Although this is the new capital of Nunavut, Inuit people have been here for centuries, as it is a prime hunting and fishing location (fitting, since the name literally means "a school of fish"). Located on the southern tip of Baffin Island, Martin Frobisher, in 1576, is cited as the first European visitor during his quest for the famous Northwest Passage to Asia. Beginning as a small trading post, Iqaluit has developed into an educational, administrative, transportation and economic centre for the Baffin Region and the entire territory.

The city has all the amenities of a southern centre, and there is plenty to do while visiting. The Nunatta Sunakkutaangit ("Things of the land Museum") is located on a beach in a renovated Hudson's Bay Company warehouse. The museum tells the story of life in Iqaluit, and is a must-see for first time visitors to the region. Paddling trips in nearby Katannilik Territorial Park are picturesque, running up to 120 km (75 mi.) long. Brochures at the visitor centre describe day hikes in the vicinity of town. Traditional games are popular with the locals, and fishing/ hunting contests are held year-round. You can even observe igloo-building and bannock-making contests.

Book accommodations in Iqaluit and get right into the heart of the Nunavut culture!