【Nunavut Territory, Canada】Enjoy the Nature and Culture of the Arctic Circle in Iqaluit!

Baffin Island, the largest island in Canada, is the fifth largest island in the world. However, because it tends to get lost among the finer details on maps, it often doesn’t receive much attention. The largest city on Baffin Island, Iqaluit, is the central city of the Canadian Arctic. With its beautiful yet harsh wilderness and the Inuit culture shaped by this extreme environment, it is also an excellent tourist destination. In addition, the town serves as a starting point for Arctic expeditions and has long watched over adventurers throughout history. A trip to Iqaluit offers experiences you cannot find in an ordinary journey, and it will undoubtedly become an adventure you will never forget. Here are the highlights of Iqaluit!

1. Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum

If you’ve come all the way to Iqaluit in the Canadian Arctic, you can’t miss the opportunity to learn about the Inuit who live there.
The “Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum” is housed in a building once used by the Hudson’s Bay Company as a warehouse, an organization deeply involved in the founding of Iqaluit. The museum exhibits Inuit artwork from the Iqaluit area, giving visitors a chance to learn about their lifestyle and culture. Although it is not a large museum, the displays offer a glimpse into the unique sensitivity of the Inuit people.
The museum also has an attached gift shop where you can purchase art pieces similar to those on display. How about taking home a souvenir from your Iqaluit trip?

2. St. Jude's Cathedral

“St. Jude's Cathedral” is an Anglican church located in Iqaluit. It was originally built in 1972 by local volunteers. However, in November 2005, much of the building was destroyed by arson and was subsequently demolished the following year. The current structure was built in 2012. Its design is inspired by the shape of an igloo, the Inuit shelter built from stacked blocks of compacted snow.
Every Sunday, an English mass is held at 9:45 AM, followed by a mass in Inuktitut, the language of the Inuit, at 11:00 AM. The interior features a unique and beautiful design, so even if you are not Christian, it may be worth attending.

3. Qaummaarviit Territorial Park

About 12 kilometers west of Iqaluit lies Qaummaarviit Territorial Park, located on a rocky island. “Qaummaarviit” means “The Land of Light” in Inuktitut. In winter, visitors can reach the island by snowmobile or dog sled, and in summer, by boat.
Archaeologists have found around 3,000 tools believed to be of historical importance on the island, along with more than 20,000 bones. These are thought to belong to the Thule people, ancestors of the Inuit, who lived in the area from the 11th to the 17th centuries.
It is astonishing to think that, like the Inuit of today, humans have long adapted to such harsh environments. Although visiting the island takes a full day, immersing yourself in the Inuit environment can make for a deeply intriguing travel experience.

◎Experience the Great Nature of Nunavut!

Traveling to Iqaluit usually requires transfers in Vancouver and Ottawa. That alone is quite an adventure. And once you arrive, what awaits is the Inuit culture and severe Arctic nature—experiences you could never have in your home country. If you set out on a great dog-sledding adventure in search of the aurora, it will undoubtedly become a vivid memory engraved deeply in your heart. Although Iqaluit is not a major tourist destination and is not the easiest place to visit, it is highly recommended for those seeking stimulation and a once-in-a-lifetime overseas adventure!

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【Nunavut Territory, Canada】Enjoy the Nature and Culture of the Arctic Circle in Iqaluit!