre, film, circus acts and storytelling. www.alianait.ca

Qaummaarviit Territorial Historic Park

Not far from Iqaluit lies the tiny, rocky island of Qaummaarviit, which means ‘the place that shines’ in Inuktitut. This lovely park is rich in archaeological artifacts dating back to the Thule culture that demonstrate the inventiveness and adaptability of this remarkable people. Touring ‘the place that shines’ makes for a great day trip into the ancient past.

Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park

Situated a short distance from Iqaluit is a picturesque park of rolling hills divided in two by the meandering Sylvia Grinnell River. The river was named Sylvia Grinnell by the American explorer Charles Francis Hall in 1861 for a daughter of his benefactor, the American philanthropist Henry Grinnell, a good friend of Lady Jane Franklin who sponsored Hall to search for the lost 1845 John Franklin expedition. Hall camped here in 1861 and named the inlet that this river feeds into after his Inuit guide Koojesse. The views are breathtaking and local people enjoy camping here all summer long. The park provides washrooms, tent platforms and fire pits. There is a pavillion detailing the history and features of the park. The river is a great place to catch fish and the tundra landscape along its course of rapids and waterfalls is a popular picnic location. There are some ancient Thule ruins near the falls. One of the rarest plants in Canada, the woodsia fern grows here. Caribou and arctic fox live here too.

Katannilik Territorial Park

Countless cascades echo the recurring theme of this natural paradise . The park is an ancient arctic oasis corridor that follows the Itijjagiaq Trail and the Soper Valley — a 120 kilometre (75 mile) traditional overland route from Iqaluit to Kimmirut across the Meta Incognita Peninsula. It has beautiful mountains, cliffs, ravines and valleys to explore plus a great many waterfalls to enjoy. Katannilik contains the biggest trees growing on Baffin Island — Dwarf Arctic Willows that grow to three metres (ten feet) tall. Also unique to this park is one of the world’s best deposits of lapis lazuli, the striking blue gemstone.

The Soper River

The Soper is a Canadian Heritage River located inside Katannilik Territorial Park that flows into the Hudson Strait at Kimmirut. Known locally as Kuujjuaq (‘big river’) the Soper River has many challenging sections of whitewater and numerous waterfalls.

The Soper Valley has a unique microclimate that can be 5°C warmer than the surrounding terrain. It is a wonderful place to view wildlife. You may encounter caribou, ptarmigans, arctic hares, arctic foxes and arctic wolves.

So be alert and prudent, never leave a trail of garbage behind you and always use powerful binoculars or telephoto lenses to view these beautiful yet dangerous animals from a safe healthy distance.

‘Katannilik’ means ‘the place of waterfalls.’ In places along the banks of this waterway there are dramatic cliffs rising 305 metres (1,000 feet) straight up. On rare occasions, a polar bear might wander into this area.

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Nunavut , Arctic Travel

21 unique things to do in iqaluit, nunavut + the ultimate iqaluit travel guide.

For a city of just 8,000 people, Iqaluit really punches above its weight. When I first moved to Nunavut’s capital city, I was painfully lonely . But once I started making friends and getting out of the house more, I really fell in love with it. I was surprised to find there are a ton of things to do in Iqaluit, whether you’re visiting as a tourist or moving there yourself.

In the following post, I’ll go over 21 of the unique things to do in Iqaluit – activities and sights that you’re unlikely to be able to do in any other Canadian city. From snowmobiling to dog sledding, kayaking on the Arctic Ocean to hiking over tundra, catching a bite to eat or attending a festival, you’re sure to find enough activities to fill your itinerary.

In addition to the specific activities, I’ve also included all the information I think you’d need to plan your trip: how to get to Iqaluit, where to stay, how to get around, the best time of year and more. This is a BIG post, so use the table of contents below to jump to exact information you’re interested in.

My experience in Iqaluit : Part of the inspiration for writing this post came from reading other “things to do in Iqaluit” posts I found on Google – it was obvious they were written by people who hadn’t lived in (or even been to) Iqaluit themselves. I’ve made two trips to Iqaluit: one where I lived there for four months supporting tours for guests (potentially you!) and another as a tourist myself. So know these recommendations come from a place of experience!

Map of Things to do in Iqaluit

All of the activities listed in the blog post can be found on the following map. In addition, I’ve included the airport, hotels, grocery stores and other points of interest. Iqaluit is a pretty small place, so most things can be accessed on foot. Otherwise, all taxis in the city are $7 per person, regardless of where in the city you are going (and this includes the town of Apex as well).

When to Visit & How Long to Stay

When you visit depends on what activities you want to do, and I go into extreme detail about Nunavut in each month of the year in this post . Long story short is:

Winter Activities : Mid-February through April. At this time of year, the days will be long (over 12 hours) the bay will still be frozen (needed for snowmobiling) and it’s possible to see the northern lights.

Summer Activities : August through October. At this time of year, the tundra will be starting to change colour, the days will be getting shorter (but still over 12 hours) and there will be the possibility of seeing northern lights.

If you want to experience the peak of the midnight sun, May through July is the best time to visit. However, this limits the amount of activities you can do. In June and sometimes July, the bay won’t be frozen enough for snowmobiling, but will still be too frozen for kayaking.

Another consideration to keep in mind is whether you want to visit a festival. Further in this post I’ve written about Alainait (an awesome cultural festival in June) and Toonik Tyme (the welcoming of Spring, in April), either of which you could plan your trip around.

I think four days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Iqaluit . Three days would be enough time to do most of the activities on this list, however weather in the arctic can be temperamental, so I think it’s best to have the buffer of an extra day.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support is much appreciated! You can learn more by reading my full disclosure .

How to Get to Iqaluit

One of the first questions I’m asked whenever I tell people I lived in Iqaluit is “How do you even get there?” (quickly followed by “Isn’t it super expensive though?”).

First of all, it’s actually pretty easy to get to Iqaluit – there are direct flights from both Ottawa and Montreal by Canadian North. Both flights are around four hours. (If you want more details on getting to Iqaluit or travelling within Nunavut, check out this post ).

The flights actually are quite expensive. Last I checked, the flight between Ottawa and Iqaluit was ~$750, but you can check the latest using the form below.

In my post How to Visit Nunavut on the Cheap , I have some tips on saving money – including how to score tickets for just under $250. (Hint: It involves Aeroplan.)

Where to Stay in Iqaluit

There are four major hotels in Iqaluit plus a handful of Airbnbs. I haven’t stayed at any of these hotels myself (I was in the house when I lived in Iqaluit). However the guests I guided did, and they were always keen to offer their feedback. I’ve actually written an entire blog post with recommendations for where to stay in Iqaluit , but I’ve summarized all the info below.

Frobisher Inn  – Also known as the Frobe, this is a large hotel in the center of the city. The feedback I got from guests included:

• Good location in the city
• The rooms are nice and comfortable
• Food options right at the hotel
• Overall pleasant experience

The Discovery Lodge Hotel  – The boutique hotel. Arguably the nicest hotel (when Leonardo DiCaprio came to Iqaluit this is the hotel he stayed in). Feedback:

• Smallest hotel, nicest rooms
• Not as great of a location (slightly outside the downtown core, however Iqaluit is so small it doesn’t make a big difference)
• Really good restaurant

Capital Suites   – In all honestly I haven’t heard much about Capital Suites (we didn’t often book guests at this hotel) so I don’t have feedback on this hotel. Sorry!

Bed & Breakfast

Accommodations By The Sea  – Cute bed & breakfast outside of city center with great views of the Bay.

• Small B&B with fewer guests and great hosts
• Better prices for what you get
• Breakfast provided, no other food options nearby
• Great views of Frobisher Bay

Airbnb  – There are also a few Airbnb options in Iqaluit. These are limited and you definitely need to book well in advance. An Airbnb won’t be much cheaper than a hotel, but you will get access to a kitchen which will save you money eating out.

From conversations I had with guests, it seemed   Accommodations By The Sea  is the best option for accommodation in Iqaluit , followed by The Discovery Lodge Hotel  in second. Next time I’m in Iqaluit, I’ll try staying at some of these so I can give you additional first hand information!

What to Read Next: The Ultimate Nunavut Travel Guide

Winter Activities

The following activities are things you can do in Iqaluit during the winter.

Snowmobiling   

Snowmobiling is one of my all-time favourite things to do in Iqaluit. First of all, because I love zipping over the frozen sea ice at 50 km/h. But also because the sea ice has some really cool features you won’t notice unless you’re on it for some time.

For starters, did you know that Frobisher Bay has the second highest tides in the world? It’s hard to notice this in the winter, because the ocean is covered in a thick layer of sea ice. However, when you leave town and spend some time on the sea ice, the height of the tides because much more apparent. When the tide is in, the sea ice is flush with the surrounding landscape. But when the tide is out, the sea ice falls with it, leaving the impression of ice cliffs around the perimeter of the bay.

The second cool feature of sea ice is the polenya – essentially a patch of sea ice that never freezes and remains open water year round. This makes for a really beautiful sight, and you can sometimes see birds and other wildlife here.

You can read more about my experience on a guided snowmobiling trip here.

Ice Fishing

Join a local guide for a trip out on the sea ice. You’ll travel over sea ice on snowmobile to come to a secret fishing spot. With the hole drilled and the rod in hand, you can try your hand at catching Arctic Char. I’ve never had lunch catching Arctic Char myself, but I always enjoy the excuse to get out on a snowmobile – and hey, maybe you’re skills are better than mine!

Dog Sledding   

Another winter activity that gets you out on the land is dog sledding. Dog sledding is the traditional transportation method for Inuit, and there are a handful of people who still dog sled today. I had a great time petting the dogs, riding behind them and feeding them. You can read more about the experience here .

Although, if you had to choose between snowmobiling and dog sledding, personally, I would choose snowmobiling.

Backcountry Skiing and Snowshoeing

If you want to get out on the snowy tundra in a slower way, you can join a guided skiing or snowshoeing trip. The gradual slopes of the tundra hills lends itself nicely to beginner skiers / snowshoers.

Northern Lights

Iqaluit is a good geographical position for hosting the northern lights, and if you visit between late September and early April, you have a good chance of seeing them yourself. (Check out this post on how to photograph the northern lights .)

If the northern lights is the primary reason for your visit to Iqaluit, then I’d recommend joining Arctic Kingdom’s Northern Lights trip which, among other things, includes a town tour and a northern lights photography workshop.

Summer Activities

The following activities are possible in Iqaluit’s summer months. If this is what you’re interested in doing, I think August / September would be the best time to visit Iqaluit.

Hiking on the Tundra

Here’s a fun fact for you about Iqaluit and, more broadly, Baffin Island. Despite being so far north, Baffin Island is still a part of the ancient Canadian Shield, a geography of exposed Precambrian igneous and high-grade metamorphic rock. Specifically, Baffin Island has some of the oldest rocks in the world. The oldest fossil was uncovered by scientists on Baffin Island – a species of red algae.

Unlike in the south, where ample vegetation can grow on the Canadian Shield, Baffin Island lies above the tree line. So instead of towering pine trees, the land has various mosses, lichens, berry patches and other low-lying fauna. Hiking on the tundra is unlike hiking anywhere else!

Hiking in and around Iqaluit is typically suitable for all levels of hikers. One benefit to the vast and sprawling tundra is a lack of elevation gain, so for the most part, you don’t have to worry about any steep inclines or declines.

This trail connects Iqaluit with its nearest town, Apex. The trial takes a little over an hour to complete and will take you by the historic Hudson Bay Buildings. There’s a big hill you can climb at the end, which will provide additional views of the bay.

Note : The Apex Trail starts next to a cemetery (see below). Please be respectful when walking around the cemetery.

Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park

On this hike, follow a trail along the Sylvia Grinnell River, a bright blue glacially-fed river. From the parking lot, it’s a quick climb to a lookout deck. Then head down to the river and wander. There are a few points in the trail where you can climb up to higher ground for another vantage point.

This trail leaves Apex and goes toward Ward Inlet. Since you’ll be out on the tundra and outside of town, I recommend hiring a guide for this one. It’s easy to get turned around on the tundra (or, in very, very rare instances, encounter wild animals).

Sea Kayaking on Frobisher Bay

Once large pockets of Frobisher Bay are free of sea ice, it’s a great time to go kayaking. You’ll need to join a trip with an outfitter and get you suited up with dry suit, paddle and kayak, and then lead you on a guided tour of the bay. In addition to kayaking being a blast, I think this is a great way to see Iqaluit from another angle.

Canoeing on Sylvia Grinnell River

I’ve actually never done this myself, which is surprising because my two favourite things are canoeing and the arctic… and this activity has both! There is an option for a two hour hike along the Sylvia Grinnell River and then takes them down the river in canoes. This sounds like the coolest thing! Hopefully on my next trip I can try this out and let you know how it goes.

All-Year Sights to See Around Iqaluit

The following places are sights you can visit in Iqaluit year round.

Historical & Cultural City Tour

The easiest way to see all of the sights listed below is to take a tour with Inukpak Outfitting or organize a trip package with Arctic Kingdom. At the bottom of this post there are links to the specific activities they offer.

Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre

Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre is a great place to start your trip in Iqaluit. It’s free to explore, you’ll learn a ton about the arctic and history of Inuit in the area, and will be able to get recommendations about additional things to do and see in Iqaluit.

Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum

Adjacent to the Visitor Centre is Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, Nunavut’s sole museum. The exhibits promote local culture and history and showcase art from Inuit artists. There are three sections to the museum. The far room on the right has the most beautiful photos illustrating modern Inuit life. On the left, there is traditional hunting gear and clothing, plus you can watch short video clips created by students in other Nunavut communities.

Hudson Bay Buildings

Even if you don’t do the Apex trail hike listed above, you can still visit the Hudson Bay Buildings. In the town of Apex, a few minute’s drive from Iqaluit, you can drive right up to them. The buildings were moved frequently between 1914 and 1943, until they eventually found their home in Apex. Today the buildings are boarded up, however you can see them from the outside.

Distant Early Warning Line

Iqaluit was home to a US military base after World War II. Built in the 1950s, the Distant Early Warning Line (commonly referred to as the DEW Line) was a radar system aimed at detecting a Russian air attack before it reached the United States. The system has long been dismantled, however it is still possible to drive up to it. From here you get an awesome view of Iqaluit and Frobisher Bay.

Legislative Assembly of Nunavut

The land that is currently Nunavut was once part of The Northwest Territories. However, the people of what is now Nunavut desired their own territory – to govern themselves in a way more closely tied to their culture, including the use of Inuktitut as an official government language.

It took three decades of hard work, but in 1999 Nunavut became a separate territory and Iqaluit became Canada’s newest capital city. On a tour of the Legislative Assembly, you’ll learn more about the formation of Nunavut and what makes the governing system here so unique. Call in advance to schedule a tour .

The Road to Nowhere

A drive down the Road To Nowhere literally takes you nowhere – it’s just a road that stretches out into the tundra for couple minutes and abruptly stops. I’ve started some hikes from there and have gone ATV-ing in the area, but for the most part, it’s just wide open tundra. That said, you get to say you’ve been down The Road To Nowhere, which in and of itself, sounds pretty cool.

Annual Festivals

Toonik tyme.

Toonik Tyme is a 10 day festival in April each year to celebrate the arrival of spring. Started in 1965, Toonik Tyme is a celebration of Inuit culture: the festival features traditional Inuit games, throat singing, dancing, a feast and more. It’s a way to keep the culture thriving and the community close. I haven’t been in Iqaluit to attend Toonik Tyme yet, but I’m planning my next trip to Iqaluit around it.

Alainait Arts Festival

The Alainait Arts Festival is an insanely cool music festival hosted in Iqaluit that brings together artists from across the arctic. This was actually the first music festival I ever attended and, boy did it set high expectations! There were musicians, dancers and other entertainment acts from across Nunavut, the other territories, Labrador and even Greenland. Hosted in late June when the midnight sun is at it’s highest, Alainait Arts Festival is reason alone to visit Iqaluit in June.

Food Joints

NuBrew is a new-ish microbrewery in Iqaluit. It holds the title of Canada’s most northernly microbrewery and is a great place to meet friends over a pint. They also host live music, trivia nights and other events at the brewery.

Black Heart Cafe

This is an absolutely excellent cafe in Iqaluit. They have, what I believe to be, the best breakfast sandwich I’ve ever had. They put a hash brown INSIDE the breakfast sandwich! Why doesn’t everyone do this?!? Pair it with a handcrafted vanilla latte and you’re in for a great meal.

Storehouse Bar & Grill

This is my favourite place to grab a drink and play a game of pool. It’s located on the main floor of the Frobisher Inn. They do an awesome hamburger and have a great selection of beers / ciders (considering you’re in the arctic, that is).

Tip for ordering drinks : You know how you normally head to the bar and semi-elbow your way to the front to order a drink? Yeah, people don’t do that here. There’s actually a line that forms from the bar and people wait a moment for their turn to order a drink.

Nunavut Country Food

This is where you can pick up delicious frozen Smoked Arctic Char to take home with you. It’s great as a fancy substitute to smoked salmon on bagels with cream cheese, or in rice paper spring rolls.

Tour Operators in Iqaluit

There are two primary tour operators in Iqaluit, both of which I have experienced personally.

Arctic Kingdom

First of all, there is Arctic Kingdom (the guiding company I worked with when I was living in Iqaluit). They offer two trip packages, which is perfect if you want to have the majority of your trip organized for you in advance. Both trip packages include all activities, hotel stays and round-trip airfare from Ottawa to Iqaluit . Arctic Kingdom has negotiated a special rate for airfare, so save money when you book everything through them.

• Taste of the Arctic Summer : This package includes hiking, kayaking, and a town tour.
• Northern Lights : This package includes a town tour, winter hiking, and a northern lights photo workshop.

Inukpak Outfitting

Second, there is Inukpak Outfitting , which is a better option if you want to book specific activities rather than your entire trip. Also, they are the only outfitter that offers snowmobiling, dog sledding and skiing / snowshoeing.

Additional Resources

I hope this has been helping in planning your trip to Iqaluit (or showing you why you should take a trip here). Before I sign off, here are a few additional posts I’ve written to give you even more information about traveling to Iqaluit.

• How to Visit Nunavut on the Cheap
• The Ultimate Nunavut Travel Guide
• Snowmobiling over Arctic Ocean & Frozen Tundra in Nunavut
• Hotels in Iqaluit, Nunavut: Where to Stay on your Arctic Getaway
• Living in Iqaluit and overcoming loneliness as blinding as the blizzards

What to Read Next: How to get to Nunavut, Canada’s Seemingly Inaccessible Territory

Mikaela | Voyageur Tripper

Mikaela has been canoeing, hiking and camping for over ten years. She previously worked as a canoeing guide in Canada, and spent a season guiding hiking and kayaking tours in the high Arctic. Mikaela is a Wilderness First Responder and Whitewater Rescue Technician.

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Hi Mikaela. Your blog was awesome. We just started looking into visiting your area. Arctic Kingdom isn’t open on the weekends so we will talk to them on Monday. We are interested in dog sledding snowmobiling, narwhals and polar bears. Thanks for the overview. Very informative.

Hey Nancy! You’re very welcome! I hope you’ll be able to do a narwhal or polar bear trip – they are truly once-in-a-lifetime activities! You can do a few days in Iqaluit either at the start or the end of an arctic safari, where you’ll be able to go snowmobiling and dog sledding. Have a great trip!

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• City of Iqaluit - (867) 979 - 5600

Whether you are coming for business or pleasure, Iqaluit has lots to offer when you visit! 

If you love the outdoors, you will fall in love with our city for its year round activities. Frobisher Bay is a great kite-skiing destination in the winter, as well as a snowmobilers playground. In the spring and summer, fishing, kayaking, boating and even diving are all activities that will make your trip a memorable one. Our licensed outfitters can help you plan a day trip, a town tour, or even a camping adventure. 

If you'd prefer to explore some of our highlights on your own, here are the attractions not to miss:

Traditionally known as "Niaqunngut", Apex is part of Iqaluit and located approximately  five kilometres from the core of the city. The view from Apex is stunning as it is surrounded by hills and water. The beachfront in Apex offers you an opportunity to dip your toes into Frobisher Bay and pose in front of decades-old Hudson Bay buildings.  You can get to Apex by taxi, but the approximately 40-minute walk along the trail from Iqaluit is a hike you won't soon forget. 

Legislative Assembly

The home of the territory's government, the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut features a beautiful chambers that has worked traditional elements such as sealskin into the modern design. Look for unique features that show how proud we are of our traditional Inuit culture, including doorframes that look like qamutik rails and an iglu-inspired construction. 

Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum

The museum is housed inside a former Hudson Bay Company building and showcases examples of traditional Inuit tools, clothing and artifacts, along with being the place to showcase artwork in the gallery. The prints displayed in the museum change frequently, so be sure to check this out each visit. There is a gift shop that offers unique carvings, clothing and jewellery. If time allows, be sure to check out the binders full of old photographs upstairs, which offer insight into early Iqaluit. 

Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre

As soon as you enter the visitor centre, you'll be impressed by the beautiful carving of a drum dancer that takes centre stage in the lobby. This is the first stop you should make to help you book trips with outfitters offering dog sledding, boating and other activities. 

The Road to Nowhere

Every city has its most famous road and ours is the Road to Nowhere. Most tourists want a picture under the road sign. If you'd like to actually experience the Road to Nowhere, you can hike or walk it year-round, ski it in the winter or drive in the summer. This scenic route will take you just outside of town on a winding road that goes by lakes, rolling hills and tundra until it eventually ends, in the middle of nowhere! 

Toonik Tyme Festival

Iqaluit's celebration of spring is held every April. Toonik Tyme is a unique showcase of traditional Inuit games and activities such as iglu building and seal skinning combined with musical performances, scavenger hunts and ice golf.

Alianait Arts Festival

The coolest music festival North of 60 takes place in late June and runs into early July. For several days, the Big Top Tent dominates downtown Iqaluit as visitors and residents alike take in performances that feature not only Nunavut artists, but performers from around the world. Music, theatre, circus acts, storytelling and visual art are all featured. Throughout the year, Alianait also presents a concert series that features well-known and unique acts in the intimate concert environment Iqaluit can offer.

Qaummaarviit Territorial Historic Park

Ideal for a day trip, this small rock island offers a unique look through archaeological artifacts into the Thule culture that shows how adaptable they were. Contact one of our local outfitting businesses to arrange a trip to this spectacular place that means "the place that shines" in Inuktitut.

Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park

Situated within the city limits, Sylvia Grinnell is a popular picnic, hiking and fishing spot. The pavilion located in the park can be rented for special events and features a BBQ and wood stove. Deeper into the park are fire and BBQ pits located on the river's edge, which make it a popular spot in the summer for family gatherings. You cannot leave Iqaluit without knowing the answer to "Who was Sylvia Grinnell?" In 1861, American explorer Charles Francis Hall named the river that runs through the park after the daughter of his benefactor, Henry Grinnell, who was a good friend of Lady Jane Franklin, the woman who sponsored Hall to search for the lost 1845 John Franklin expedition. Hall camped here in 1861 and named also named the inlet where the river empties after his guide, Koojesse.

Related Documents

Plan Your Trip to Iqaluit: Best of Iqaluit Tourism

Iqaluit, Canada

Essential iqaluit.

What You Need to Know To Visit Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada

If you’ve never heard of Nunavut, you are not alone. Despite encompassing 1/5 of Canada’s landmass, Nunavut has stayed off the radar even for Canadians themselves.

This limited popularity, however, only adds to its charm. To visit Nunavut is to explore a truly off-the-beaten-path destination.

The scenery, for one, is epic. Rolling hills of tundra stretch into the distance, uninterrupted by towns, roads or even trees. Icebergs meander along the coastline, silent giants broken free from northern glaciers.

And the quirky way of life will have you forgetting you’re in Canada – snowmobiles zip through the streets in the winter and ATVs are parked at the grocery store in the summer. Nunavut is an experience in the unknown and unfamiliar.

This article is a guest post. Mikaela is the storyteller behind Voyageur Tripper , a blog dedicated to outdoor adventure. Her passions include whitewater canoeing, anything in the arctic and helping people get outside and find adventure.

Planning a visit to Iqaluit – the capital city of Nunavut

With all its beauty and charm, you’d expect Nunavut to be a tourist destination, but visiting Nunavut tends to be prohibitively expensive. An arctic safari or week-long stay at a remote lodge will easily exceed $5000, excluding flights.

However, a visit to Iqaluit, the capital city of Nunavut, is much more feasible. Iqaluit allows travelers to experience a taste of the arctic while being much more budget friendly.

In this post, I hope to inspire you visit Iqaluit for yourself, and give you all the information to make it happen.

This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. 

How to get to Iqaluit, Nunavut

When I tell people about my two trips to Iqaluit, I am always met with astonishment. Whomever I’m speaking with assumes it must be incredibly difficult to get to Iqaluit – it’s so remote! In reality, it is fairly easy to visit Iqaluit. Expensive, yes, but not difficult.

There are direct flights to Iqaluit from Ottawa and Montreal*, each of which takes about four hours. So getting to Iqaluit itself is fairly straightforward.

What isn’t straightforward is getting an affordable ticket. A one-way ticket from Ottawa or Montreal to Iqaluit will be about $850. In order to get an affordable ticket ($230 round trip) you need to have Aeroplan. 

I won’t go into much detail on this, as I’ve written an entire post on How to Visit Nunavut on the Cheap , where I include how to get inexpensive airfare.

*The Montreal-Iqaluit flight is technically not direct. The plane lands in Kuujjuaq, Quebec to drop off passengers, but you don’t need to exit the plane yourself so it might as well be direct.

Things to do in Iqaluit

There are so many arctic activities to do during your visit to Iqaluit. Just outside the town, the arctic ocean and expansive tundra stretch for miles and miles waiting to be explored. Even in town, there are a number of activities you can do to learn more about Inuit and their culture.

Catch the northern lights

Seeing the northern lights is a common spectacle in the winter. To see the northern lights in the more pleasant, warmer months, visit Iqaluit in March or October.

Go snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is easily one of my favourite activities in Iqaluit. I love zipping over the frozen arctic ocean or the snow covered hills of the tundra. If you want to go snowmobiling, visit Iqaluit in March or April when the bay is still frozen, but the days are getting longer and warmer.

Go dog sledding

Dog sledding was once an integral part to life in the north, so it’s a fitting activity for your arctic adventure. If you want to go dog sledding, visit Iqaluit in March or April. Also, you have the option between a half-day and full-day dog sledding tour.

Pro tip: Go with the half-day tour. Sitting in a sled for longer than four hours will make your toes numb and your legs stiff.

Visit the art museum and visitor center

Both the art museum and the Unikkaarvik visitor center offer a window into Inuit culture. Read about the history of people on the land before it was Nunavut, watch videos from different communities, see examples of traditional ceremonies and artwork.

There is so much to learn at the art museum and visitor’s center. Plus, the buildings are right next to one another.

Attend a festival or community event

There are several events in the spring and summer months you can attend if you are a visitor to Iqaluit, Nunavut.

Toonik Tyme takes place in April and is a celebration of the arrival of spring. Alianait is a music festival at the start of July featuring artists from across the territories and even Greenland. Or attend the celebrations for Indigenous People’s Day in June.

There are several options for hiking around Iqaluit. You can walk along the river at Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park or explore the coastline connecting Iqaluit to Apex (a smaller town just outside of Iqaluit).

Both of these trails can be done unguided, just ensure you tell someone at your accommodations about your plans and when you’ll be back. For other hikes on the tundra, hire a local guide to take you. 

Go kayaking

Once the ice on the bay has started melting, you can go kayaking with a local outfitter. You will see Iqaluit from a different perspective on the bay and wander in between the ice. It was one of my favourite activities when I was living in Iqaluit.

Head out further into Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park on an ATV with a local outfitter. Or explore one of the inland rivers that snakes its way to the arctic ocean. ATVing is a great way to get out of town and explore even more of the tundra. 

The best time to visit Iqaluit

There are some destinations you can visit anytime of year and have a great time – Nunavut is not one of those destinations. I don’t recommend travelers visit Nunavut between November and February . It’s too dark and far too cold – you won’t be able to do many of the activities listed above.

I also don’t recommend visiting Nunavut in May or June; this is a shoulder season. The sea ice is often too thin to go snowmobiling, but there is too much ice to go kayaking. It’s just an awkward time.

If you want to do winter activities, I recommend March and April. There are about 12 hours of daylight during this time and the bay is still frozen, allowing you to snowmobile or dog sled over it.

If you want to do summer activities, I recommend July through October. During this time the temperature is warm, and the is tundra exposed and ready for hiking. Of these months, July has the longest days (20+ hours) but there are also the most mosquitos. August is still warm, with slightly shorter days.

September and October will bring vibrant fall colours to the tundra and the chance of seeing the northern lights.

Depending on the event you want to attend, April, June or July would be the best times to visit Iqaluit for cultural activities. Check the event websites for the exact dates prior to booking your trip.

Where to stay in Iqaluit

There are a few hotels in Iqaluit, my favourite being Accommodations by the Sea. The Discovery and The Frobisher Inn are also options.

However, I would recommend looking at Airbnb first (sign up with this link for a discount off your first Airbnb booking). Eating out is very expensive, so access to a kitchen will save you money.

Where to eat in Iqaluit

The Frobisher Inn, The Discovery are the two popular restaurants in Iqaluit. The Storehouse is a great pub and my personal favourite for casual dining. In any of these options, expect a meal for one person to be $40 or more.

This is why I recommend getting accommodation that allows you to cook. Groceries are expensive in Iqaluit, but much more reasonable that eating out. 

Pro tip: Bring food with you from the south. Spices, tea, instant coffee, pasta noodles, oats – all these and more can be brought up in your checked luggage.

Insider tips for a smooth visit to Iqaluit

• Don’t visit Nunavut alone. The total cost for activities and accommodations are considerably cheaper if you can split with someone else. For example, a 4 hour snowmobiling adventure is $330 for one person, but $440 for two people. You save $110 just by having a friend to go with. Likewise, your accommodation costs are cut in half when you share with another person. Save money, bring a friend!
• A taxi to anywhere in town is $7 per person. Anywhere that roads can take you is the same price.
• It’s not as cold as you are expecting, but dress warmly anyways . Regardless of the time of year you visit Nunavut, pack warmer clothing than you think you will need. Summer is actually quite pleasant (I wore shorts in August a few times) but then again, I was also hit with a snowstorm in July. It happens.
• When packing, remember the importance of layers and pack some non-cotton clothing for outdoor adventures.
• Buy art at The Storehouse. The Storehouse is the pub in the main part of town. It’s a cozy place with billiard tables and lots of seating. Good food too. Inuit artists frequent The Storehouse selling their work. It is considerably cheaper to buy art from the artist directly, rather than from the museum or art store (artists typically accept only cash).

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• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Climate
• 1.3 Visitor information
• 2.1.1 Airport
• 2.1.2 Airlines
• 3 Get around
• 5.1 Outdoor activities
• 5.2 Festivals
• 7.2 Restaurants
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10.1 Internet
• 11.1 Healthcare services
• 11.2 Religious services
• 11.3 Publications

Iqaluit ( ᐃᖃᓗᐃᑦ in Inuktitut syllabics; formerly, Frobisher Bay ) is the capital and largest settlement of the Canadian territory of Nunavut . It is on a southeastern inlet of Baffin Island . As of 2016, the population stood at just over 7,700 people.

Understand [ edit ]

Iqaluit is in the Everett Mountains rising from Koojesse (Kuujussi) Inlet, an inlet of Frobisher Bay, on the southeast part of Baffin Island. It is well to the east of Nunavut's mainland, and northeast of Hudson Bay.

It had long been used as a campsite and fishing spot by the Inuit (Aboriginal) people, who called it Iqaluit – "place of many fish" in Inuktitut. The US and Canadian authorities named it Frobisher Bay, after the name of the body of water it borders. In 1984 the settlement's name was changed from Frobisher Bay to Iqaluit.

History [ edit ]

Iqaluit has been a traditional fishing location used by Inuit for thousands of years.

World War II resulted in an influx of non-Inuit to the area, as Canada and the United States cooperated in the war in Europe. In 1942, the United States built an air base there, on a long-term lease with the Canadian government, in order to provide a stop-over and refuelling site for the short-range aircraft being ferried to Europe to support the war effort.

In 1949, after the war, the Hudson's Bay Company moved its south Baffin operations to the neighbouring valley of Niaqunngut, also called Apex, in order to use the airfield. In the mid-1950s, the population of Frobisher Bay increased rapidly during the construction of the Distant Early Warning Line (DEW line, a system of defensive radar stations—see North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)). Hundreds of mostly non-Inuit construction workers, military personnel, and administrative staff moved into the community, and several hundred Inuit followed, to take advantage of the access to jobs and medical care provided by the base operations. By 1957, 489 of the town's 1,200 residents were reported to be Inuit. After 1959, the Canadian government established permanent services at Frobisher Bay, including full-time doctors, a school, and social services. The Inuit population grew rapidly in response, as the government encouraged Inuit to settle permanently in communities supported by government services.

The American military left Iqaluit in 1963, as their development of intercontinental ballistic missiles diminished the strategic value of the DEW line and Arctic airbases. Canada continued to operate an administrative and logistical centre for much of the eastern Arctic at Frobisher Bay. The founding of the Gordon Robertson Educational Centre, now Inuksuk High School, in the early 1970s at Iqaluit confirmed the government's commitment to the community as an administrative centre. At the time of its founding, this was the sole high school operating in what constituted more than one-seventh of Canadian territory.

Climate [ edit ]

The season in which you choose to visit Iqaluit will largely determine what you'll be able to see and do. The peak time for visiting Iqaluit is during its brief summer. The ice on Frobisher Bay begins to thaw in June, when temperatures start rising and the nights are short. Hiking is excellent about this time. The bay remains inaccessible during its thaw, but an icebreaker will arrive to clear a path for boats usually by the end of June. July and August are both the warmest and wettest months. Wildflowers and berries flourish, but so do the mosquitos. Fishing on Sylvia Grinnell River is best on the shoulders of summer, when the arctic char migrate down toward the bay and then back up again.

Snow starts falling regularly again in September and continues through early June. The bay stays open to boats until November. Daylight hours become increasingly short in the winter months, but the northern lights are entrancing. January and February are the coldest and darkest months of the year, and life in the town can get a bit grim at this time. April and May are the ideal months for dog-sledding, kite-skiing and other snow activities.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• 63.743795 -68.514461 1 Unikkaarvik Regional Visitor Centre ( Nunavut Tourism ), 220 Sinaa Street , ☏ +1 867 979-4636 , [email protected] . M-F 9AM–6PM, Sa Su 1PM–4PM . Has information on the whole territory, plus displays on local wildlife and culture in an adjoining museum.  
• Iqaluit City Council website

Get in [ edit ]

Iqaluit is generally accessible only by air and, under the right ice conditions, by sea. It is not connected by road to any other town. Due to its isolation and the lack of competition, getting to Iqaluit is a very expensive prospect.

By plane [ edit ]

Airport [ edit ], airlines [ edit ].

Airlines operating to Iqaluit with scheduled services:

Airlines operating chartered flights from Iqaluit to nearby communities:

Get around [ edit ]

Iqaluit has a local road system only stretching from the nearby community of Apex to the Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park, 1 km (0.62 mi) west of town. Iqaluit has no public transportation.

Iqaluit is small enough that most things are within walking distance of each other. Taxis charge a flat $8.75 fee per person to anywhere in town (as of 2022). In the summer, you can rent bicycles from the visitor's centre. There are also several automotive outfitters in town that rent snowmobiles and ATVs.

See [ edit ]

• 63.743507 -68.513589 2 Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum , 212 Sinaa Street , ☏ +1 867 979-5537 , [email protected] . M-F noon-6PM, Sa Su 1–5PM . Housed in a reconstructed trading post of the Hudson Bay Company, this small museum contains a collection of Inuit art and artifacts. It is on the beach in a red and white building. Free . ( updated Jul 2022 )

Do [ edit ]

Outdoor activities [ edit ].

Iqaluit is the main base from which to explore Baffin Island . Several outfitters organize guided excursions around the island and Arctic expeditions further afield. Most activities are seasonal. Summer activities include trekking, and boat and fishing tours in Frobisher Bay. In the winter months, dog-sledding journeys are an excellent way to get out and explore the landscape. As well as the commercial outfitters, there are several dog-team owners in town who take visitors out for an afternoon or overnight. Kite-skiing is an increasingly popular activity, and frozen Frobisher Bay is considered one of the best spots for it in Canada. Aerial sightseeing tours are easy to organize at any time of the year and there will always be a charter company available to take you up, depending on the weather.

Some of the more reliable outfitters in town include Inupak Outfitting , Northwinds Arctic Adventures , Polynya Adventure and Qairrulik Outfitting. Call the local tourism authority for more. Dates for longer expeditions are usually scheduled well in advance, but even most day trips require a minimum number of people, so be sure to book early to give the outfitters time to organize others.

Opportunities for trekking around Iqaluit are almost endless, thanks to wide-open surroundings, including two protected areas on its doorstep. The terrain can be rough, however, and there are very few trails and no roads. You can also rent snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) from several outfitters in town.

• The Itijjagiaq Trail , part of the Trans Canada Trail system, runs 177 km from Iqaluit and Kimmirut. It does not connect to other parts of the Trans Canada Trail. One branch heads north for several kilometres, while the other begins with a navigable water trail about 25 km across Frobisher Bay to the Katannilik Territorial Park on Meta Incognita Peninsula.

Festivals [ edit ]

• Alianait Arts Festival . This annual festival, held in late June, is a celebration of Inuit arts and culture. It draws musicians and other performers from all over the Arctic.  
• Toonik Tyme . The annual spring festival, is held for a week in early April. It involves a large variety of community events, including snowmobile and ski races, traditional games, concerts and feasts. ( updated Nov 2021 )

Buy [ edit ]

Inuit artists are recognized internationally for their stone carvings and prints, and there are several galleries in Iqaluit selling arts and crafts from all over Nunavut. In addition, artists often tout their wares along the waterfront and in restaurants, creating excellent opportunities to experience the local art culture.

• 63.744924 -68.510401 1 Arctic Ventures , 192 Queen Elizabeth Way , ☏ +1 867 979-5992 . M-Sa 10AM–10PM, Su 1–10PM . Department store run by Arctic Co-operatives.  
• 63.748885 -68.521537 2 Carvings Nunavut , 626 Tumiit Plaza , ☏ +1 867 979-0650 . M-Sa 10AM–6PM . Sells Inuit sculptures and jewellery.  
• 63.731686 -68.458854 3 Gallery by the Red Boat , Bill Mackenzie Lane, Apex Beach , ☏ +1 867 979-2055 . Call for appointment . Housed in one of the old Hudson Bay Company buildings on Apex Beach, this gallery displays carvings by local artist Saila Kipanek.  
• 63.751895 -68.536045 4 Iqaluit Fine Arts Studio , 1127 Mivvik Street ( opposite the airport ), ☏ +1 867 979-5578 . M-Sa 11AM–5PM . Inuit carvings.  
• 63.749498 -68.528522 5 Malikkaat , 1083 Mivvik Street ( opposite the airport ), ☏ +1 867 979-6426 , [email protected] . M-F 10AM–6PM, Sa 10AM–4PM . A gift store selling Inuit-made art, clothing and jewellery from Iqaluit and other communities in the north.  
• 63.732074 -68.448317 6 Rannva Design , 3102 Angel Street , ☏ +1 867 979-3183 , [email protected] . M-Sa 11AM–6PM, or by appointment . Fur and sealskin garments designed by owner Rannva Simonsen. ( updated Apr 2024 )

Eat [ edit ]

Local specialties consist mainly of game meats (caribou) and seafood (Arctic char, mussels, scallops and shrimp). Another staple is bannock, a type of bread.

The best restaurants are in the hotels, but all of them are open to non-guests. Prices for food are generally much higher here than in other parts of Canada.

Cafe [ edit ]

• 63.7477 -68.51084 1 Caribrew Café , Astro Hill Complex , toll-free: +1-877-979-2222 . M-F 7–9AM, 11:30AM-1:30PM; Sa 9AM–1:30PM (closed Su) . Inside the Frobisher Inn. Serves espresso drinks, coffee, tea, baked goods, sandwiches, salads and soups. ( updated Jul 2022 )
• 63.750376 -68.530425 2 Fantasy Palace , 1085E Mivvik Street , ☏ +1 867 979-0606 . M-F 7AM–5PM, Sa 10AM–5PM, Su 11AM–5PM . Café with fresh coffee, pastries and ice cream.  
• 63.7522 -68.5232 3 Black Heart Café , 1405 Masak Court , ☏ +1 867 979-5800 , [email protected] . Tu-F 7AM-5PM, Sa 9AM-5PM . Coffee, muffin and panini. Locals recommend this cafe. ( updated Jul 2022 )
• 63.742347 -68.510858 4 Grind & Brew , 116 Sinaa Street , ☏ +1 867 979-0606 . Daily 7AM–6PM daily . Down on the beach. Serves coffee, pizza and sandwiches.  

Restaurants [ edit ]

• 63.7476 -68.5112 5 The Frob Kitchen & Eatery , 1405 Masak Court ( Astro Hill Complex ), ☏ +1 867 979-2222 . M-F 7AM–2PM and 5–9PM, Sa Su 8AM–2PM and 5–9PM . Nice restaurant in the Frobisher Inn. Brunch on Sundays.  
• 63.748926 -68.528138 6 Granite Room , 1056 Mivvik Street , ☏ +1 867 979-4433 . Located in the Discovery Hotel, known affectionately as "the disco". French cuisine with some pub-style options too. Salad bar at lunch. Home-made soups.  
• 63.74354 -68.509119 7 Snack , 163 Nipisa Street , ☏ +1 867 979-6767 . open 24 hours . Fast food. Lunch and dinner. Also serves wine. ( updated Sep 2018 )
• 63.7507 -68.5307 8 Yummy Shawarma & Pizza , 1089E Mivvik St , ☏ +1 867 979-1515 . M-Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 11AM-7:30PM . Lebanese restaurant serving kebab, authentic shawarma, salads, pizza, pasta and desserts. Delivery available. From $12 . ( updated Jul 2022 )
• 63.748424 -68.523768 9 Big Racks Barbecue , 810 Natsiq , ☏ +1 867 9795555 . BBQ restaurant ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 63.747 -68.5204 10 Hunter's Market , 743 Ben Ell , ☏ +1 867 979-9999 . The restaurant is inside this general store. You can find burgers, pizza and souvlaki. ( updated Jul 2022 )

Drink [ edit ]

While many communities in Nunavut have restrictions on the sale, possession and consumption of alcohol, Iqaluit does not. You are free to bring alcohol into the community for your own use, and you can buy and drink it in bars and licensed restaurants.

• Beer and wine store , on Niuraivik . Tu-Sa noon-7PM . ( updated Sep 2018 )
• 63.749504 -68.525479 1 Royal Canadian Legion , 944 Iglulik Drive , ☏ +1 867 979-6215 . A popular place to go on Friday and Saturday nights. Live music on one side, dance floor and pool tables on the other. You must be a member of the Legion or have a member sign you in.  
• 63.747906 -68.510632 2 Storehouse Bar & Grill , Astro Hill Complex , ☏ +1 867 979-2222 . M-Sa 5PM–midnight . Has a big screen for hockey, pool tables, dance floor, fireplaces and comfy chairs. It has different specials on every day of the week. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 63.7453 -68.5498 3 Nu Brew (Nunavut Brewing Company) , 2025 Iqaluit Lane ( next to the Syliva Grinnell Territorial Park ), ☏ +1 867 979-2337 , [email protected] . M-W 4-10PM, Th 4-11PM, F 4PM-12:30AM, Sa noon-12:30AM . The most northerly microbrewery in Canada opened 24 August 2018. The brewery has four beers available: the Flow Edge light lager, Frob Gold British golden ale, Aupaqtuq (“red” in Inuktitut) Irish red ale, and a Celebration Ale. You can sample all four for $14. Their products are also available in restaurants and the beer and wine store. ( updated Jul 2022 )

Sleep [ edit ]

Being a small town, Iqaluit doesn't have much of a choice in the way of accommodation. Rates for rooms are generally much higher than their value, and amenities can be lacking. Booking ahead and securing a room before your arrival is essential. Budget travellers are restricted to camping and couch surfing . When the local college ( Nunavut Arctic College ) is not in session, visitors can stay at the college residence, which costs much less than local hotels.

Budget [ edit ]

• 63.734018 -68.479495 1 Stay by the Sea , 2536 Paurngaq Crescent , ☏ +1 867 979-6074 , [email protected] . Bed and breakfast. $170–230 .  
• 63.75567 -68.51894 2 Al's B&B , 5043 Qaqqaliaq St , ☏ +1 867 222-1949 , [email protected] . Free transport to/from the airport, WiFi and unlimited long distance calls within North America. Shared kitchen and living room area. ( updated Apr 2024 )
• 63.730952 -68.448694 3 Rannva's Bed & Breakfast , 3102 Helen Maksagak Drive , ☏ +1 867 979-3183 , [email protected] . The owner of this bed and breakfast also has a gallery of fur and sealskin garments located on Angel Street. $190 . ( updated Apr 2024 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 63.748926 -68.528138 4 The Discovery ( Discovery Lodge Hotel ), 1056 Mivvik Street , ☏ +1 867 979-4433 , [email protected] . Hotel suites. Also has a restaurant, "Granite Room" (see section above). Free weekly newspaper, WiFi and complimentary airport shuttle. $240–340 .  

Splurge [ edit ]

• 63.748385 -68.522269 5 Capital Suites , 807 Aiviq Street , ☏ +1 867 975-4000 , [email protected] . Hotel suites. Fitness centre. Free parking and WiFi. Double $320–370 . ( updated Apr 2024 )
• 63.7561 -68.52822 7 Aqsarniit Hotel & Conference Centre , 1730 Federal Rd , ☏ +1 867-979-2422 , toll-free: +1 855-977-2422 , [email protected] . Has on site restaurant, fitness room, free WiFi and free parking. Double $350 . ( updated Apr 2024 )

Connect [ edit ]

There is cell phone coverage in Iqaluit, but your phone may not work because of the lack of coverage by the major Canadian wireless companies and outdated infrastructure (which is being upgraded).

Ice Wireless, a regional phone carrier, provides a 3G network and is the only GSM option at this time. Its phones and plans are sold at QITC in the RBC Building on Queen Elizabeth Way. Rogers Wireless has an exclusive roaming agreement with Ice Wireless, so Rogers customers can use the network for a fee, but it is voice-only (data roaming is not available).

The other wireless option is Bell, which operates a 4G/LTE system.

Internet [ edit ]

• 63.7437 -68.5144 2 Iqaluit Centennial Library , 220 Sinaa Street , ☏ +1 867 979-5400 , [email protected] . M W F 1–6PM, Tu Th 3–8PM, Sa 1–4PM (closed Su) . A public library in the same building as the visitor centre. Has free internet. ( updated Apr 2023 )

Cope [ edit ]

Healthcare services [ edit ].

• Public Health Centre , ☏ +1 867 975-4800 . 24 hours .  

Religious services [ edit ]

• Baha'i Group , Building 112 , ☏ +1 867 979-6580 .  
• Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church , 911 Niaqunngusiariaq , ☏ +1 867 979-5805 . Mass: Tu Th 7:30AM, W F Sa 5:30PM, Su 10AM .  
• Pentecostal Church , 761 Fred Coman , ☏ +1 867 979-5779 .  

Publications [ edit ]

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Nunavut's capital, Iqaluit (ee-kal-oo-eet), feels like a different country. All the signs are in Inuktitut and you'll hear it widely spoken in the street. This, scruffy, dusty, colorful Arctic town, with its spectacular natural setting around the bay and its moon-base buildings, houses a fascinating mixture of Inuit professionals, politicians and dropouts, Johnny-come-latelies from around Canada (and beyond) drawn by high salaries from government and construction jobs, enormous SUVs with elaborately courteous drivers limited by a few short kilometers of road, and barking dogs contesting territory with huge bossy ravens. It's surprisingly cosmopolitan, a good introduction to the region, and has good places to stay and eat, as well as some wilderness-lite to explore on the outskirts of town.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum

This friendly little museum in an old Hudson's Bay Company building showcases an engaging permanent collection of traditional Inuit clothing, tools,…

Legislative Assembly

It's well worth taking an entertaining free tour (by appointment) of Nunavut's prefab parliament to learn about all manner of Inuit art displayed…

Located 5km from downtown, Apex is now Iqaluit's beach suburb, but was where nomadic Inuit began to settle when modern Iqaluit was an airbase. On the…

Qaummaarviit Territorial Park

This tiny bay island is a 12km boat or snowmobile ride west of Iqaluit and preserves a 750-year-old Inuit (Thule) winter camp. You can see 11 well…

St Jude's Igloo Cathedral

This igloo-shaped Anglican cathedral was designed to reflect Inuit culture. This recent incarnation was built in 2012 to replace the 1972 original, burnt…

Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park

The viewpoint at this bleakly beautiful park, 2km southwest of town and divided by the river of the same name, overlooks the snow-flecked tundra and the…

Sculpture Garden

There's an extensive range of mostly stone sculpture by local artists right near the post office, with northern themes well represented. Our favorite? A…

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The Best Things To Do In Iqaluit, Nunavut: A Complete Guide

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: February 9, 2023

Categories Canada

Nunavut is Canada's youngest and most sprawling territory. Covering more than one-fifth of Canada's landmass, Nunavut is home to just 38.000 people, making it one of the least densely populated territories on Earth.

Nunavut encompasses the Arctic Archipelago, a series of large islands that stretch from mainland Canada all the way to the north pole.

If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination, you can’t do much better than Nunavut.

Although a visit to the far reaches of the Arctic can be prohibitively expensive, a trip to Iqaluit, Nunavut’s capital city, is much more feasible and budget-friendly.

For a fraction of the cost, you'll be able to kayak on the Arctic Ocean, snowmobile over sea ice, catch the Northern Lights, hike over the tundra, and much more.

The stunning scenery and many fun things to do in Iqaluit make it the perfect remote getaway.

Things to do in Iqaluit

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

This post is written by Mikaela, the voice behind Voyageur Tripper , a blog dedicated to outdoor adventure travel. She spent several seasons working as a hiking and canoeing guide throughout Canada.

Now she adventures part-time and builds resources to help others get outside more. Follow her on her adventures on Facebook and Instagram .

Welcome to Iqaluit, Nunavut

Nunavut is one of my favorite destinations I’ve ever been to. I love the sprawling tundra, hiking under the midnight sun, and watching icebergs float along in the Arctic Ocean.

I spent four months living in Iqaluit. Despite being the capital city of Nunavut, the Iqaluit population is just under 8000 people!

I worked in Iqaluit as a guide and supported town tours, as well as hiking and kayaking trips.

Since then, I have returned to Iqaluit as a tourist myself as I couldn't stay away from this wonderful small town in Canada .

In this post, I will go over how to get to Iqaluit, the best time to visit, where to stay, what to do, and more. I’ll also provide a few tips to ensure you have the best experience possible.

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How to get to Iqaluit

A big misconception is that getting to Iqaluit is difficult. It is quite expensive, yes, but not difficult. There’s a direct flight from both Ottawa and Montreal to Iqaluit, both take less than 4 hours.

You can either book through Canadian North or by calling Aeroplan. If you are booking by Aeroplan, you will need to call well in advance.

For reference, when I was booking my most recent trip, I called in November to book flights for March (read about lots of money-saving tips in my How to visit Nunavut on the cheap post).

What is the best time to visit Nunavut?

The best time to visit Iqaluit depends on what it is you want to do. For winter activities, mid-February through April is an excellent time to visit.

The days are getting longer, it’s cold but not freezing, and the bay is still frozen so you can go snowmobiling.

May and June are the shoulder season and not the best time to travel to Iqaluit. The ice on the bay is starting to melt (meaning snowmobiling might not be possible) but it isn’t yet time for kayaking on open water.

July can be a little temperamental too, and supposedly has the most mosquitoes (my personal experience definitely confirms this).

So for summer activities, August to early October is perfect. The bay will surely be unfrozen; the days are still reasonably long. Plus, the tundra will start to turn red and orange with the changing seasons, and as autumn gets nearer it will start getting dark enough to see the magical northern lights.

Finally, I don't recommend visiting Nunavut from mid-October through early February . During this time, the days are short and dark, and it's incredibly cold. Furthermore, a lot of the activities you'd want to do in Iqaluit will not be available during these months.

So to summarize, the best time to visit Iqaluit is either between mid-February and April or between August and early October .

How long to spend in Iqaluit

While I personally spent several months working in Iqaluit, for an Iqaluit tourism trip I think four full days is enough time.

You will have time to see everything Iqaluit has to offer and leave yourself a bit of a buffer for incremental weather.

Where to stay in Iqaluit

There aren’t really any options for budget accommodation in Iqaluit unfortunately. However, hotel prices are fairly comparable to what you’d see in the south.

Your best bet is to stay at one of the hotels in town, I recommend The Frobisher Inn .

Insider advice: note that food is expensive in Iqaluit so if you can find accommodation where you're able to cook your own meals that's a huge plus if you’re looking to save money.

What to do in Iqaluit

The majority of the activities in Iqaluit, and the ones I’ve mentioned so far, are things that get you out on the land. These activities will require you to hire a guide or go with an outfitter.

However, there are a number of other activities you can do that don't involve being outside, such as visiting the museum or getting a nice meal.

Summer outdoor activities in Iqaluit

There are two great hikes in Iqaluit that I personally love. The first is the Apex Trail, which traces the coastline from Iqaluit to the small community of Apex.

Along the trail, you’ll pass the Hudson Bay Buildings and at the end, there’s a big hill to climb for great views of the bay (pictured above).

I also recommend checking out Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park. The walk along the Sylvia Grinnell River is beautiful, and there is a viewing platform at the start of the trail with great views of the river.

Because it’s the arctic and there is always a chance of getting lost on the tundra, visitors are advised to hire a local guide if they want to hike outside of town.

You will have a much better experience knowing you’re safe. What's more, you’ll learn a ton more with a knowledgeable guide than you would on your own.

Local outfitters can take you kayaking on Frobisher Bay, definitely one of the best places to kayak in Canada ! This is a really nice way to see Iqaluit from a different perspective.

Although you’re not kayaking next to colossal icebergs, it’s still possible there will be leftover ice chunks floating in the water, which can be pretty cool. If you are lucky, there may even be a coast guard ship in the bay.

Iqaluit activities in winter

Snowmobiling.

This is one of my favorite activities to do in Iqaluit. Zipping across the frozen Arctic Ocean at 50 km/h, checking out ice cliffs, and patches of open water.

With this activity, you’ll have the option to either go over the tundra or out to the polynia, a permanently open body of water surrounded by sea ice. Definitely choose the polynia, it’s very beautiful (pictured above).

Dog sledding

Sit on a Qamutik (Inuit sled) and be pulled by a team of sled dogs. You’ll have plenty of time to pet and socialize with the dogs, and may get to help with feeding afterward.

I loved this activity because I love sled dogs, but the tour itself is slower than snowmobiling (understandable as dogs don’t run as fast as a motorized snowmobile) so if adrenaline is what you’re after, go with snowmobiling.

See the Northern Lights  in Nunavut

There are excellent northern lights viewing opportunities in Iqaluit! This is partly due to its latitude, it’s located right under the Aurora Belt, and partly because the city of Iqaluit is quite small and therefore there isn't a lot of light pollution.

I’d recommend going with a guide for this, they can drive you out of town to the best Northern Lights viewing spots.

Other Iqaluit attractions and places to visit

In addition to the myriad of outdoor activities, there are plenty of other Iqaluit too. There are a few places around town to visit:

• Visitor’s Centre : located in downtown Iqaluit, this is a great place to go first. Here you can get all the information you need to make the most of your time in Iqaluit, learn about special events that may take place during your visit, and ask about trail conditions (and more).
• Art Museum : Here you can learn about Nunavut, and Inuit culture and buy some art.
• Legislative Assembly : If you call in advance you can take a tour.
• DEW Line : This decommissioned radar system sits at the highest point in the area. Hop in a taxi to get here and enjoy a great view of Iqaluit and Frobisher Bay.

Where to eat in Iqaluit, Nunavut

Here are some of my favorite places to eat and drink in Iqaluit.

• Black Heart Cafe : specialty lattes and perhaps the best breakfast sandwich I’ve ever had, this place is an absolute must.
• Storehouse Bar : this is my favorite place to grab a drink and play a round of pool.
• NuBrew : Nunavut’s only brewery, and from my knowledge, Canada’s most northerly brewery!
• Discovery Lodge : the restaurant in the lodge is pricey, but has really good food.
• Country Food Market : pick up some frozen smoked Arctic Char and bring it home with you. I brought a few home with me and my family had it on bagels with cream cheese (like lox but arctic style!).

Final tips for visiting Iqaluit

Finally, I'd like to provide you with some tips for planning your trip to Iqaluit to ensure you have the best experience possible.

• Book everything far in advance: this is especially true for flights to Iqaluit. There aren’t any last-minute bargains, so don’t hold off on booking. If anything, they just get more expensive.
• Dress for warm weather, any time of year : even in the summer, Iqaluit can get chilly. Make sure you dress in layers , bring a waterproof coat and hiking boots or snow boots .
• You don’t need to rent a car : I don’t even think you can rent a car in Iqaluit, Taxis are widely available (and cost $8 per person, regardless of where you’re going) and most sights in the main part of the city are within walking distance.
• Bring a wide-angle lens : if you’re a photography enthusiast, bring a good camera and a wide-angle lens that will help you capture this expansive landscape!

Iqaluit things to do and travel guide: in conclusion

I hope you have enjoyed this extensive guide to Iqaluit. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below!

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Top 10 Places in Iqaluit to Visit

Have you ever thought of visiting Iqaluit? Are you looking for highlights and activities to do in Iqaluit?

Try Arctic Kingdom’s Guide to Iqaluit through our Top 10 Places in Iqaluit to Visit!

We’ll discuss some of the fun food you can try, the cultural and historic sites, and the activities in winter and summer that make Iqaluit a secret gem for travellers. Iqaluit is a quick and comfortable flight from Ottawa and truly one of Canada’s top destinations to visit. Get to know the city of Iqaluit a little better and see some of the fun ways Arctic Kingdom packs our trips with bucket list activities!

The Four Corners

Would you believe that Iqaluit only had one 4-way stop? Well not quite, but it seems like it!

One way takes you towards the airport and government offices, one way up to the hospital and hotel, one way takes you towards the waterfront, and the other way takes you to shops and grocery stores. The stop signs feature three languages and it may form the only rush hour traffic in town.

The Sculptures

Some of the beautiful features are the sculptures you can find across the city.

Right at the Four Corners is a remarkable sculpture that commemorates Nunavut’s founding. It tells the story of the people and animals of the land; with muskox, walrus, and polar bears flanked by Inuit.

Thanks to the sculpting school nearby, the community hosts a number of beautiful works, like a parkette of sculptures and one depicting Sedna, the Sea Goddess that brings life.

The Road to Nowhere

They call it the Road to Nowhere, because it looks like an empty stretching expanse as you look out to rolling hills above the tree line. But really this is the trail to the north of Baffin Island and so the trail to a lot!

The historic route north never needed to be a road, even today the road ends soon outside of the city. Standing on the hill above Iqaluit you can look down on the colourful maritime city or follow a line inukshuk figures leading the way to other communities and hunting territories.

Considering that most people in town use ATVs in the summer and snowmobiles in the winter, the Road to Nowhere should really be called, the Trail Everywhere.

The NuBrew Co. Brewery

Come in and enjoy a mug of Nunavut’s finest and only craft brewery. Or as they say, “[they’re]  pleased to present Nunavut’s first locally produced beer in the world’s Coolest Capital.”

You can taste one of their flights, where you can test each one of their brews, from lager to IPA and a delicious porter. You may even be able to take a tour of the brewery and see how this delightful beverage is created before your eyes.

The Arctic Char Pizza

The Grind and Brew Cafe is a fantastic stop after an active day for something special on their menu, the Arctic char pizza!

It’s a delicious treat because arctic char is one of the most amazing features of the arctic. It tastes like salmon but a little less fishy and compliments the pizza ingredients beautifully.

It’s more than a great meal, it’s a local hangout. I remember hearing from a group of guests from a summer getaway, they were chatting with a local that eventually introduced himself to be the mayor of Iqaluit. Then, people started to mention that a polar bear had been spotted nearby. Polar bears are very rarely found near the city, but it was great for the guests to see the two main lines of communication in Iqaluit, word of mouth among friends and a Facebook page for the city of Iqaluit that is so frequently used it seems more like a thread among friends.

The Hudson’s Bay Co. Trading Post

An early sign of Iqaluit’s growth was when the Hudson’s Bay Company moved their trading post from another community and put it in Iqaluit.

At the time, Iqaluit was a military site, with an airbase and Cold War radar station. So the Hudson’s Bay Company wanted to take advantage of the local economy. They moved their post from Ward Inlet to the beach just on the eastern side of Iqaluit. A community started to form around the trading post and would form Apex, a part of the City of Iqaluit.

Today you can visit the site and see the classic rich white and red painted Hudson’s Bay Company buildings and you can easily imagine the beach bustling with activity. Take a hike along the Apex Trail that takes you along the shoreline.

The Tim Hortons

How could we have a list of city-stops in a Canadian capital without putting in a Tim Hortons? The thing that sets this one apart is that it was the world’s most northern Tim Hortons!

Since its opening in 2010, others have opened up in more northern communities like Pond Inlet, but this one is historic for being the first one in Nunavut.

It’s a busy place at almost all hours of the day, but where else can you get your double double ? Attached to the Northmart grocery store and across from the stunning St. Jude’s Anglican Cathedral, designed to look like a traditional igloo, is this fine establishment with all the fixings you’re used to finding.

The Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum & The Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre

Explore contemporary Inuit cultures and the history of local communities in this beautiful museum. The interior is designed as an art gallery that you can walk through with historic exhibits and community artworks.

This is a great place to purchase stunning soapstone carvings, crafts, jewelry, and gifts.

The Visitor Centre is a look into the history of the Inuit peoples and allows you to witness a glimpse into their past. Find exhibits that demonstrate seasonal life in an igloo or family and community life.

Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park

Did you know that the mouth of the Sylvia Grinnell River is believed to be the original summer fishing camp that led to the city of Iqaluit?

The Inuit lived nomadically following the seasonal animal cycles, and one of those was the fish run each year. Sylvia Grinnell River would teem with Arctic char and each summer, Inuit families would make camps along the river.

Iqaluit continued to grow, and the striking beauty of Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park remains eternal. Enjoy lunch in the sheltered pavilion overlooking the mouth of the river. Watch locals fishing or follow a trail on a hike.

Our Northern Lights Viewing Location

We’re excited to offer guided getaway tours to Iqaluit through the summer and the winter. Our summer trip takes you on tours of the city and offers outdoor activities like kayaking on Frobisher Bay and hiking through the striking landscapes. Have you ever paddled on the Arctic Ocean?

Our winter getaway takes you on town tours but focuses on opportunities to view the Northern Lights from a fantastic viewing location. Look out to breathtaking glittering northern lights from this sheltered location just outside of town so there are no light obstructions.

A northern lights photography workshop on the first night allows you to capture amazing memories of the aurora dancing above shifting colours of green, blue, and purple.

How Can I Visit Iqaluit?

Are you interested in visiting Canada’s newest capital city and capital of the North?

Our Taste of the Arctic Summer Getaway is a fantastic way to explore the culture, history, and outdoor activities that Iqaluit offers guests!

For more details on our Summer Getaway to Iqaluit, click here .

If you have the Northern Lights on your bucket list, then our Guided Northern Lights Getaway is one of the best ways to experience the aurora dancing and shine above. Don’t forget, our northern lights photography workshop helps you get even better photos of this galactic show!

For more details on our winter Getaway to Iqaluit, click here .

Experience The Arctic On A Safari

Get chances to view elusive Arctic wildlife and experience the majesty of the Arctic on safaris almost year-round. View all Arctic Safaris  here .

Ready for adventure?  Contact our Arctic Travel Advisors  to book.

Are you still curious about the many wonders of the Arctic or looking for more interesting content then explore more blogs  here !

By: Mat Whitelaw

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Things to Do in Iqaluit, Canada - Iqaluit Attractions

Things to do in iqaluit.

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• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
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• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre

2. Legislative Assembly of Nunavut

3. Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park

4. Northern Collectables

5. Apex Beach

6. Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum

7. St. Jude's Cathedral

8. Qaummaarviit Territorial Park

9. Nunavut Brewing Company

11. Tasiluliariaq Rotary Park

12. Carvings Nunavut

13. Apex Trail

14. Inukpak Outfitting

15. Saimavik Studio

16. Storehouse Bar & Grill

17. Iqaluit International Airport

18. astro theatre.

19. Tour Iqaluit - Day Tours

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Culturally Immersive & Responsible Travel

Iqaluit, Nunavut: 7 WAYS TO EXPERIENCE Canada’s ARCTIC CULTURE

Ready for an obscure adventure from the depth of Arctic land? Nynavut is Canada’s sprawling northerly land where humans lived since 4500 years! Mikaela from Voyageur Tripper writes about this enthralling snow-land, its culture, way of life and other tourist attractions!

Few Canadians, let alone international travelers, could pinpoint Iqaluit, Nunavut on the map. As the capital city of Canada’s largest territory, Iqaluit is a gateway into the Eastern Arctic – a land of sprawling tundra, abundant wildlife and icebergs calving off ancient glaciers and floating by in the arctic ocean. For thousands of years this harsh environment has been home to Inuit, and their predecessors, the Thule and Dorset.

While a trip to the far reaches of the north tends to be prohibitively expensive, the adventurous soul will find plenty of cultural things to do in Iqaluit  – without breaking the bank. I spent a season leading hiking trips and supporting town tours in Iqaluit, and have guided travelers on all the activities listed below. I’ve since returned as a tourist myself. Once you’re ready to plan your trip, head over to my Ultimate Nunavut Travel Guide for tips on landing cheap flights, where to stay, additional things to do and more.

Also read: Planning a trip to Alaska

Experienced Untouched Cultural Gems of Iqaluit

Unikkaarvik visitor centre.

Start your trip at the Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre for a self-guided orientation of Nunavut. Here you’ll find information on the geography, the wildlife, and the people of Nunavut. The employees at the visitor centre are always incredibly friendly, so don’t hesitate to ask them questions.

Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum

Located right next to the Visitor Centre lies Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum , the only museum in Nunavut. The museum features exhibits promoting local culture, history and artists. In the room on the right, there are beautiful photos on the walls depicting Inuit life on the land. In the room on the left, you can see traditional hunting gear and winter clothing, and watch videos made by students from the smaller and remote communities.

Also read : Complete guide to explore the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

Distant Early Warning Line

Following WWII, Iqaluit served as a site for a US military base. The Distant Early Warning Line (also known as the DEW Line) was constructed in the 1950s during the cold war. This radar system stretched north across the Canadian Arctic intended to detect a Russian air attack. While the system is no longer in use, you can still drive up to the radar structure and look around. On the drive up and at the top, you’ll also get a great view of Frobisher Bay and the town.

Hudson Bay Company Post buildings

In Apex, the town just 10 minutes outside of Iqaluit, you will find buildings from the Hudson Bay Company Post. Between 1914 and 1943, the post would move several times before settling in Apex. Although boarded up and privately owned now, you can visit the buildings and see them for yourself.

Legislative Assembly of Nunavut

Prior to 1999, Nunavut was part of The Northwest Territories. However, the people of what is now Nunavut desired their own territory – to govern themselves in a way more closely tied to their culture, including the use of Inuktitut as an official government language. After three decades of work Nunavut became a territory, and Iqaluit its capital city. You’ll learn all this and more on a free tour of the Legislative Assembly ( call ahead to schedule a tour ).

Take a Town Tour

The easiest way to see all of the above is to take a town tour with Inukpak Outfitters . Not only will this provide easy transportation, but your guide will be able to provide you with rich context behind what it is you’re seeing.

Cultural Events

Throughout the year there are a few cultural events you may be interested in. National Indigenous Peoples Day is June 21 and there is a celebration open to everyone. Alianait is a music festival in June each year with artists coming to perform from across the north. Toonik Tyme occurs in April and is an annual 10-day celebration of Inuit culture and the welcoming of spring.

Also read: The story of Bodo tribesmen who brought back the population of one-horned rhino from the brink of extinction.

Activities Out on the Land in Iqaluit, Nunavut

The land in Iqaluit, Nunavut itself has a story to tell.

No trip to Nunavut is complete without time spent on the tundra or on the arctic ocean . For the three activities listed below, you’ll want to contact an outfitter ahead of time to schedule.

Snowmobiling  

Perhaps my favourite activity in Iqaluit, a snowmobile ride on the frozen arctic ocean is unlike any other experience. Iqaluit lies on the coast of Frobisher Bay, which is home to the second highest tides in the world. When the tide comes out, all of the ice lowers (like an exhaling chest). Ice in contact with the land, however, remains in place causing ice cliffs to form along the shoreline.

Dog Sledding  

Inuit traditionally traveled by dog sled. Although very few still use dogs as their primary means of travel, there are outfitters who can take you out on the land with a dog sled team. Although slower than a snowmobile, this mode of transportation howls and likes its ears pet.

Hiking on the Tundra

Walk along the rocks of the Precambrian Shield , some of the oldest rocks in the world. In fact, the oldest fossil scientists have uncovered (a species of red algae) was found on Baffin Island (the land upon which Iqaluit rests). Lace up your hiking boots and walk along the Apex trail, which traces the coastline from Iqaluit to the nearby town of Apex, or head to Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park and walk beside the bright blue, glacially-fed, river.

Also read: My intense journey through the Amazon forest!

Where to buy Indigenous Art in Nunavut?

Indigenous art is world renowned and there is no better place to buy some than in Nunavut itself. Here are a few places you can go to buy Indigenous art in Iqaluit.

The art museum has some beautiful pieces for sale. You’ll find wildlife carvings, jewelry, wall hangings and more. I purchased this felt polar bear wall hanging from the museum. The arctic ocean, tundra and an Innunguat stitched onto the belly.

Rannva Designs

Here is where you’ll find the most beautiful clothing and accessories, like coats and mittens made of sealskin, mittens from beaver fur, and fabric designs hand sewn. I purchased the mittens below from here; they’re made of beaver fur and incredibly warm.

The Storehouse Bar & Grill

Sometimes artists will come through with their art for sale. You’ll often get a better price with the artist directly than if you buy from a store or museum. Northern Collectables

The art store downtown has a wide selection of art created by artists across the territory. The pieces are absolutely beautiful, but I’ve never purchased art from here myself because it is so much more expensive than buying from an artist directly

Also read: The Terracotta Horses of Bankura, a unique souvenir to buy when in India!

Great Food & Drink in Iqaluit, Nunavut

Experience the liveliness of Iqaluit’s community by visiting some of its newest food joints. Residents in Iqaluit are friendly and community-oriented, so don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with the person next to you!

Black Heart Cafe

This fun cafe has the best breakfast sandwiches and the prettiest lattes. Come here for a coffee before starting your day or stop by for lunch in between activities.

Who knew you could have a brewery in the middle of the arctic? The most northerly brewery in Canada, NuBrew features several of its own beers and offers live music / events. Check out their Facebook page for what’s going on!

I hope this has inspired you to consider Iqaluit, Nunavut as your next travel destination. If you have any questions, please reach out to me!

Meet Mikaela, Author of this blogpost

Mikaela is the voice behind Voyageur Tripper , an outdoor adventure blog dedicated to canoeing, camping and arctic travel. She spent a season working in Iqaluit, Nunavut as a wilderness guide and completely fell in love with the arctic. On her blog you’ll find dozens of resources for planning a trip to Nunavut. Feel free to reach out to her on Instagram if you have any questions about planning a trip to the north.

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Top Things to Do in Iqaluit, Canada

Places to visit in iqaluit.

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• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for Couples
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre

2. Legislative Assembly of Nunavut

3. Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park

4. Northern Collectables

5. Apex Beach

6. Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum

7. St. Jude's Cathedral

8. Qaummaarviit Territorial Park

9. Nunavut Brewing Company

11. Tasiluliariaq Rotary Park

12. Carvings Nunavut

13. Apex Trail

14. Inukpak Outfitting

15. Saimavik Studio

16. Storehouse Bar & Grill

17. Iqaluit International Airport

18. astro theatre.

19. Tour Iqaluit - Day Tours

What travellers are saying

Guide to Iqaluit, Nunavut: where to eat, drink, shop, sleep, and play

(Updated November 2021)

Canada’s youngest capital city Iqaluit, Nunavut is also Canada’s smallest capital city with less than 8000 people. The city is a mix of new businesses, places to eat, drink, shop and traditional Inuit culture and life. For a small city, it has a lot of personality, social life, activity and art. The traditional arts and handmade crafts are truly gorgeous and the city abounds with talent.

So, where do you go? What do you do? What should you see? Where do you stay? In this guide, we have compiled a list of places to eat, drink, shop, sleep and play in Iqaluit. This is not a complete list, but covers the majority of places in Iqaluit.

For more information about Iqaluit, Nunavut see my other blog posts:

• 15 Things to know About Iqaluit Before you Go
• Iqaluit, Nunavut: Photos that will make you want to go to Canada’s Arctic
• Our Rad Finds in Nunavut: Handcrafted Art In Pictures

Table of Contents

1. Eat and Drink

The hippest places in town

• Sit and Eat
• Diner/ Grab and go or delivery
• Direct from the artist

Stores that sell local arts and crafts

Other stores.

• Houses and hotels
• Activities and Sights

5. Conclusion

Eat and Drink

• Black Heart Café: this hip happening coffee shop is a bright, happy colorful and stylish place with lots of seating. It is clearly very popular and was busy every time we went in. The coffee is great, and they have a selection of delicious and fresh sandwiches, soup, and house-made baking.
• The Nunavut Brewing Company aka “NuBrew” : is a cool and friendly little brewery just outside the downtown center (aka you might want to drive or cab unless its summer). It has an industrial yet cozy comfy atmosphere and from the seating you can see the brewing tanks lit up in color. You can get beer flights, and all 5 of the beers they currently make are really good. My favourites were the Aupaqtuq Red Ale and the Porter, and Jill liked the Floe Edge Lager. Their merchandise/ clothing is pretty awesome too, and we picked up some shirts, glasses and a ball cap. There is no restaurant at NuBrew, but they have menus for delivery and you can get food delivered from most of the places named in the “Grab and Go” list below. Or you can do it local style and bring your own food. We went and met about 20 people there for an afternoon of food, beer and games and everyone just brought appies to share in what turned out to be a great spread. Luckily, we had this local intel ahead of time and showed up with snacks to contribute.

Sit and eat

There are two nice dining restaurants in Iqaluit:

• The Granite Room : The Granite Room is located in the Discovery Hotel’s Restaurant. The Granite room is touted as being the nicest place in Iqaluit to eat or celebrate. The food is good and it has a good Sunday brunch as well. People like to say it’s a really expensive restaurant, but I didn’t find it outrageous- we had two full nice meals, a delicious and large salad and two glasses of wine for about $170 or so (plus tip of course).
• The Frob Kitchen & Eatery: The other nice dining option is located in the Frobisher Inn. I personally love the Frob for a solid and delicious diner out. They serve Arctic char, duck and vegetarian and gluten free dishes, as well as burgers and pizzas. The food is delicious and the service is good. I love the Arctic Char with maple glaze and Jill regularly enjoys the rack of ribs. As well, we love the chocolate lava cake and the caramel lava cake for desert. People often complain about the high cost of things in Iqaluit, and we heard horror stories of how much it costs to eat out at the nice places, but the price at the Frob is quite reasonable considering the context. Generally our whole meal, with two full mains, a large salad or appy to start, deserts and a glass of wine was about $130, which is not more than I would expect to pay down “south” for a nice meal.

There are two pub-style places to eat

• Storehouse Bar and Grill: the Storehouse is a pretty awesome pub-style restaurant with food, drinks and events. It is located in the Frobisher Inn. There are karaoke nights and bands or DJs. They also do a Sunday brunch.  The Storehouse is a fun, cool environment with vintage snowmobiles hanging from the ceiling and great burgers. Its the perfect place to meet with friend for grub and beer any night.
• The Royal Canadian Legion : we went for steak night on Friday and it was quite tasty. And their wings night is a hot plate of deliciousness! We also went here for New Year’s Eve, hoping there would be a live band as we heard they often did. Unfortunately no such luck. There was dancing, and a prime rib dinner for those who wanted it, and we hung out, had some beer, and played some pool. NOTE: you need a membership or to have a sponsor (such as  be an employee of the RCMP, paramedics, fire department, military etc) who can sign you in. or ask to go in as a guest. The population that attends here is quite diverse considering this, and the crowd ranged from 19-90.

Diner/ Grab and go or Delivery

• The Snack: people here love The Snack, and for good reason! The Snack will deliver food 24 hours a day. They also have an adorable diner area where you can hang out and eat during regular hours. The food ranges from burgers, (yum! The double snack burger with cheese and bacon was delicious) to fried chicken (yum!), and poutine (super yum!) and other similar types of food. Their caesar salad was also really good.
• Yummy Shawarma: The Shawarma from here was good! This place has the most diverse menu with a wide selection of pizza, burgers, pastas, salads and other items. There is no seating and is take-out or delivery only, but you can just walk in and order your shawarma with whatever toppings you want.
• Grind & Brew Coffee Shop : a little local coffee shop, with pizza. There is also a sitting area if you want to eat in.
• Hunter’s Market:  this is not what it sounds like. It is a small convenience store with take-out pizza. We walked over one day and ordered pizza and a caesar salad to bring home. The crust tasted freshly made and was the pizza was quite tasty. And it was refreshing to have a yummy fresh salad.
• Big Rack BBQ: This place used to be a hot spot, we hear, but the building burned down. Big Rack now has a pita stand in the Aquatic Center with fresh wraps and ice cream. The Pita Hut makes MASSIVE fresh custom made pitas with lots of toppings. It is good bang for your buck and you will be completely stuffed with healthy food.
• For some reason there are 3 Tim Hortons (but no other fast food chains), one at the NorthMart and one by the Road to Nowhere and one at the Quickstop downtown.

For those of you who are not Canadian, poutine is a Canadian Classic. It is a glorious mix of french fries with melty cheese curds and doused with gravy. While Quebec is famous for its poutine, poutine is a fan-favourite all over Canada and good poutine is a must-try.

In addition to the below food stores, you can also sometimes buy things like freshly caught Arctic Char on the side of the road, often by the Northmart. We bought a large fish for $40. Char is like a salmon- it has pinkish meat and is super tasty.

• Arctic Ventures Marketplace, aka “the Co-op”: The Co-op has a great selection and is a pleasure to shop at. For some reason, it is way less busy than Northmart. Upstairs Ventures has a whole other area, with books, household items, electronics, toys, material etc.
• Northmart: Northmart is the largest store, and has groceries as well as other items (picture a smaller more local version of a Walmart style place). Northmart is the busiest and is my least favourite store to shop, although it has a big selection so I find myself there a lot…often waiting in long painful lines.
• Baffin Canners: Canners is the local style grocery store. While it is alot smaller, so less range of food, it also brings in lots of speciality items for locals– such as frozen famous Montreal bagels and frozen pizza dough. It has good prices on veggies and meat.
• Nunavut Country Store: this awesome and small place is a room with a bunch of freezers filled with Nunavut sourced meat and fish, such as Arctic char , caribou and elk, narwhal/muktuq and seal meat. Some days they have had free hot Caribou Stew for locals, which is pretty great.

The arts and crafts in Iqaluit are plentiful and beautiful. The amount of talent in this small centre is astounding. The handmade outdoor clothing is the most beautiful and stunning outdoor wear I have ever seen. The carvings are varied and lovely, and different regions have different specialties.

Direct from the Artists

The first thing to know about shopping in Iqaluit is that it happens everywhere, not just in stores. It is common place for artists to approach people on the streets, in the coffee shop, grocery store or in the middle of dinner at a restaurant with items for sale. Bartering is expected, so anticipate that the person selling will start high and will go down in price, but do remember that people are making a living and supporting their families with their art when negotiating a fair price. I got a small mini carving of a sandstone bear and walrus whisker earrings this way, at a price lower than in the stores.

On Fridays you can also go to the prison and can view and purchase items that the inmates have made. We got an ulu (a wide rounded knife) made by a female inmate (yes, we bought a knife from a jail inmate….pretty cool). The range of items varies depending on who is incarcerated at the time, but it’s pretty cool to go check out the wares. You go to the main entrance at the minimum-security jail, and the case of items is just in the main doors at the check in desk. You can pay with credit card if you want.

An ulu is an all purpose crescent-shaped arctic knife traditionally used by the Inuit for all activities including food prep, skinning animals. Ulu means “woman’s knife” due to its traditional role in domestic activities, although men used them in hunting as well. Now they are used for practical purposes by all, and more than one person has told us how great they are for cutting pizza. Ulus continue to hold cultural significance and you will see depictions of them in art.

• Rannva: This store was utterly breathtaking and we spent a lot of time here trying items on and oohing-and awing at others. Rannva makes sealskin and fur outdoor clothing, including absolutely stunning jackets, vests, gloves, and hats. You can also buy pelts and seal skins here in a gorgeous array of dyed colors. The store location has changed and it is now located in the Apex area at 3102 Angel St.

Rannva is also part of a movement called “ Sewing for Survival” w hich encourages and promotes the Inuit women in the community to continue their traditional arts and crafts to ensure their survival, and to earn income and improve their lives through the creative use of their indigenous skills. Rannva purchases items made by other women to sell in her store, therefore there is also accessories, jewellery.

• Malikkaat :  here there are children’s and adult books by Nunavut writers in English and Inuktitut, jewellery, accessories, ulus and other arts and crafts for sale. This store is great, and we loved the children’s books.
• Northern Collectables: this store is crammed full of an eclectic mix of items. It’s pretty fun to slowly go through it. This store is close to the jail so you can hit it if you go to the jail to check out the wares there!
• Carvings Nunavut Inc: This large store /gallery has tonnes of carvings and carries a selection of really nice sealskin boots and footwear, as well as some other arts and crafts such as gloves and accessories. This store has the most “commercial” feel of them all, has the largest collection of carvings in Iqaluit.

The sealskin/ fur mitts are a staple here in Iqaluit and people will properly oh-and-ah over your new mitts because each pair is a work of art. On my second day here, I realized the gloves I had brought were completely inadequate for the weather. I bought a gorgeous pair of simple dark olive-green seal skin mitts here that I am completely in love with. And they are so very warm and perfect for the Iqaluit winter.

• Aayuraa Studio: This jewellery studio is hard to find because it is just an unmarked brown house– Building 1017 and is located near the Northmart. But its pretty cool. Its founder Mathew Nuqingaq has received the Order of Canada due to his art. The studio is a working studio where the artists are making jewellery, but they have a couple of displays with the items they currently have for sale and you can go to the studio and see what they have and buy items. Click here for a CBC article for more info.
• Baffin Flowers and Gifts: Our friend needed tights to wear with a dress to a formal event. Apparently, the only place in town to get such an item is Baffin Flowers and Gifts. We struggled to find it, and when we did, it was a total surprise because I expected a small flower store (that bizarrely carried tights). This store is like no other in Iqaluit. It is jam packed with knick-knacks, mugs with sayings on them, little toys, accessories and yes, we did find nylons. Apparently, it also has flowers and does bouquets.
• Arctic Survival Store : get your outdoor work and hunting and fishing gear here.  Jill bought me a rad no-spill coffee mug here that I have used every day since. It also has furs and pelts for sale.
• Airbnb has some listings in Iqaluit. This is the ideal way to experience Iqaluit, by staying in a local’s abode. There is not a wide selection of places available however, and it isn’t cheap. But the benefits of having a kitchen will save you a lot of trouble and expense, as eating out in Iqaluit is limited and more expensive than you might be used to, considering the distance items need to travel to get here.
• Bed &Breakfasts: there are a few B&B’s as well, although I found they are hard to find. When we were at Rannva, we found out that she has 2 B&Bs: a 3 bedroom one in the Apex area attached to the store, and a smaller one in behind the post office, both of which are really nice according to the lovely woman in the store. There are also a few B&B’s listed on the Travel Nunavut website .
• The Discovery Hotel : is hailed as Iqaluit’s only “boutique” hotel. It looks quite nice, and we were told that the restaurant is really good. The location is excellent—it is right in the city centre.
• The Frobisher Inn : is Iqaluit’s largest hotel. It also has a fine dining restaurant, the Storehouse Bar and Grill and a little café. Its up the hill a bit/ behind the hospital so you will need to drive or cab most places.
• Capital Suites : you can rent rooms or whole suites here. When we moved to Iqaluit we needed to stay 3 weeks in Capital Suites before we got into our house. I can tell you from moving 4 times while there (due to booking issues), pay the extra for the suite!! The suites are totally functional and fine, with a full kitchen, living room and bedroom. The rooms I hated being in — they are small and it is impossible to eat out in Iqaluit all the time so not having a kitchenette is a big deal.

Just enjoying the stunning scenery is a joy. In the winter months you can go Northern Lights hunting (try the Road to Nowhere on a clear night!). In the summer you can go hiking. There are outfitters who can take you on excursions, including dogsledding or snowmobiling, fishing or hunting.

Activities and Sites

The Iqaluit Aquatic Centre is really nice! It is a new building and is a bright, clean, lovely facility. The pool has a waterslide and climbing wall, a lap pool and leisure pool, a hot tub and saunas. As well they have three large change rooms, men, women and inclusive — pretty cool. The gym facility here is also super—it is bright and open with a good range of equipment and nice views of outside. The whole facility is pretty first-class for a small place, and it is a pleasure to go to.

Arctic Winter Games Complex is an arena in the winter and an indoor sports field in the summer. There are public skates. We didn’t go because I am a terrible skater, but heard it is very nice.

The Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum : we weren’t able to visit because it closed for about 2 weeks for the Christmas break, and we didn’t realize until the day it closed. But everyone raved about it! So, make sure you hit it up.

Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park: a public park with hiking trails, barbeque area, a river where char can be fished. On a Sunday afternoon, even in the winter, the park was busy with dog sledding, snow mobiles, hikers and drivers checking out the view and the sunset. If you are into geocaching there is apparently a puzzle set up throughout the park. The park is gorgeous and close to the city. It’s also close to the brewery so you can pop in for a breswkie after hiking!

There are a few places where there are events or evening activities:

• Royal Canadian Legion —the Legion is a happening place in Iqaluit. There is karaoke night, live music and dancing on weekends. Friday is steak night! Tuesday is wings night! You need to be a member or have a member sign you in or get a visitor pass. We went for New Years Eve and there was a prime rib dinner and dancing. Although it was not nearly as busy as we expected, we had a good time with beer, pool and music with people ranging from 19- ?. You must coat check your coat at the door for $1 and sign in any guests.
• The Storehouse at the Frobisher Inn- Pub environment with TVs, pool tables and sometimes a DJ or live band , serving solid pub fair.
• The Chart Room Bar : the only bar in Iqaluit is quite new. We aren’t really the bar type anyways, and we tend to prefer gay bars and drag shows, and so we didn’t make it out to this bar during our stay this time.

Iqaluit has a lot going on for a city of less than 8000 people. While it is small, it also feels like there is quite a bit to do and see. In the summer, there would be a lot more to do, with the vast amount of outdoor activities available. But even in the dead of winter, we had a great time in Iqaluit, Nunavut.

If you are a business owner with a store front in Iqaluit, and you think your business should be listed here, or I have the info incorrect or it is outdated, please send me a message through my Contact page, and I will consider adding your business to this list. and will update your info.

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Iqaluit, Nunavut in Pictures: Photos that will make you want to go to Canada's Arctic

Top Things to Do in Iqaluit, Canada - Iqaluit Must-See Attractions

Things to do in iqaluit.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for Couples
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre

2. Legislative Assembly of Nunavut

3. Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park

4. Northern Collectables

5. Apex Beach

6. Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum

7. St. Jude's Cathedral

8. Qaummaarviit Territorial Park

9. Nunavut Brewing Company

11. Tasiluliariaq Rotary Park

12. Carvings Nunavut

13. Apex Trail

14. Inukpak Outfitting

15. Saimavik Studio

16. Storehouse Bar & Grill

17. Iqaluit International Airport

18. astro theatre.

19. Tour Iqaluit - Day Tours

What travellers are saying

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• Français fr

Dr. Tam’s Perspective: Eliminating TB is a community effort

I recently had the privilege of visiting the communities of Naujaat, Pond Inlet and Iqaluit in Nunavut where I was generously welcomed by so many residents. Despite the challenges remote communities face, I left my time in Nunavut inspired by their resilience and commitment to building a bright future.

Social, economic and environmental factors play a fundamental role in determining the health of individuals. I witnessed this firsthand on this trip, where rates of tuberculosis (TB) are the highest in the country and significantly impact these communities, but where remarkable community efforts are underway to reduce the burden of disease and infection.

Since November 2021, three communities in Nunavut have declared TB outbreaks: Naujaat, Pond Inlet and Pangnirtung. The Government of Nunavut, in partnership with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated with support from the Public Health Agency of Canada, Indigenous Services Canada and local communities, has established community-wide screening clinics to support TB elimination in Nunavut. I was able to visit the Naujaat clinic when it opened on April 15 and heard how important it was for community members to get tested and treated so close to home, rather than traveling hundreds of kilometres for care. But testing and treatment is only one part of the equation.

TB is a treatable, curable infectious disease. It is also an indicator of health inequities. Why are TB rates higher in Indigenous, particularly Inuit, and northern communities than in other parts of Canada? Access to health care, lack of adequate housing, the continuing impacts of colonialism, stigma, lack of infrastructure and food insecurity all factor into this.

Community leadership is a key ingredient of success on the path to build healthier communities. In Nunavut, community organizations are working to educate people about the importance of getting tested and eliminating the fear and stigma of TB while providing greater access for individuals to get tested. They have also set up support for nutrition, providing food hampers to those infected with TB so they can have the right conditions to heal. They are tackling key issues in their territory such as homelessness, health education and mental health in order to address some of the inequities that impact health.

In Canada, we are working towards eliminating TB from Inuit Nunangat by 2030, and across the country by 2035. These are challenging targets and it will take a concerted effort to reach them. With these goals in mind, Indigenous, Federal, Provincial and Territorial partners are working together to develop an approach to TB Elimination in Canada. After witnessing how communities in Nunavut are coming together for the long-term health and well-being of its people, I believe that we can achieve TB elimination.

TB elimination is a powerful illustration of the vital role that community leadership can play, with the support of public health and other sectors, in creating healthier and more resilient communities.

Page details

Top Things to Do in Iqaluit - Iqaluit Must-See Attractions

Things to do in iqaluit.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for Couples
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre

2. Legislative Assembly of Nunavut

3. Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park

4. Northern Collectables

5. Apex Beach

6. Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum

7. St. Jude's Cathedral

8. Qaummaarviit Territorial Park

9. Nunavut Brewing Company

11. Tasiluliariaq Rotary Park

12. Carvings Nunavut

13. Apex Trail

14. Inukpak Outfitting

15. Saimavik Studio

16. Storehouse Bar & Grill

17. Iqaluit International Airport

18. astro theatre.

19. Tour Iqaluit - Day Tours

What travellers are saying