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Iqaluit

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Iqaluit (ᐃᖃᓗᐃᑦ in Inuktitut syllabics; formerly, Frobisher Bay, [1]) is the capital and largest settlement of the Canadian territory of Nunavut, and is located on a south-eastern inlet of Baffin Island. Population 7,100 as of 2008.

Culture and History

Iqaluit started life as the site of an American Air Force base in 1942. In 1984 the settlement formerly known as Frobisher Bay changed it's name back to Iqaluit. Iqaluit means salmon trout.

Travel to Iqaluit & Visa Requirements

Iqaluit is generally accessible only by air and, under the right ice conditions, by sea. Iqaluit has no roads leading to any parts outside of Iqaluit.

By air

Tours & Getting around Iqaluit

Iqaluit attractions and sightseeing

Landmarks

  • Crystal II - an ancient Inuit camping ground which has lasted for thousands of years, mainly because it is still used even this day. It is located near the end of the road towards the dump, you will need to have local assistance to find the site.
  • Nunavut Legislature - the location of Nunavut's legislative assembly. You may look around the main floor of the building, be sure to announce yourself to the security guard before going too far. The main entrance of the Legislature has two spires of wood which resembles a Qamotiq, a type of Inuit dog sled.
  • St Jude's Anglican Cathedral - a white, domed and spired church building designed to resemble an igloo, the interior was recently (November 2005) destroyed by fire and has since been demolished. There are plans to rebuild the Cathedral in the future.

Museums and Galleries

  • The Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum - houses a large collection of Inuit and Arctic artifacts and art. It is located on the beach in a white and red building.
  • Iqaluit Public Library - a public library which houses a very informative Nunavut tourism office. A smaller museum of arctic animals is located in the building beside the tourism office.
  • The Baffin regional vistors center has information on the whole territory as well as displays on local wildlife and culture in an adjoining museum.

Iqaluit city tours

  • Visit Silvia Grinell River.

Iqaluit Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Iqaluit nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

Iqaluit cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

Only hotels/inns are:

  • Frobisher Inn
  • Navigator Inn
  • Accommodations by the Sea
  • Nova Hotel
  • Capital Suites
  • Pearson's arctic homestay (979-6408) Run by a colorful former mayor offers B&B for C$100 a night.
  • Toonoonik Hotel Has a dining room and charges C$100/C$125 for singles/doubles.

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This page was last edited at 17:03, on 30 November 2008 by Wikitravel user Texugo. Based on work by David, Ann, Llew Bardecki and Evan Prodromou, Wikitravel user(s) Edmontonenthusiast, Vidimian, Morph, Episteme, Jonboy and Pjamescowie and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.

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