How to Spend Three Days in Iqaluit, Nunavut

Iqaluit is a place unlike any other. If you haven’t experienced the Arctic before, you may be a bit unsure of how to prepare for your summer trip. Iqaluit is best experienced with a local guide who can share the history of the community, take you paddling or fishing or on a guided hike.

However, many of them fill up quickly. If you haven’t booked an excursion, don’t worry! We’ve outlined some self-guided must-dos for your three days in Iqaluit.

Arrival Day

Before arriving, select the hotel you want to stay in. We have several options to choose from. Frobisher Inn is a classic and iconic hotel located in the center of town. This is property is filled with history and sits on one of the highest vistas in Iqaluit which allows for spectacular views of the Frobisher Bay.

If modern is more your scene, be sure to check into the Aqsarniit Hotel which is on the outskirts of downtown. This contemporary hotel boasts beautiful art in the lobby and a small art store on site. The Discovery Hotel is a unique boutique hotel located near the beach. In the summer you’ll be able to see the movement of the freight that arrives by barge on the “sealift” beach from this spot. If you’re staying a bit longer and would like a suite-style option – Capital Suites is the choice for you.

After you check into your hotel, be sure to drop by the visitors center to get updated information on what to do in town. Here you’ll find maps, information on activities as well as an exhibit on Nunavut’s history.

This should be your first selfie stop! The X foot marble statue of a drum dancer is a must-capture photo! Next door is the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum which can’t be missed.

Food Fare

A summer trip to Iqaluit should be sure to feature all the local cuisine. While you can expect to find the typical fare such as famous pizzas, burgers, poutines and sub sandwiches from The Snack, there are other more surprising options. Yummy Shawarma offers wraps and traditional Lebanese food. They also took home the prize for the best burger in the 2020 Burger Week contest. The restaurants inside the hotels offer some of the best dining options. The Granite Room is the place to go for fine dining and The Frob Kitchen & Eatery offers a unique experience to enjoy country food such as Arctic Char and Caribou.  If you’re looking for elevated pub food, be sure to check out the Storehouse Bar & Grill.

If you’re one who believes the measure of a city’s worth is in its coffee options, the Black Heart Cafe will not disappoint! Just on the edge of town, the Black Heart has amazing caffeinated (and non-caffeinated) beverages and offers lunch fare. Popular options here are the PCI bowls with caribou or Arctic char and the Brutus Sandwich.

For an authentic experience, be sure to sample what’s known as “country food.” Country food is locally harvested items from Nunavut and can include fish, caribou, muskox, polar bear, and some plants.