Iqaluit
Serious Arctic explorers wanting authentic Inuit culture and true Canadian High Arctic wilderness
About Iqaluit
Iqaluit is the capital of Nunavut — Canada's newest, largest, and most remote territory — and one of the world's most genuinely challenging aurora destinations to reach. There are no roads to Iqaluit; it is entirely fly-in, accessible only by air from Ottawa or Montreal. Baffin Island's harsh terrain gives Iqaluit a rawness that no European Arctic destination can replicate: this is the real Arctic, where Inuit culture isn't a tourism product but a living reality. Inuktitut is the primary language, traditional skills like igloo-building and dog sledding are practised seriously, and the landscape — frozen Frobisher Bay, vast tundra, and dramatic Baffin Island fjords — is utterly spectacular. Aurora viewing is outstanding at 63.75°N with dark skies and frequent clear nights. The extreme cold (regularly -30°C in midwinter) and limited tourism infrastructure mean preparation is essential — proper clothing, booking far in advance, and realistic expectations. For those who make it, Iqaluit delivers an authentic Arctic experience impossible to find elsewhere.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather & Aurora
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan★ Best | -28°C | 16h | High |
| Feb★ Best | -26°C | 12h | High |
| Mar★ Best | -19°C | 8h | High |
| Apr | -9°C | 3h | Low |
| May | -1°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jun | +7°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jul | +11°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Aug | +10°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Sep | +2°C | 5h | Med |
| Oct★ Best | -7°C | 11h | High |
| Nov★ Best | -17°C | 14h | High |
| Dec★ Best | -24°C | 16h | High |
Activities
Getting There
Fly from Ottawa (2.5h, Canadian North or Air Canada) or Montreal. No road access — Iqaluit is entirely fly-in. Flights can be disrupted by severe weather; build buffer days into itinerary. Expensive tickets.
Accommodation Highlights
- ✓Government hotels
- ✓Small inns
- ✓Guesthouses
Location
Budget Estimator
Based on avg $250/day in Iqaluit. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
🏨Where to Stay(10)
View all on Google Maps →
Stay By The Sea
2536 Paurngaq Cres, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0, Canada
hotel
Inukshuk Inns North Hotel
Box 118, Kugaaruk, NU X0B 0A4, Canada
hotel
Aqsarniit Hotel & Conference Centre
1730 Federal Rd, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0A1, Canada
hotel
The Discovery
1056 Mivvik Street Bldg 1056, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0, Canada
hotel
Tujurmivik Hotel
Igloolik, NU X0A 0L0, Canada
hotelAuyuittuq Lodge (Inns North)
Pangnirtung, NU X0A 0R0, Canada
hotelFrobisher Inn
505 Astro Hl Ter, Iqaluit, NU X0A 2H0, Canada
hotelCapital Suites
PO Box 2009, 807 Aiviq St, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0A1, Canada
hotelIgloolik Inn
Igloolik, NU X0A 0L0, Canada
hotelQamaq Hotel
Clyde River, NU X0A 0A7, Canada
hotel🍽️Where to Eat(10)
View all on Google Maps →
Black Heart Café
1405 Masak Ct A, Iqaluit, NU X0A 3H0, Canada
cafe
The Granite Room
1056 Mivvik Street Bldg 1056, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0, Canada
restaurant
Yummy Shawarma
1089 Mivvik Street E, Iqaluit, NU X0A 3H0, Canada
middle eastern restaurant
Asian Kitchen
16 Sinaa St, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0, Canada
asian restaurant
Hunter’s Market
743 BenEll Drive, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0A1, Canada
restaurantAqsarniit Hotel & Conference Centre
1730 Federal Rd, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0A1, Canada
hotelThe Frob Kitchen & Eatery
Astro Hill Complex, Iqaluit, NU X0A 2H0, Canada
restaurantTundra Take-out Diner
1528 Ungalliqpaat Cres, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0A1, Canada
dinerThe Storehouse Bar & Grill
505C Astro Hl Ter, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0, Canada
barFrobisher Inn
505 Astro Hl Ter, Iqaluit, NU X0A 2H0, Canada
hotel🎯Things to Do(10)
View all on Google Maps →
Tikippugut
622 Queen Elizabeth II Wy, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0A1, Canada
point of interest
Nunavut Parks and Special Places
Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0, Canada
park
Inukpak Outfitting Inc.
3310 Niaqunngusiariaq, Iqaluit, NU X0A 2H0, Canada
point of interest
Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre ᐳᓚᕋᖅᑐᓄᑦ ᑐᑭᓯᒋᐊᕐᕕᒃ
220 Sinaa St, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0, Canada
visitor center
Sylvia Grinnell Park Pavilion
Iqaluit, NU X0A 0A1, Canada
parkQaummaarviit Territorial Park ᖃᐅᒻᒫᕐᕖᑦ ᓄᓇᕗᒻᒥ ᒥᕐᖑᐃᖅᓯᕕᒃ
Iqaluit, NU X0A 0A1, Canada
parkArctic Kingdom
275 Nipisa St, Iqaluit, NU X0A 2H0, Canada
tour agencyTravel Nunavut
917 Nunavut Dr, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0, Canada
government officeNanuq Tours
2642 Nanuq Cres, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0, Canada
point of interestPolar Outfitting Nunavut
4118 Road to Nowhere #403, Iqaluit, NU X0A 1H0, Canada
tour agencyNearby Destinations
Kangerlussuaq
Aurora purists wanting the world's most statistically clear skies and Greenland Ice Cap access
Ilulissat
Bucket-list aurora chasers who want the world's most dramatic icefjord backdrop for northern lights photography
Churchill
Wildlife enthusiasts wanting the world's best polar bear viewing combined with northern lights
Snæfellsnes
Photographers wanting Iceland's most iconic aurora foregrounds within a convenient self-drive from Reykjavik
Related Destinations
Yellowknife
Aurora chasers from North America seeking the continent's highest success rates and most authentic Indigenous experience
Churchill
Wildlife enthusiasts wanting the world's best polar bear viewing combined with northern lights
Dawson City
Adventurers wanting a one-of-a-kind blend of Gold Rush history, First Nations culture, and outstanding aurora