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Place in Nunavut, Canada
Photo: Shawn from Airdrie, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Rankin Inlet (Inuktitut: Kangiqiniq or ᑲᖏᕿᓂᖅ, meaning deep bay), is an active community of 2,800 people (2016) in mainland Nunavut. It is a government village and an air transport hub for travel between Nunavut and the centre and west of Canada.
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Iqalugaarjuup Nanang Historical Park provides a half day of adventure and is a favourite spot for hiking, fishing and bird watching. The archaeological site of Thule near the Ijiraliq River offers a historical perspective. Although water from the Rankin Inlet valve is treated and safe to drink, many locals use the river as a source of fresh water during the spring and summer. Visitors can plunge into stone age culture while visiting this park and take a glimpse at ancient Inuit Arctic traditions.
Marble Island figures prominently in Inuit traditions and received the special designation of area of exclusive possession in the accord which separated Nunavut from the Northwest Territories. An hour of boat trip from Rankin Inlet to Marble Island offers a beautiful contrast with the purple flowers of dwarf fireweed growing amongst the rocks. The tombs of the crew of the Knight Expedition from 1921 are still visible on Dead Man Island. At low tide on clear days, one can clearly see the silhouette of the whaling ship, the Orray Taft, which sank near the island in 1893. Because of its "area of exclusive possession" status, non-Inuit beneficiaries must apply for a tourism license from Kivalliq Inuit Association to access Marble Island.
Hockey tournament.
The most popular of the annual events, Pakallak Time includes a sled race, snowmobile races, igloo building and community celebrations.
Involves a barbecue with the community, square dancing at the arena and outdoor games.
This is an event across Canada and is celebrated on June 21 every year.
1 July. Communities across the country organise celebrations often including parades.
9 July. Nunavummiut celebrate the "Agreement on the Nunavut Land Claims Act and the Nunavut Act," with the Nunavut Day. All government offices are closed to mark this occasion.
Dining room and daily menu.
Their chicken parmesan is delicious.
New cafe in town. Coffee, pastries, cake.
Four single rooms. Free airport pickup and drop off. Shared bathroom, kitchen and laundry. TV in common area. Free WiFi on Starlink. Contact Zakir Hossain.
Four shared rooms (two beds per room) and shared washroom. Large living room and dining area. Laundry available. Starlink internet, smart TV and phone for local calls in each room. Contact Mahi Syeda.
Though not as great as most hotels further south, this hotel is calm and comfortable. But it is a bit old.
Laundry facilities, satellite TV, WiFi on Starlink Internet, private bathrooms, shared kitchen, free airport shuttle and breakfast. Recommended by locals as the hotel is relatively new and clean. Two-story high. Second floor (which has the shared kitchen and breakfast area) is not accessible by wheelchairs.
Newest hotel in town, opened in August 2025. Appears to be self check-in. Book via Airbnb website.
20 rooms. Twin beds. WiFi. Shared bathrooms for every two rooms.
General store and grocery.
Grocery store, also provides cable television services and property and video rentals for residents of the community.
Represents small businesses in many Inuit communities in Nunavut. Here you will find books, sealskin clothing, knitted hats and vests, carvings and sculptures, jewellery, other arts and crafts, gifts, caribou meat and Arctic char fillets.
Convenience store that also sells clothing, hobbies. arts and crafts, fur and electrical goods.
Convenience store with a Tim Hortons counter.
Stylish handmade winter clothing made with fur and synthetic materials by award winning local fashion designer. But it will not be cheap.
There are no roads to Rankin Inlet that connect to the rest of Canada.
Read in the guideRankin Inlet is very small, so one could reasonably get around by foot.
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Rankin Inlet · Regional · YRT
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