Iqaluit
Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, sits on Frobisher Bay and blends Inuit culture with Arctic landscapes, colourful hillside homes and a close-knit northern community.
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About Nunavut
Iqaluit is the capital of Nunavut and Canada's main gateway to the eastern Arctic. Set on Frobisher Bay at the southern end of Baffin Island, it is a small but dynamic territorial capital where Inuit culture, government administration and Arctic life come together.
The city began as a Hudson's Bay Company trading post and grew around a Second World War airfield. Originally known as Frobisher Bay, it was renamed Iqaluit, meaning "place of many fish" in Inuktitut, and became the capital when Nunavut was created in 1999.
Key landmarks include the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum and Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park. The historic Apex neighbourhood preserves early settlement buildings, while Inuit art, throat singing and seasonal festivals reflect the region's living cultural traditions.
Iqaluit's districts are compact and walkable, centred on a small downtown by the bay. Apex offers a quieter, historic setting, while government offices, hotels, restaurants and shops cluster along the main streets.
As Nunavut's administrative and economic centre, Iqaluit hosts government work, research and resource-related business. For travellers, it offers Northern Lights viewing, dog sledding, iceberg and wildlife experiences, and a true sense of Arctic Canada, reached primarily by air through Iqaluit International Airport.
Nunavut Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit
Summer from June to August brings long daylight hours and the mildest weather for outdoor activities. March and April are popular for Northern Lights viewing and spring festivals such as Toonik Tyme, while winter is colder and darker but offers unique Arctic experiences.
How to Get Around
Iqaluit is compact and walkable in the centre, with taxis widely used for local trips. There are no roads connecting Iqaluit to other communities, and visitors also use rental vehicles, snowmobiles in winter or ATVs in summer for travel around town.
Where to Stay
Most hotels and guesthouses are located in the central area near Frobisher Bay, convenient for restaurants, shops and government buildings. The historic Apex neighbourhood offers quieter bed-and-breakfast options a short drive from downtown.
Food & Drink
Iqaluit's dining scene highlights country food such as Arctic char, caribou and muskox alongside Canadian and international dishes. Local restaurants, cafés and markets offer a taste of the region, though fresh produce can be limited because supplies arrive mainly by air and sea.
Ground Transportation Services in Nunavut
Airport Transfers
Travel between Iqaluit International Airport and hotels, government offices, event venues and other locations around the city.
Hourly Chauffeur
Book a private chauffeur by the hour for business meetings, government appointments, events and flexible sightseeing in Iqaluit.
Car Rental
Rent a vehicle in Iqaluit for independent travel around town and nearby roads, with seasonal conditions to keep in mind.
Bus & Group Transfers
Arrange minibuses or charter buses for groups, conferences, government events, airport transfers and guided tours in Iqaluit.
Airports in Nunavut
Frequently Asked Questions
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