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Capital city of Nunavut, Canada
Photo: Sebastian Kasten, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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.
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Home to Nunavut's unicameral parliament, this building contains some excellent examples of Inuit art. The main entrance has two spires of wood which resemble a Qamotiq, a type of Inuit dog sled. Feel free to look around the main floor of the building, but be sure to announce yourself to the security guard before going too far. You may observe the proceedings of the legislative chamber from its public gallery. Contact the public affairs office to find out when the next sitting will be. Guided tours of the building are conducted Jul–Aug on weekdays at 10:30AM, or by appointment in Sep-Jun.
Housed in a reconstructed trading post of the Hudson's Bay Company, this small museum contains a collection of Inuit art and artifacts. It is on the beach in a red and white building.
Igloo Cathedral
One of Iqaluit's most recognizable landmarks is a white-domed church designed to resemble an igloo. The cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of the Arctic, which serves the largest area of any Anglican diocese in the world. The cathedral is also the parish church for the parish of Iqaluit. The building was opened in 2012.
Surrounding the lower reaches of the Sylvia Grinnell River, this park offers some excellent tundra scenery. Several hiking trails run along the river, which has good fishing, while another leads to a waterfall. On the bank of the river is an ancient camping ground (Crystal II archaeological site) used by the Dorset and Thule peoples. You will need to have local assistance to find the site. Caribou and arctic foxes can be seen roaming through the area depending on the season.
This island preserves another archaeological site, a 750-year-old campsite dating back to the Thule culture. It is 12 km from town, and can be accessed by boat in the summer months and by ski, dogsled or snowmobile in the winter months. Going with an outfitter is recommended, and usually gets you there quicker. Camping in the park is not permitted.
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.
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.
Serves espresso drinks, coffee, tea, baked goods, sandwiches, salads and soups.
Café with fresh coffee, pastries and ice cream.
Coffee, muffin and panini. Locals recommend this cafe.
Down on the beach. Serves coffee, pizza and sandwiches.
Nice restaurant in the Frobisher Inn. Brunch on Sundays.
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.
Fast food. Lunch and dinner. Also serves wine.
Lebanese restaurant serving kebab, authentic shawarma, salads, pizza, pasta and desserts. Delivery available.
BBQ restaurant
The restaurant is inside this general store. You can find burgers, pizza and souvlaki.
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.
Has a big screen for ice hockey, pool tables, dance floor, fireplaces and comfy chairs. It has different specials on every day of the week. Note that they charge $1 coat fee.
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.
Bed and breakfast. Newly renovated. 6 rooms. Self check-in. Book via Airbnb website.
Free transport to/from the airport, WiFi and unlimited long distance calls within North America. Shared kitchen and living room area.
The owner of this bed and breakfast also has a gallery of fur and sealskin garments located on Angel Street.
Discovery Lodge Hotel
Hotel suites. Also has a restaurant, "Granite Room" (see section above). Free weekly newspaper, WiFi and complimentary airport shuttle.
Hotel suites. Fitness centre. Free parking and WiFi.
Part of the Astro Hill Complex, which also houses a bar, restaurant, swimming pool and cinema. Has free hotel shuttle service but limited schedule on M-Sa.
Has on site restaurant, fitness room, free WiFi and free parking.
Department store run by Arctic Co-operatives. The building also contains a grocery store, cellphone store and office product store.
Sells Inuit sculptures (including large ones) and jewellery. Prices tend to lean towards the expensive side.
Housed in one of the old Hudson Bay Company buildings on Apex Beach, this gallery displays carvings by local artist Saila Kipanek.
A gift store selling Inuit-made art, clothing and jewellery from Iqaluit and other communities in the north.
Fur and sealskin garments designed by owner Rannva Simonsen.
Public transit
Car rentals
There are several automotive outfitters in town that rent snowmobiles and ATVs. Driving Force is a reputable vehicle rental company in town for SUVs and pickup trucks.
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Iqaluit · Regional · YFB
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