Tuktu Trails

Iqaluit

Air Travel

Air travel is the most common and reliable means of reaching Iqaluit. The Iqaluit Airport serves as a central hub for flights within the Arctic region and connections to southern Canada. In 2006, despite a population of just over 6,000 at the time, Iqaluit's airport handled over 110,000 passenger movements, highlighting its significance in northern air travel. In recent years, aircraft movements have shown an upward trend. In 2023, Iqaluit recorded 18,345 takeoffs and landings, a 4.9% increase from the previous year.

Sea Travel

During the summer months, when sea ice recedes, Iqaluit becomes accessible to sea vessels, including cruise ships. Cruise tourism has been a growing sector in Nunavut's economy. In 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nunavut received 4,219 cruise tourists, with operators spending approximately $848,394 across seventeen communities for tours, performances, and logistical support.

While specific data for Iqaluit is limited, the city is a notable destination for Arctic cruises. For instance, in 2018, Iqaluit was the second-most visited community by cruise ships in Nunavut, accounting for 8.3% of cruise passenger visits that year.

Note

It's important to note that sea access is seasonal and heavily dependent on ice conditions. The window for marine travel is typically limited to late June through September. In summary, while air travel remains the primary and most reliable method to reach Iqaluit year-round, sea travel offers a seasonal alternative that has been contributing increasingly to the local tourism industry.

Preparing for your trip? Do you have what you need?

📍Trip-Specific Considerations

✅ Ice Thickness & Conditions – Check ice reports before departure (watch for overflow/slush).

✅ Qamutiik or Snowmobile – Ensure proper towing setup, extra rope, and repair tools.

✅ GPS & Navigation – Preload your GPS with waypoints for safe travel.

✅ Satellite Phone, Garmin inReach/ Starlink – For communication beyond cell service.

✅ Ice Picks / Throw Rope – In case of an emergency ice breakthrough.

✅ Extra Fuel & Oil – Keep Propane warm (store near heat source while camping)

✅ Windbreak Setup – The river valley may funnel strong winds, so bring tarps or snow walls.

✅ Snow Probe & Shovel – For checking ice thickness and building wind barriers.

🛶 Travel Gear for the River Route🌊

✅ Auger or Ice Chisel – If you need to check ice or fish.

✅ Snowshoes / Ice Creepers – In case you need to move on foot safely.

✅ Tarp or Ground Cover – Keeps gear dry on the qamutiik or sled.

✅ Spare Belt & Plugs for Snowmobile – Cold temps can wear them out faster.

✅ Spare Skimmer Rope & Lashings – For securing the sled/qamutiik load.

⛺️Shelter & Fire🔥

✅ Canvas Tent & Stove – If staying more than one night.

✅ Portable Windbreak – Essential for an exposed river area.

✅ Extra Firewood & Fire Starters – If you plan to make a fire.

🔥 Food & Cooking Adjustments🍳

✅ Extra Thermos with Hot Liquids – Prevents dehydration in dry, cold air.

✅ Quick-Prep Meals – Reduces cook time in extreme cold.

✅ Sealable Garbage Bags – To pack out all waste (including frozen food scraps).

✅ Bear Watch Plan – If you're overnighting, keep an alert system in place.

✅ Flares or Signal Device – To attract attention if needed.

✅ Extra Dry Clothing – If you get wet, hypothermia sets in fast.

🆘 Emergency & Polar Bear Safety

⛷️ Backup Travel Plan

If the snowmobile breaks down, you may need to:

✅ Know the nearest emergency shelter or cabin (if available).

✅ Have a backup route on foot with snowshoes or skis.

✅ Carry extra food & emergency bivy for warmth.

🚫 Notes 🗒

⚠️ Open water spots (especially near curves).

⚠️ Overflow (a thin layer of water under the snow that can freeze your sled).

⚠️ Drifted-in sections (deeper snow, harder travel).

Canadian North Is Nunavut's #1 Airline

Iqaluit

Air Travel

Sea Travel

Note

Preparing for your trip? Do you have what you need?

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