We are pleased you will be visiting the capital of Nunavut. Here is some information that may helpful before and during your trip.

• Iqaluit is the plural of iqaluk (which is Arctic char, a cold-water fish in the family Salmonidae) in Inuktitut (language of the Inuit)
• Pronounced ee-kah-loo-eet. The ‘kah’ is more of a sound from the throat.
• Capital of Nunavut
• Location: 63º45’N 68º31’W, 2,090 air km north of Ottawa
• Population estimate (July 2020) is 8,284 (about 60% Inuit)
• Before 1987, the city of Iqaluit was called Frobisher Bay after Englishman Martin Frobisher who sailed into Frobisher Bay in 1576 believing he found the route to China
• Eastern Time Zone (same as Ottawa/New York City)

Iqaluit in late June

The average temperature for Iqaluit on June 14:

The bay opens up in late June/early July.

Environment Canada weather information for Iqaluit:

http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/nu-21_metric_e.html

Hours of sunlight in Iqaluit on June 14:

Even though the sun rises and sets in Iqaluit, it will be 24 hour light on June 14th.

National Research Council Canada sunrise/sunset calendar

http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/services/sunrise/index.html

Dress code is somewhat relaxed in Nunavut. Casual pants (corduroys, khakis, even jeans, etc) and button up shirts, long sleeved shirts and/or fleece/sweaters are common.

WHAT TO BRING – suggested

• Sturdy footwear (please note there are no sidewalks)
• Light-weight/windproof jacket (or a fleece/sweater with a windbreaker)
• Sunglasses

Tap water in Iqaluit is safe to drink.

You can pick up a variety of Inuit art, particularly prints and sculptures, at gift shops around town. And don't be surprised if you are approached to purchase a small or medium size Inuit sculpture at your hotel, restaurant or on the street.

Prices will range from $20 to a few hundred dollars.

Provided is a list of different stores that will have Inuit art, prints, sculptures, traditional tools, jewelry, body care, and clothes, ranging from items as small as lip balm to luxury parkas and sculptures.

As mentioned before, if you do not have the time to visit a store, you will still likely have the opportunity to purchase an item by sellers who may approach you at one of the restaurants or cafés in town. There is also a small store at the airport that sells a variety of Inuit arts and products, such as Uasau Soap, an Inuk owned company that makes its own soaps, beard oils, lotions, lip balms, and hair products.

Please keep in mind when attempting to bargain with sellers that often times selling their art is their livelihood and it takes years to work up the skills to create and perfect their craft. Be respectful of their art and purchase responsibly.

Iqaluit has a number of restaurant and café options, as well as a few bars for those interested. Foods can vary from traditionally inspired, such as smoked char sandwiches or sushi, to more Canadian/American foods such as burgers or steaks.

There are other smaller food places in town, such as Iqaluit’s The Snack for burgers and poutine, Yummy Shawarma close to the old Iqaluit Airport if you are craving a shawarma and Pita Shack at the Iqaluit Aquatic Centre for when you are craving a filling pita wrap or an ice cream float.

You are able to get around on foot to most places. If you are going a distance, you may want to use a taxi. Taxis charge a flat rate, one-way fare of $9.75 per person and only accept cash. Elders Fare is $8.00, and children under 10 accompanied by an adult ride for free.
Taxis may also pick up and drop off other passengers along the way so shared rides with others are common.

Caribou cabs 979-4444

Iqaluit now operates a bus route with 14 stops throughout the community, operating at 45 minute frequency, only on weekdays. Fares for Adult and Youth are $5.00 per ride. Elders fares are $4.00. Children 10 and under ride for free. Cash, debit, Visa, and Mastercard are all accepted forms of payment. For more information please visit the Iqaluit Transit website at: https://iqaluittransit.ca/#

• Nunatsiaq News (newspaper for Nunavut and northern Quebec available online) http://www.nunatsiaq.com
• Nunavut News North (newspaper) https://www.nnsl.com/nunavut-news/
• CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) North www.cbc.ca/north

• CBC 91.1 FM (Inuktitut and English with local and national feeds)
• CBC Music 88.3 FM
• Radio Iqaluit, CFRT 107.3 FM (French and Inuktitut)
• CIAQ 93.3 FM (weather forecast)

There are three banks.

• RBC Royal Bank (ATMs on location)
• CIBC (ATMs on location)
• First Nations Bank (ATM on location)
• Other “white machines” are available in most stores, such as Arctic Ventures, Northmart, Frobisher Inn, and most QuickStop convenience stores.

• Inuulisautinut Niuvirvik (connected to Frobisher Inn) Hours M-F 10 – 7 PM
• Northmart Hours: M-F 10 – 6 PM, Sat 10 – 5, Sun 12 – 5 PM
• Phone number: 975-3535
• Valupharm (Building number 5003) Hours: M-F 10 – 6:00 PM, Sat 1- 5 PM, closed Sundays
• Phone number: 979-0655

There are many dialects of Inuktitut throughout Nunavut and within Canada. While English is prevalent throughout Nunavut, learning some Inuktitut phrases is encouraged.

Suggested online resource: http://www.tusaalanga.ca/

We hope you enjoy your time in Iqaluit!