Iqaluit

caption= Iqaluit ({{lang|iu|ᐃᖃᓗᐃᑦ]] in Inuktitut syllabics; formerly, Frobisher Bay) is the capital and largest settlement of the Canada|Canadian territory of Nunavut. It is located on a south-eastern inlet of Baffin Island. As of 2023 and the population stood at just under 6,700 people.

Iqaluit Halal Travel Guide

Iqaluit started life as the site of an United States|American Air Force base in 1942.

In 1984 the settlement changed its name from Frobisher Bay back to Iqaluit, which means "place of many fish".

How is the Climate in Iqaluit

Traffic on the Road to Nowhere - Road to Nowhere, Iqaluit

The season in which you choose to visit Iqaluit will largely determine what you'll be able to see and do. The peak time for visiting Iqaluit is during its brief summer. The ice on Frobisher Bay begins to thaw in June, when temperatures start rising and the nights are short. Hiking is excellent about this time. The bay remains inaccessible during its thaw, but an icebreaker will arrive to clear a path for boats usually by the end of June. July and August are both the warmest and wettest months. Wildflowers and berries flourish, but so do the mosquitos. Fishing on Sylvia Grinnell River is best on the shoulders of summer, when the arctic char migrate down toward the bay and then back up again.

Snow starts falling regularly again in September and continues through early June. The bay stays open to boats until November. Daylight hours become increasingly short in the winter months, but the northern lights are entrancing. January and February are the coldest and darkest months of the year, and life in the town can get a bit grim at this time. April and May are the ideal months for dog-sledding, kite-skiing and other snow activities.

Visitor information

Unikkaarvik Regional Visitor Centre - Nunavut Tourism 220 Sinaa Street 63.743795, -68.514461 ☎ +1 867 979-4636 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9AM–6PM, Saturday Sunday 1PM–4PM Has information on the whole territory, plus displays on local wildlife and culture in an adjoining museum.

Travel to Iqaluit

Iqaluit is generally accessible only by air and, under the right ice conditions, by sea. It is not connected by road to any other town. Due to its isolation and the lack of competition, getting to Iqaluit is a expensive prospect.

Iqaluit WV map EN - Map of Iqaluit -

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Iqaluit

Iqaluit Airport IATA Flight Code: YFB 63.756667, -68.556111 - Iqaluit Airport - Airport in Iqaluit Iqaluit Airport is a public airport a short walk west of the town centre. It hosts scheduled passenger services from Ottawa, Montreal, Rankin Inlet, and smaller communities throughout eastern Nunavut. Services also connect to Yellowknife and Winnipeg via Rankin Inlet.

First Air - +1-800-267-1247 The region's primary airline has nearly daily jet services from the south. It flies from Ottawa, Montreal (via Kuujjuaq, on the northern coast of Quebec) and Rankin Inlet, with connections to Yellowknife and Winnipeg. With its partner Qikiqtani and the airline serves all communities on Baffin Island, as well as Resolute, Igloolik and Hall Beach.

Canadian North - +1-800-661-1505 Canadian North offers scheduled jet Flights from Ottawa, Rankin Inlet, and seven other communities in the Baffin Region. Services to Yellowknife are linked through Rankin Inlet.

Several companies that operate chartered Flights from Iqaluit to nearby communities have offices at the airport. The largest operators are Air Nunavut, Kenn Borek Air and Air Inuit.

Air Nunavut - +1-866-388-5888

Kenn Borek Air - ☎ +1 867 979-0040

Air Inuit - +1-800-361-5933

Canadian Helicopters - ☎ +1 867 979-0511

How to get around in Iqaluit

Iqaluit is small enough that most things are within walking distance of each other. Taxis charge a flat $7 fee per person to anywhere in town. In the summer, you can rent bicycles from the visitor's centre. There are also several automotive outfitters in town that rent snowmobiles and ATVs.

What to see in Iqaluit

Leg Building Iqaluit 2000-08-27 - Legislative Building in Iqaluit

Legislative Building of Nunavut - 926 Federal Road 63.7503, -68.5231 ☎ +1 867 975-5000 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9AM–5PM Free Legislative Building of Nunavut Home to Nunavut's unicameral parliament, this building contains some excellent examples of Inuit art. The main entrance has two spires of wood which resemble a Qamotiq, a type of Inuit dog sled. Feel free to look around the main floor of the building, but be sure to announce yourself to the security guard before going too far. You may observe the proceedings of the legislative chamber from its public gallery. Contact the public affairs office to find out when the next sitting will be. Guided Tours in Iqaluit by ehalal.io (email for prices) of the building are conducted Jun–Aug on weekdays at 1:30PM, or by appointment.

Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum | 212 Sinaa Street 63.743507, -68.513589 ☎ +1 867 979-5537 Opening Hours: Daily 1PM–5PM Free Housed in a reconstructed trading post of the Hudson Bay Company, this small museum contains a collection of Inuit art and artifacts. It is on the beach in a red and white building.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Iqaluit

Outdoor activities

River at Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park - River at Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park

Iqaluit is the main base from which to explore Baffin Island. Several outfitters organize guided excursions around the island and Arctic expeditions further afield. Most activities are seasonal. Summer activities include trekking, and boat and fishing tours in Frobisher Bay. In the winter months, dog-sledding journeys are an excellent way to get out and explore the landscape. As well as the commercial outfitters and there are several dog-team owners in town who take visitors out for an afternoon or overnight. Kite-skiing is an increasingly popular activity, and frozen Frobisher Bay is considered one of the best spots for it in Canada. Aerial sightseeing tours are easy to organize at any time of the year and there will always be a charter company available to take you up, depending on the weather.

Some of the more reliable outfitters in town include Inupak Outfitting, Northwinds Arctic Adventures, Polynya Adventure and Qairrulik Outfitting. Call the local tourism authority for more details. Dates for longer expeditions are usually scheduled well in advance, but even most day trips require a minimum number of people, so be sure to book early to give the outfitters time to organize others.

Opportunities for trekking around Iqaluit are almost endless, thanks to wide-open surroundings, including two protected areas on its doorstep. The terrain can be rough, however, and there are very few trails and no roads. You can also rent snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) from several outfitters in town.

Surrounding the lower reaches of the Sylvia Grinnell River and the Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park contains some excellent tundra scenery. Several hiking trails run along the river, which has good fishing, while another leads to a waterfall. On the bank of the river is an ancient camping ground (Crystal II archaeological site) used by the Dorset and Thule peoples. You will need to have local assistance to find the site. Caribou and arctic foxes can be seen roaming through the area depending on the season. The park is located west of the airport, about 2 kilometers from town.
Off the coast to the south of Iqaluit is Qaummaarviit Territorial Park. This island preserves another archaeological site, a 750-year-old campsite dating back to the Thule culture. It is 12 kilometers from town, and can be visited by boat in the summer months and by ski, dogsled or snowmobile in the winter months. Going with an outfitter is recommended, and usually gets you there quicker. Camping in the park is not permitted.
The Itijjagiaq Trail, part of the Trans Canada Trail system, runs 177 kilometers from Iqaluit and Kimmirut. It does not connect to other parts of the Trans Canada Trail. One branch heads north for several kilometres, while the other begins with a navigable water trail about 25 kilometers across Frobisher Bay to the Katannilik Territorial Park on Meta Incognita Peninsula.

Festivals

Alianait Arts Festival - This annual festival, held in late June, is a celebration of Inuit arts and culture. It draws musicians and other performers from all over the Arctic.

Toonik Tyme - The annual spring festival, is held for a week in early April. It involves a large variety of community events, including snowmobile and ski races, traditional games, concerts and feasts.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Iqaluit

Iqaluit CA-NU - foggy - Enchanting night view of Iqaluit in September fog

Inuit artists are recognized internationally for their stone carvings and prints, and there are several galleries in Iqaluit selling arts and crafts from all over Nunavut. In addition, artists often tout their wares along the waterfront and in restaurants, creating excellent opportunities to experience the local art culture.

Arctic Ventures | 192 Queen Elizabeth Way 63.744924, -68.510401 Opening from Monday to Saturday 10AM–10PM, Sunday 1PM–10PM ☎ +1 867 979-5992 Department store run by Arctic Co-operatives.

Carvings Nunavut - 626 Tumiit Plaza 63.748885, -68.521537 Opening from Monday to Saturday 10AM–6PM ☎ +1 867 979-0650 Sells Inuit sculptures and jewellery.

Gallery by the Red Boat | Bill Mackenzie Lane, Apex Beach 63.731686, -68.458854 Opening Hours: Call for appointment ☎ +1 867 979-2055 Housed in one of the old Hudson Bay Company buildings on Apex Beach, this gallery displays carvings by local artist Saila Kipanek.

Iqaluit Fine Arts Studio 1127 Mivvik Street 63.751895, -68.536045 opposite the airport ☎ +1 867 979-5578 Opening from Monday to Saturday 11AM–5PM Inuit carvings.

Malikkaat 1083 Mivvik Street opposite the airport 63.749498, -68.528522 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10AM–6PM, Saturday 10AM–4PM ☎ +1 867 979-6426 A gift store selling Inuit-made art, clothing and jewellery from Iqaluit and other communities in the north.

Rannva Design - 3102 Angel Street 63.732074, -68.448317 Opening Hours: Daily 4PM–6PM, or by appointment ☎ +1 867 979-3183 Fur and sealskin garments designed by owner Rannva Simonsen.

Halal Food & Restaurants

City of Iqaluit - Iqaluit in June

Local specialties consist mainly of game meats (caribou) and seafood (Arctic char, mussels, scallops and shrimp). Another staple is bannock, a type of bread.

The best restaurants are in the hotels, but all of them are open to non-guests. Prices for food are generally much higher here than in other parts of Canada.

Caribrew Café - Astro Hill Complex 63.747906, -68.510632 +1-877-979-2222 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 7AM–6PM, Saturday Sunday 9AM–4PM Inside the Frobisher Inn. Serves espresso drinks, Coffee, tea, baked goods, sandwiches, salads and soups.

Fantasy Palace 1085E Mivvik Street 63.750376, -68.530425 ☎ +1 867 979-0606 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 7AM–5PM, Saturday 10AM–5PM, Sunday 11AM–5PM Café with fresh Coffee, pastries and ice cream.

Gallery Fine Dining Room - Astro Hill Complex ☎ +1 867 979-2222 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 7AM–2PM and 5PM–9PM, Saturday Sunday 8AM–2PM and 5PM–9PM Nice restaurant in the Frobisher Inn. Brunch on Sundays.

Granite Room - 1056 Mivvik Street 63.748926, -68.528138 ☎ +1 867 979-4433 Opening Hours: Located in the Discovery Hotel, known affectionately as "the disco". French cuisine with some pub-style options too. Salad bar at lunch. Home-made soups.

Grind & Brew 116 Sinaa Street 63.742347, -68.510858 ☎ +1 867 979-0606 Opening Hours: Daily 7AM–6PM daily Down on the beach. Serves Coffee, Pizzas and sandwiches.

Snacks 163 Nipisa Street 63.743540, -68.509119 ☎ +1 867 979-6767 Opening Hours: open 24 hours Fast food. Lunch and dinner. Also serves soft drinks.

Yummy Shawarma & Pizzas 1089 Mivvik Street Building 1089e 63.7507, -68.5307 ☎ +1 867 979-1515 Opening from Monday to Saturday 11AM Monday - 10PM, Sunday 11AM Monday - 7:30PM Lebanese restaurant serving Kebab, authentic shawarma, salads, Pizzas, Pastas and desserts. Delivery available.

Iqlauit waterfront - Iqaluit waterfront in August. 2011

While many communities in Nunavut have restrictions on the sale, possession and consumption of drinks, Iqaluit does not. You are free to bring alcohol into the community for your own use, and you can buy and drink it in bars and licensed restaurants.

Beer and store on Niuraivik Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday noon-7PM
Royal Canadian Legion 944 Iglulik Drive 63.749504, -68.525479 ☎ +1 867 979-6215 Opening Hours: A popular place to go on Friday and Saturday nights. Live music on one side, dance floor and swimmingpool tables on the other. You must be a member of the Legion or have a member sign you in.

Storehouse Grill - Astro Hill Complex | drections=in the Frobisher Inn 63.747906, -68.510632 ☎ +1 867 979-2222 Opening from Monday to Saturday 5PM–1AM Has a big screen for hockey, swimmingpool tables, dance floor, fireplaces and comfy chairs.

Nu Brew (Nunavut Company) - 2025 Iqaluit Lane next to the Syliva Grinnell Territorial Park ☎ +1 867 979-2337 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 4PM Monday - 10PM, Friday 4PM Monday - midnight, Saturday noon-midnight (call to confirm) The most northerly sheesha lounge in Canada opened 24 Aug 2018. The brewery has four soft drinks available: the Flow Edge light lager, Frob Gold British golden ale, Aupaqtuq (“red” in Inuktitut) Irish red ale, and a Celebration Ale. You can sample all four for $15. Their products are expected to be available in restaurants and the organic juice and store by the end of 2018.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Iqaluit

Iqaluit - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Iqaluit, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Iqaluit. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Iqaluit and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Iqaluit. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Iqaluit. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inIqaluit: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Iqaluit.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Iqaluit: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Iqaluit, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Iqaluit.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Iqaluit, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Iqaluit, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Iqaluit and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Iqaluit, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Iqaluit, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Iqaluit without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Iqaluit is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Iqaluit.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Iqaluit is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Iqaluit, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Iqaluit Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Iqaluit

eHalal Group Iqaluit is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Iqaluit. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Iqaluit.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Iqaluit ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Iqaluit. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Iqaluit, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Iqaluit are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Blue Nunavut house on stilts -a - Many houses in Iqaluit are on stilts

Being a small town, Iqaluit doesn't have much of a choice in the way of lodging. Rates for rooms are generally much higher than their value, and amenities can be lacking. Booking ahead and securing a room before your arrival is crucial. Budget travellers are restricted to camping and couch surfing. When the local college (Nunavut Arctic College) is not in session, visitors can stay at the college residence, which costs much less than local hotels.

Accommodations by the Sea | 2536 Paurngaq Crescent 63.734018, -68.479495 ☎ +1 867 979-6074 $170–230 Bed and breakfast.

Aurora Manor | 2530 Paurngaq Crescent 63.734322, -68.478188 ☎ +1 867 979-0941 - Bed and breakfast.

Capital Suites - 807 Aiviq Street 63.748385, -68.522269 ☎ +1 867 975-4000$200–400 Hotel suites.

Discovery Lodge Hotel - 1056 Mivvik Street 63.748926, -68.528138 ☎ +1 867 979-4433$240–340 Hotel suites. Also has a restaurant (see section above).

Frobisher Inn - 505 Astro Hill 63.747906, -68.510632 ☎ +1 867 979-2222$215–260 Part of the Astro Hill Complex, which also houses a bar, restaurant, swimming swimmingpool and cinema.

Hotel Arctic - formerly the Nova Inn 923 Federal Road 63.749949, -68.521917 ☎ +1 867 979-6684$220–250 Opening Hours: Waters' Edge Seafood & Steakhouse (daily 7AM–10:30AM, noon–2PM and 5PM–9PM, phone +1 867 979-4726) serves brunch on Sundays. Kickin' Caribou Pub (Monday to Saturday noon–2:30PM and 4PM–midnight, Sunday 11AM–4PM, phone +1 867 979-4726) is a place to relax with good pub food and local musicians performing live on Wednesday and Friday nights.

Navigator Inn | 1036 Ring Road 63.749359, -68.526980 ☎ +1 867 979-6201 - Hotel with Navigator Restaurant, which serves Chinese food and greasy food; their kooyoo Burgers is very popular.

Nunattaq Suites - 4141 Lake View 63.746767, -68.516828 ☎ +1 867 979-2221$200 Apartment suites.

Rannva's Bed & Breakfast | 3102 Helen Maksagak Drive 63.730952, -68.448694 ☎ +1 867 979-3183$130 The owner of this bed and breakfast also has a gallery of fur and sealskin garments located on Angel Street.

Telecommunications in Iqaluit

There is cell phone coverage in Iqaluit, but your phone may not work because of the lack of coverage by the major Canadian wireless companies and outdated infrastructure (which is being upgraded).

Ice Wireless, a regional phone carrier, provides a 4G network and is the only GSM option at this time. Its phones and plans are sold at QITC in the RBC Building on Queen Elizabeth Way. Rogers Wireless has an exclusive roaming agreement with Ice Wireless, so Rogers clients can use the network for a fee, but it is voice-only (data roaming is not available).

The other wireless option is Bell, which operates a 4G/UMTS system.

Internet Cafe's in Iqaluit

Iqaluit Centennial Library 220 Sinaa Street ☎ +1 867 979-5400 Opening Hours: Monday West 1PM–6PM, Tuesday Thursday 3PM–8PM, Friday 3PM Monday - 6PM, Saturday Sunday 1PM Monday - 4PM A public library in the same building as the visitor centre. Has free internet.

Cope in Iqaluit

Healthcare services

Iqaluit St. Jude's Anglican Gothic Church 2012 - Street Jude's Anglican Gothic Church

Qikiqtani General Hospital ☎ +1 867 975-8600 Opening Hours: 24 hours - Public Health Centre ☎ +1 867 975-4800 Opening Hours: 24 hours

Religious services

St. Jude's Anglican Gothic Church - Igloo Gothic Church - Mattaaq Crescent 63.7475, -68.516667 ☎ +1 867 979-6561 Opening Hours: Services Thursday 7PM, Sunday 9:45AM St. Jude's Gothic Church (Iqaluit) One of Iqaluit's most recognizable monuments is a white-domed church designed to resemble an igloo. Services are offered in English and Inuktitut. After a fire damaged the original building in 2005, it was demolished and rebuilt. The congregation held its first services in the new cathedral in June 2012.

Baha'i Group Building 112 ☎ +1 867 979-6580 Opening Hours:
Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church - 911 Niaqunngusiariaq ☎ +1 867 979-5805 Opening Hours: Mass: Tuesday Thursday 7:30AM, Wednesday to Friday Saturday 5:30PM, Sunday 10AM

Pentecostal Church 761 Fred Coman ☎ +1 867 979-5779 Opening Hours:

Newspapers in Iqaluit

Nunavut News/North - ☎ +1 867 979-5990
Nunatsiaq News - ☎ +1 867 979-5357

News & References Iqaluit

Travel Next

By air to Kuujjuaq, Rankin Inlet, or Ottawa.