Bigger than Mexico with 40,000 people, no roads anywhere, the polar night in winter, and the Inuit homeland — the practical essentials for Nunavut.
Nunavut is Canada's newest and largest territory — 780,000 square miles of Arctic islands and mainland, 40,000 people (mostly Inuit), and a culture and landscape that are entirely its own. If it's your first visit, here are twelve things worth knowing.
1. It's vast and roadless: Nunavut is a fifth of Canada's land, bigger than Mexico, with no roads in or between communities. Every trip is by air.
2. Fly everywhere: flights to Iqaluit from Ottawa or Montreal (3 hours); onward flights (Canadian North) to the communities. Book early; fares are high.
3. Iqaluit is the gateway: the capital (7,000), the airport, and the start of every trip. Most visitors stay here; the rest is outfitter-accessed.
4. There are no roads: between or within communities — the town of Iqaluit is walkable; everything else is by snowmobile, boat, or charter flight.
5. The midnight sun is real: in June, Iqaluit gets 20 hours of daylight; the high Arctic, 24. In December, Iqaluit gets 4 hours; the high Arctic, none (the polar night). Plan your sleep.
6. The weather is extreme: summer 5–15°C (cold even at its warmest); winter -40°C possible and the wind chill worse. Pack for serious cold — there's no mild Nunavut.
7. Currency: Canadian dollars. Cards in Iqaluit; carry cash for the small communities (cards may not work).
8. Tipping: 15–18% at restaurants on the pre-tax total. GST (5%) is added automatically.
9. The aurora is fall–winter–spring: September to April, the northern lights are reliable. February–March is the best balance of dark, cold, and daylight.
10. Wildlife is real and dangerous: polar bears on the land and the ice; the floe-edge trips go with guides. Bear safety is non-negotiable.
11. Everything is expensive: food, lodging, and flights are among the highest in Canada — almost everything is flown in. Budget accordingly; this is not a budget trip.
12. Respect the Inuit homeland. Nunavut is Inuit Nunangat — the Inuit homeland and a living culture. Respect the land, the country food, the language (Inuktitut), and the community. Travel with Inuit-owned outfitters where you can. Go in, learn, and listen.
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