Iqaluit Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Iqaluit is unlike any other capital city in the world. Perched on the southern coast of Baffin Island at the head of Frobisher Bay, it is a place where modern Canadian life intersects with thousands of years of Inuit tradition. Here, there are no roads connecting you to the rest of the continent; the isolation creates a tight-knit community warmth that defies the Arctic chill. The landscape is starkly beautiful, a canvas of rocky hills and tundra that bursts into color in the short summer and slumbers under a blanket of snow and dancing auroras in the winter.

Visiting Iqaluit requires a spirit of adventure. It is not a destination for passive relaxation, but rather for active engagement with a unique environment. Whether you are watching the tides, some of the highest in the world, reveal the ocean floor, listening to the throat singers at a local festival, or navigating the sea ice on a qamutik (sled), you are participating in a way of life that has adapted to one of the planet’s harshest climates. It is a place that challenges your perceptions and rewards you with silence, vastness, and a profound connection to the North.

The Heart of the Inuit Homeland

Iqaluit means “place of many fish” in Inuktitut, reflecting its roots as a traditional fishing camp long before it became a US airbase and later a capital city. This deep connection to the land and sea remains the defining characteristic of the city. In the streets, you will hear Inuktitut spoken as fluently as English, and you will see traditional parkas (amautis) worn alongside modern winter gear. The culture here is not a museum exhibit; it is living and breathing.

Art is everywhere in Iqaluit. The city boasts the highest concentration of artists per capita in Canada. From master carvers working on soapstone outside their homes to printmakers creating vibrant depictions of Arctic animals, the artistic output is staggering. Visitors are encouraged to engage respectfully with artists, often finding that the stories behind the carvings are as compelling as the pieces themselves.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

St. Jude’s Anglican Cathedral - Known as the Igloo Cathedral, this white, dome-shaped church was rebuilt in 2012. It features a sled-shaped lectern and a cross made of narwhal tusks. Located in the city centre; entry is by donation.

Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre - The best starting point for any trip. It offers dioramas of Arctic life, wildlife displays, and friendly staff who can help book tours. Located on the beachfront; free admission.

Legislative Assembly of Nunavut - A stunning example of northern architecture. The assembly chamber features seal skin seats and a mace made from a narwhal tusk. Guided tours are available (check times); located in the majestic yellow and blue building in the centre.

Qaummaarviit Territorial Park - Located 12 km west of Iqaluit by boat (summer) or snowmobile (winter), this island preserves Thule archaeological sites dating back 750 years. Guided tours are required for access; prices vary by outfitter (approx. $200+ CAD).

Planning Your Visit

Getting to Iqaluit involves flying with Canadian North from hubs like Ottawa or Montreal. There are no roads to Iqaluit. Flights can be expensive, often exceeding $1,500 CAD round trip, so booking well in advance is crucial. Once you arrive, the town is relatively walkable, but the “flat rate” taxi system is the standard way to get around ($9 CAD per person to almost anywhere in town).

Pack for weather colder than you expect. Even in July, the wind off the bay can be biting. Waterproof hiking boots are essential for the muddy tundra in summer, and certified parka-grade gear is non-negotiable in winter. Also, be prepared for high costs; shipping logistics mean a burger might cost $25 and a salad $20. Budget accordingly, and bring an open mind, the experiences here are priceless.

Iqaluit is a destination that stays with you long after you leave. The stark beauty of the tundra, the warmth of the people, and the sheer scale of the Arctic sky create memories that are impossible to replicate elsewhere. Whether you come for the midnight sun or the northern lights, the North will welcome you.