IqaluitOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Fishing Camp to Capital City

Iqaluit, meaning 'place of many fish' in Inuktitut, has been a traditional fishing location for Inuit and their predecessors, the Paleo-Eskimo (Dorset culture) and Thule, for thousands of years. The modern settlement's origins trace back to World War II. In 1942, the United States built the Frobisher Bay Air Base here. This base served as a stop-over and refueling site for aircraft being ferried to Europe.

After the American military left in 1963, Frobisher Bay remained a Canadian government administrative, communications, and transportation center for the Eastern Arctic. The community began to formalize, electing its first mayor in 1979. In 1987, the municipality officially reverted to its original Inuktitut name, Iqaluit. This change aligned official usage with the name the Inuit population had always used.

The Birth of Nunavut

The push for a separate Nunavut Territory gained momentum in the 1970s, with a proposal presented to the federal government in 1976. The Government of Canada agreed in principle to the creation of Nunavut in 1982. The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement was signed in Iqaluit in 1993. In a non-binding plebiscite held in December 1995, Iqaluit was chosen over Rankin Inlet to be the future capital of the new territory. On April 1, 1999, the territory of Nunavut was officially established, with Iqaluit as its capital. This designation transformed Iqaluit from a small community into the political and cultural hub of the Inuit people. Iqaluit was officially chartered as a city on April 19, 2001.

• —Nunavut Parliament — This building, completed in 1999, houses the legislative assembly for the territory. Its design incorporates Inuit art and cultural elements.
• —Nakasuk Community Centre — This center hosts community events and activities, offering a view into local life.
• —St. Jude's Anglican Cathedral — This igloo-shaped church is a landmark. The original structure, built in 1972, was destroyed by arson in 2005. It was rebuilt and reopened in 2012, retaining its design.
• —Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Heritage Museum — Located in a former Hudson's Bay Company building, this museum displays Arctic artifacts and Inuit art, including sculptures, prints, and tapestries. Entry is free.
• —Qaummaarviit Monument — This territorial park, accessible by boat or snowmobile depending on the season, contains archaeological remains of Thule winter houses dating back to the 13th century.
• —Sylvia Grinnell Coastal Trail — Part of the Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park, this trail follows the Sylvia Grinnell River, known for Arctic char fishing. The park features tundra, rivers, and waterfalls.
• —Iqaluit Centennial Library — This library provides a community space and access to resources, including books focused on the Iqaluit community and the Qikiqtani region.

The best times to visit Iqaluit are March/April or August/September. For winter activities like snowmobiling and dog sledding, mid-February to mid-April is suitable, as the sun has returned and temperatures begin to warm (around -10°C to -15°C in late March). April also hosts the Toonik Tyme festival, celebrating the return of spring with traditional Inuit activities.

For warmer weather activities, July and early August are best, with average highs between 5°C and 15°C, longer daylight hours, and blooming tundra. Sea ice typically leaves the bay in July and stays away until October. Avoid visiting between November and February due to extreme cold and darkness. May or June can be shoulder seasons with too much ice for kayaking but too little for snowmobiling.

Iqaluit is not connected by road or rail to the rest of Canada. Air travel is the primary mode of access. Iqaluit International Airport (YFB) serves as a hub for transportation in the region. Once in Iqaluit, walking is possible for many downtown attractions. Taxis are a common way to get around, with a flat rate of $9.25 per ride as of 2024. Areas like Apex are about 5 km from downtown. Parking is generally available, though many roads are unpaved.

Nunavut is an expensive place to travel, with high costs for airfare, accommodation, and food, as most supplies are air-freighted. Weather conditions can frequently alter plans.