Iqaluit is the capital of Canada’s newest territory, Nunavut, and lies just 313 kilometers south of the arctic circle at the end of Frobisher Bay on Baffin Island. Inuit are steeped in a culture thousands of years in the making. Our art is world famous for its storytelling of both the modern and ancient ways of our land. You will see large dramatic sculptures in our public spaces. Paintings, carvings, and crafts can be found for purchase in various retail boutiques, galleries and restaurants around Iqaluit. Even our clothing is art and hand-crafted garments are a normal part of life here.
There is much to do, come experience the exhilaration of dog sledding or snowmobiling on a crisp -45 degree celsius day. In the summer months, when the sun barely sleeps, go camping, fishing, kayaking or enjoy guided tundra hikes. And if that is not enough, the Aurora Borealis puts on its spectacular show from October to April.
Tunngasugit, Welcome
To learn more about Nunavut’s communities, culture, and people visit:
When you close your eyes and imagine the Arctic, you are likely picturing the hamlet of Arctic Bay. Nestled snugly amidst stunning mountains, Arctic Bay is a traditional community heavily reliant on hunting, fishing, and tourism. It provides visitors with a wide range of Arctic experiences – Inuit culture and tradition, rare Arctic wildlife, and awe-inspiring scenery.
https://www.destinationnunavut.ca/places/arctic-bay
Millions of people from around the world were captivated by the stark beauty of the Igloolik area through the award-winning films of Igloolik-based Isuma Productions. These films tell many stories of Inuit life and the connections with Europeans, but what they subtly showcase is the tremendous cultural knowledge of the people that reside in Igloolik- hunters, storytellers, keepers of traditional knowledge. When you visit Igloolik, you feel as you are entering the spirit of Inuit culture.
https://www.destinationnunavut.ca/places/igloolik
Called Sanirajaq, meaning ‘the shoreline’, the Inuit of Hall Beach have enjoyed and benefited from the abundance of marine life, including walruses and beluga whales for thousands of years.
https://www.destinationnunavut.ca/places/hall-beach
Sanikiluaq is Nunavut’s southern-most community, located in the Belcher Islands of southeastern Hudson’s Bay. Its isolation from other Nunavut communities and its proximity to Northern Quebec makes Sanikiluaq uniquely different.
https://www.destinationnunavut.ca/places/sanikiluaq
Millions of people from around the world were captivated by the stark beauty of the Igloolik area through the award-winning films of Igloolik-based Isuma Productions. These films tell many stories of Inuit life and the connections with Europeans, but what they subtly showcase is the tremendous cultural knowledge of the people that reside in Igloolik- hunters, storytellers, keepers of traditional knowledge. When you visit Igloolik, you feel as you are entering the spirit of Inuit culture.
https://www.destinationnunavut.ca/places/igloolik
Called Sanirajaq, meaning ‘the shoreline’, the Inuit of Hall Beach have enjoyed and benefited from the abundance of marine life, including walruses and beluga whales for thousands of years.
https://www.destinationnunavut.ca/places/hall-beach
Inuit have congregated in the area for over 3000 years, drawn by the wildlife that provided the necessities of life. The ancient Dorset people are referred to as ‘Tuniit’, or ‘Sivullirmiut’ in Inuktitut and historians believe that the Dorset Culture people were perhaps the first North Americans ever encountered by Europeans who visited Baffin Island sometime before 1000 AD. The Dorset people became extinct by 1500 AD. However, mystical traces of them are still visible while hiking Mallikjuaq or Dorset Island.
https://www.destinationnunavut.ca/places/cape-dorset
If you are looking for the heart of Nunavut, look no further than Kimmirut, which means “the heel’ in Inuktitut, a reference to the shape of a hill near the community.
https://www.destinationnunavut.ca/places/kimmirut
Canada’s newest capital will provide you with a fascinating glimpse of the Nunavut territory and its ever-changing culture. The bustling capital is a modern Inuit community, home to Inuit people from around the Territory as well as proud newcomers from around the world.
https://www.destinationnunavut.ca/places/iqaluit
Nowhere else in the Arctic is the absolute majesty of the land, and the rhythms of Inuit life as accessible as Pangnirtung. Also known as Pangniqtuuq in Inuktitut, meaning ‘place of bull caribou’, it is the southern community gateway to Auyuittuq National Park.
https://www.destinationnunavut.ca/places/pangnirtung
Located at the northern entrance to Auyuittuq National Park, Qikiqtarjuaq is a welcoming and picturesque community. Qikiqtarjuaq is the Inuktitut word meaning ‘big island’..
https://www.destinationnunavut.ca/places/qikiqtarjuaq
Canada’s newest capital will provide you with a fascinating glimpse of the Nunavut territory and its ever-changing culture. The bustling capital is a modern Inuit community, home to Inuit people from around the Territory as well as proud newcomers from around the world.
https://www.destinationnunavut.ca/places/iqaluit
There is a special magic in the air around Clyde River. Its Inuktitut name, Kangitugaapik meaning ‘nice little inlet’, belies its stunning beauty and its importance to Inuit for nearly 2000 years.
https://www.destinationnunavut.ca/places/clyde-river
Resolute Bay is one of the most fascinating communities in Nunavut. Because of the long winter night in the extreme north of Nunavut, its Inuktitut name is Qausuittuq meaning ‘place with no dawn.’
https://www.destinationnunavut.ca/places/resolute-bay
Pond Inlet (Mittimatalik – Place where Mitima is buried) is renowned for its scenery. Located at the eastern entrance to the Northwest Passage on the Eclipse Sound and overlooking famous Bylot Island, mountain ranges are viewable in all directions, and icebergs often dot the ocean.
https://www.destinationnunavut.ca/places/pond-inlet
Grise Fiord, also known as Aujuittuq in Inuktitut meaning ‘place that never thaws’, nestles amongst majestic mountains at the end of a stunning fiord. As one of the most isolated communities in the North, the people of Grise Fiord have overcome hardship to establish a home in one of the most beautiful parts of Canada.