Iqaluit Travel Guide

Discover Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, with our comprehensive travel guide filled with tips, recommendations, and must-see attractions.


Introduction to Iqaluit

Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, is a charming city located in the eastern part of Baffin Island. Despite its chilly weather all year round, Iqaluit is famous for its beautiful landscapes, stunning sunsets, and fantastic wildlife. This city is also a hub of Inuit culture and traditions, making it an excellent place for learning about the rich history of Canada’s indigenous population.

In this travel guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about visiting Iqaluit, from places to see, things to do, and accommodations to stay in.

List of Places to Visit in Iqaluit

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum: This museum showcases Iqaluit’s past and celebrates its Inuit culture. You’ll find exhibits on Inuit artifacts, history, and contemporary Inuit art.
  • Unikkaarvik Visitors Centre: Learn about Nunavut’s history, culture, and environment at this visitor center, where you can watch films and presentations about the Inuit people, their traditions, and the local wildlife.
  • Legislative Assembly of Nunavut: Take a tour of the Legislative Assembly building to learn about Nunavut’s unique form of governance, the history and evolution of the Assembly, and how laws are made in this region.

Natural Attractions of Iqaluit: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Tundra Tour: From August to October, you can join a tundra tour of the local countryside led by Inuit guides. You’ll learn about the local flora and fauna, wildlife, and history of the area while enjoying breathtaking views.
  • Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park: This enormous park offers several hiking trails, each offering a stunning vista that showcases the natural beauty of Iqaluit. Watch out for wildlife along the way, especially caribou and Arctic fox.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Iqaluit

  • Apex Trail: This 2.3 km trail leads you to the top of Apex Hill, where you can see a panoramic view of Iqaluit.
  • Mostar Mountain: Also known as “Mount Duval,” this 4 km trail is a steep hike that takes you up a 500-meter mountain.
  • Twin Lakes Trail: This 7 km trail takes you through a valley and up a hill, past the scenic Twin Lakes.

Best Things to Do in Iqaluit: Activities and Tours

  • Northern Tour Services: Book a tour with Northern Tour Services to explore Iqaluit’s wildlife, history, and culture. Offerings include snowshoeing expeditions, igloo building, and Northern Lights tours.
  • Dog Sledding: Take a dog sled tour with a local company and experience the breathtaking winter scenery of Iqaluit. Optional extras include a stop at a hot spring or traditional Inuit feast.
  • Frobisher Bay Sunset Cruise: Enjoy a two-hour boat ride in Frobisher Bay and watch the breathtaking sunset of Iqaluit lights up the sky.

Week-Long Itinerary for Iqaluit

Day 1: Visit Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum and Unikkaarvik Visitors Centre. Day 2: Take a Tundra Tour of the local scenery led by local Inuit guides. Day 3: Hike to Apex Hill to see a panoramic view of Iqaluit. Day 4: Take a dog sled tour and enjoy the winter scenery. Day 5: Visit the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut and learn about Nunavut’s unique government. Day 6: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park. Day 7: Watch the breathtaking sunset while taking a Frobisher Bay sunset cruise.

Food and Drink Scene of Iqaluit

Must-Try Dishes

  • Arctic Char: This fish is a staple food in the local Inuit cuisine, and it’s typically smoked or grilled.
  • Caribou: The meat of caribou, a type of Arctic reindeer, is a nutrient-rich delicacy that has been part of the Inuit diet for thousands of years.
  • Bannock: This traditional Indigenous bread is made from flour, baking powder, water, and sometimes with vegetables such as corn. It’s usually fried and served with jams and honey.

Local Beverages

  • Nunavut Brewing Company: This local brewery offers beer made from local ingredients, including berries, seaweeds, and herbs.
  • Northern Cordials: This company makes non-alcoholic cordials using local berries and sweeteners from northern Canada.

Where to Stay in Iqaluit: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Arctic: This hotel offers comfortable rooms with views of Frobisher Bay, an on-site restaurant, and a fitness center.
  • The Frobisher Inn: This hotel is located in the heart of downtown Iqaluit and offers a wide range of amenities, such as a restaurant, a lounge, and a gym.
  • Capital Suites: This all-suite hotel offers guests a full kitchen and basement parking, as well as being centrally located downtown.

What to Buy in Iqaluit: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Carvings: Iqaluit is the perfect place to buy Inuit carvings made of soapstone and whalebone. Many of these carvings depict local wildlife such as polar bears and walruses.
  • Inukshuks: These stone statues are a traditional Inuit symbol, representing a human figure and used for navigation and communication by the Inuit.
  • Qiviut: This is a soft wool made from the fur of the muskox, and it’s used to make high-quality clothing such as mittens, scarves, and hats.

Local Culture and Customs of Iqaluit

The Inuit culture is essential to Iqaluit, and visitors should respect the customs of the local people. This includes dressing appropriately for the weather and respecting local wildlife and their habitat.

Best Time to Visit Iqaluit

The best time to visit Iqaluit is during the summer months of July and August when the temperature is warmer, and many festivals occur in the city.

Do’s and Don’ts of Iqaluit

Do:

  • Bring warm clothing, including a toque (woolly hat), mittens, and a winter jacket.
  • Respect the Inuit culture and traditions.
  • Take advantage of local tours and experiences.

Don’t:

  • Disturb local wildlife.
  • Litter or leave trash behind.
  • Wear perfume or cologne, which can attract bears.

Safety and Health

Safety in Iqaluit

Iqaluit is a safe destination, but visitors should take precautions when traveling through the wilderness outside the city. Always hire a guide when exploring the countryside and be alert to local wildlife.

Health in Iqaluit

Visitors should be aware of the risks associated with exposure to cold weather and take precautions, such as dressing warmly and avoiding prolonged exposure to the cold.

Getting to Iqaluit: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Iqaluit

The Iqaluit International Airport is the main airport and is served by daily flights from Ottawa and Montreal.

Bus Stations Near Iqaluit

There are no standard bus services that operate out of Iqaluit.

Other Options

Ferries are available from Montreal and other ports south of Nunavut, but the journey can take several days.

How to Get Around in Iqaluit

The best way to get around Iqaluit is by taxi, which can be flagged down at the airport or across the city.

Where to Go Next from Iqaluit: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Auyuittuq National Park: Located on Baffin Island, this national park offers breathtaking views of glaciers, fjords, and mountains.
  • Nunavik: This area of northern Quebec is home to Inuit villages, stunning scenery, and unique wildlife.

Conclusion

Iqaluit is a fantastic destination for anyone interested in exploring and experiencing Inuit culture and traditions in Northern Canada. With its amazing scenery, rich history, and friendly locals, it’s no surprise that visitors consistently rate it as one of the best places to visit in Canada. This travel guide will help you plan your trip to Iqaluit so that you can get the most out of your visit.

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