Top 10 Things To Do In Iqaluit, Canada

1. Understand local history and art at Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Nunatta Sunakkutaangit is the only museum in the territory of Nunavut. Run as a non-profit organization, the museum preserves and promotes local Inuit culture, as well as local art. The museum is set in the old Hudson’s Bay Company storage building. Here visitors can see a permanent exhibit of artifacts relating to the Inuit people, as well as regular exhibitions of contemporary local art. The museum’s gift shop offers the chance to purchase work by local artists and other souvenirs.

Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum

Address: 212 Sinaa, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0, Canada

Website: Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)

2. Learn the Inuit culture at Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre

Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre offers a range of exciting activities to visitors in Iqaluit. Here you can hike or trek in the Arctic tundra, go dogsledding, kayaking, snowmobiling, or touring on a boat. Different seasons offer different experiences here, including walking through the wildflowers of Draba or Saxifrage. At the right time of year, experience the wonders of Aurora Borealis in a star-filled sky. At the center, visitors can experience the culture, the local people, and see the wildlife of the area. This is truly an experience not to be missed.

Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre

Address: 220 Sinaa, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0, Canada

Website: Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre

3. Enjoy a drive on the Road to Nowhere

The Road to Nowhere heads out from Iqaluit, Nunavut, and ends up in a barren area of Baffin Island. For the most part, visitors head here to steal the road sign, which says “Road to Nowhere” in both English and the Inuit language. However, the scenery out in the open tundra along this road is beautiful. Visitors mustn’t expect more than a lovely scenic drive ending up at a picnic area with benches, tables, and barbeque grills. This is the ideal place to get out of the busy city and simply chill in nature.

Road to Nowhere

Address: Road To Nowhere, Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada

4. Explore the beautiful Qaummaarviit Territorial Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Qaummaarviit Territorial Park is located on the island of the same name, 7 mi (12 km) away from Iqaluit. It is close to the Peterhead Inlet. The name Qaummaarviit translates to “the place that shines” in the Inuktitut language. The beautiful park has a rocky landscape with patches of lush vegetation. In the landscape, the ruins of 11 sod houses can be seen, as well as other archaeological artifacts from the Thule culture who lived there between 1000 AD and 1600 AD. The park is the perfect place to explore history among stunning scenery.

Qaummaarviit Territorial Park

Address: Iqaluit, NU, Canada

Website: Qaummaarviit Territorial Park

5. Relax by the sea at Apex Beach

Officially named Niaqunngut, Apex is located overlooking Frobisher Bay, 3 mi (5 km) from the center of Iqaluit. The beachfront offers beautiful views. Apex Beach is a great destination all year round. In summer, the beach is a great spot for kite-skiing, as well as kayaking, fishing, boating, and diving. In winter, it turns into a fun place for snowmobilers. The beachfront is backed by attractive, old Hudson Bay buildings. The easiest way to reach Apex Beach is by taxi. For those wishing to exercise, the approximately 40-minute walk from the town is an enjoyable hike.

Apex Beach

Address: Frobisher Bay, Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada

Website: Apex Beach

6. Gaze at St. Jude's Anglican Cathedral

St. Jude’s Anglican Cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of The Arctic for the Northwest Territories of Canada. The building stands in Iqaluit and covers the greatest area of any Anglican diocese worldwide. Due to its appearance, the building is known locally as Igloo Cathedral, which opened in its current state in June 2012. The cathedral is traditionally a landmark and tourist attraction in the city of Iqaluit and is known for its important spiritual role.

St. Jude's Anglican Cathedral

Address: 655 Mattaaq, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0, Canada

Website: St. Jude’s Anglican Cathedral

7. Buy gifts to take home from Carvings Nunavut Inc.

100 percent Inuit owned, Carvings Nunavut is based in the city of Iqaluit. The gallery hosts thousands of pieces by local artists. Carvings Nunavut works closely with the artists, providing them with the correct tools and stone and marble. The gallery features the largest collection of Inuit art in the territory, and possibly in the world. Numerous collectors throughout the world work closely with the gallery.

Carvings Nunavut Inc

Address: 626 Tumit Plaza, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0, Canada

Website: Carvings Nunavut Inc

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

8. Take in the views at Tasiluliariaq Rotary Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Accessible from the Road to Nowhere, Tasiluliariaq Rotary Park is a great place to get out in nature. The park is hidden in a tiny valley with a small stream running through. There are stones that mark picnic sites. These come with barbeque grills. Lovely views can be experienced throughout the park. However, visitors are warned there are no toilet facilities in the park and only limited parking is available.

Tasiluliariaq Rotary Park

Address: Road to Nowhere, Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada

Website: Tasiluliariaq Rotary Park

9. Sample coffee at Caribrew Cafe

Caribrew Café is nestled in the lobby of Frobisher Inn. Here visitors can relax by the blazing fireplace, enjoying a signature coffee. The cafe also serves a range of sandwiches, paninis, ready-made meals, and sweet pastries, and other freshly baked goods. This is the place to go for a coffee and snack before continuing your tour of the city of Iqaluit.

Caribrew Cafe

Address: 505D Astro Hill, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0, Canada

Website: Caribrew Cafe

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 4pm

10. Marvel more at Sylvia Grinnell Park Pavilion

A 30-minute walk from Iqaluit, Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park, and nestled by the Sylvia Grinnell River, the park offers picturesque views over the tundra and mountains. The river and its falls offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a little fishing. A number of interpretive hiking trails run through the park, informing visitors of the area’s cultural and natural heritage. The park also hosts a number of flora and fauna including the woodsia fern, a rare plant, and caribou, arctic fox, and 40 species of birds.

Sylvia Grinnell Park Pavilion

Address: Iqaluit, NU, Canada

Website: Sylvia Grinnell Park Pavilion

Experience historic Canada at its best in Iqaluit

Experience the beautiful territory parks and beaches surrounding the city, each with its own unique and beautiful views. Visit the local sites dedicated to the history and culture of the Inuit people. If you feel adventurous, try your hand at dogsledding, hiking, trekking, and much more. Enjoy all the top things to do in Iqaluit, Canada, on your next Canadian vacation.