Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada? If you're planning to go to Iqaluit, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada

Based on the climate and weather in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Iqaluit, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada by month

January

If you are traveling to Iqaluit in January, you will notice that it can be bitter cold and somewhat snowy. Expect it to snow 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the single digits below 0 F (20+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iqaluit. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you intend to see the charming St. Jude's Cathedral, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

February here is unbearably cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the single digits below 0 F (20+ below zero C) during the day. It snows a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iqaluit. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the necessary type. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you intend to see the charming St. Jude's Cathedral, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

March in Iqaluit can be dangerously cold and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10+ below zero F (20+ below zero C), with several days below -22 F (30+ below zero C). It snows about half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
  • Travel disinfecting wipes

    Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.

  • Emergency motion sickness relief

  • Travel first aid kit

    This one is a excellent option.

  • Hand sanitizer

    This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly product.

Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iqaluit. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you intend to see the charming St. Jude's Cathedral, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

In April, Iqaluit is biting cold and somewhat snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C) range. At night, lows are in the single digits below 0 F (10+ below zero C). This is also a rainy time for Iqaluit, with of the days of the month having rain. In April, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iqaluit. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you intend to see the charming St. Jude's Cathedral, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May in Iqaluit is freezing and somewhat snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows 5-10 days this month. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iqaluit. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the correct kind. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

If you intend to see the charming St. Jude's Cathedral, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

If you vacation in Iqaluit during June, you may see that it is brisk. Temperatures tend to hover around the 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time and snow sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iqaluit. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the right type. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you intend to see the charming St. Jude's Cathedral, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

If you visit Iqaluit during July, you are likely to find that it can be very chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iqaluit. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the right kind. Many adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you intend to see the charming St. Jude's Cathedral, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

If you visit Iqaluit during August, you may notice that it is brisk and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iqaluit. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the necessary type. Most adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you intend to see the charming St. Jude's Cathedral, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

September in Iqaluit is cold and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 28 F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain 5-10 days this month. It also snows regularly. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iqaluit. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

If you intend to see the charming St. Jude's Cathedral, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

October in Iqaluit is freezing and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It snows about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iqaluit. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

If you intend to see the charming St. Jude's Cathedral, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

If you go to Iqaluit in November, you will notice that it is unbearably cold and somewhat snowy. Expect it to snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iqaluit. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you intend to see the charming St. Jude's Cathedral, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

In December, Iqaluit is beyond freezing and somewhat snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C) range. At night, lows are in the 10+ below zero F (20+ below zero C). This is also a rainy time for Iqaluit, with of the days of the month having rain. In December, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Canada has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Iqaluit. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the necessary kind. Most adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you intend to see the charming St. Jude's Cathedral, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada

Iqaluit, the capital city of Nunavut, Canada, is a unique and beautiful destination that offers visitors an opportunity to experience Northern Canadian culture and wilderness. Nestled on the eastern coast of Baffin Island, Iqaluit boasts a myriad of outdoor activities, historic landmarks, and cultural centers that offer world-class tourist experiences. Whether you are interested in outdoor adventure or cultural immersion, Iqaluit has something for everyone.

Here are the top tourist attractions in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada:

1. Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum: This museum is one of the best places to learn about Inuit culture and history. It features exhibits of traditional art, tools, and clothing used by the Inuit people, as well as contemporary works created by local artisans.

2. Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park: This park is a perfect destination for nature lovers. It comprises of 47 square kilometers of rolling tundra, creeks, and rivers that host a rich variety of wildlife like Arctic hare, fox, and caribou. Visitors can explore the park on foot, skis, or snowmobiles during the winter.

3. Inuksuk Point: This magnificent landmark is a must-visit for its unique Inuksuk structures. These human-shaped stone monuments were traditionally used by the Inuit to mark important hunting and fishing locations or to provide directions. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of Frobisher Bay and explore the nearby hiking trails.

4. The Apex Trail: This trail is a popular hiking and skiing destination that offers breathtaking views of Iqaluit and its surrounding landscape. You can hike or snowshoe the 7-kilometer trail that winds through rolling hills, lakes, and ponds.

5. Legislative Assembly of Nunavut: This classic building of Iqaluit is the seat of Nunavut's government. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building, visit the legislative chamber, and witness proceedings of the Nunavut Legislative Assembly.

6. Arctic Winter Games Arena: This arena is a unique landmark in Iqaluit as it hosted various international games and sports events. Visitors can get a chance to watch Inuit sports like the one-foot-high kick or the seal skinning competition.

7. Frobisher Bay: This pristine bay provides opportunities for kayaking, boating, and fishing. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Arctic Ocean, including the stunning ice floes that make icebergs.

In conclusion, Iqaluit, located on the frozen tundra of Nunavut, Canada, offers unique experiences that showcase Inuit culture, history, and wilderness. Visitors can enjoy traditional hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities while visiting museums, parks, and cultural centers. So pack your bags and come explore this untouched gem with its marvellous tourist attractions.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Livingston, Scotland, United Kingdom, Playa Gigante, Nicaragua, Reed City, Michigan, United States of America, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America, Belleville, Michigan, United States of America, Big Rapids, Michigan, United States of America, Masaya, Nicaragua, Kairouan, Tunisia, Northern suburbs of Stockholm, Sweden, Rushville, Indiana, United States of America, and Acton, Massachusetts, United States of America.