Silversea Expeditions: Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
Silversea Expeditions: Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
We finally made our way from Phoenix to Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, to board the Silver Endeavour. The ship will take us on a 14-day Arctic cruise from Iqaluit to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland.
While we won’t spend time in Iqaluit, I thought it important to share its history.
Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, has a rich history that spans thousands of years, from its roots as an Inuit fishing ground to its current status as a modern Arctic city.
The area now known as Iqaluit has been a traditional fishing location for the Inuit and their predecessors, including the Paleo-Eskimo (Dorset culture) and Thule, for millennia. The name “Iqaluit” itself means “place of many fish” in Inuktitut, reflecting its longstanding importance as a fishing site.
The modern history of Iqaluit began during World War II when the United States built Frobisher Bay Air Base in 1942. This marked a significant turning point, bringing an influx of non-Inuit to the area. The first permanent resident of this new settlement was Nakasuk, an Inuk guide who helped U.S. Army Air Forces planners choose the site for the airstrip.
After the war, the Hudson’s Bay Company moved its south Baffin operations to the area in 1949 to take advantage of the airfield. The 1950s saw rapid growth during the construction of the Distant Early Warning Line (DEW Line), attracting both non-Inuit workers and Inuit seeking jobs and medical care.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the settlement, then known as Frobisher Bay, continued to grow. The Canadian government established permanent services, including full-time doctors, a school, and social services. This period saw significant migration of Inuit from surrounding regions, particularly from Cumberland Sound and Hudson Strait.
In 1980, Frobisher Bay became an official town, and in 1987, its name was changed back to Iqaluit. A pivotal moment came in 1995 when Iqaluit was selected as the capital of the future territory of Nunavut. On April 1, 1999, Nunavut was established as a separate territory, with Iqaluit as its capital.
Today, Iqaluit is a vibrant city that blends traditional Inuit culture with modern urban amenities. It serves as the political and administrative center of Nunavut, with many residents working in government or service industries. The city boasts a rich cultural scene, with museums and galleries showcasing Inuit artifacts and artwork.
Iqaluit continues to grow and evolve. Recent developments include the expansion of École des Trois-Soleils, the city’s French-language school, which now features a gym that doubles as a performance center and community space. The city also hosts significant events, such as the Arctic Winter Games, and has welcomed notable visitors, including Queen Elizabeth II in 2002 and Pope Francis in 2022.
Despite its modern developments, Iqaluit maintains strong connections to its Inuit heritage and the surrounding Arctic landscape. The city offers unique experiences for visitors and residents alike, from dog sledding and snowmobiling on the frozen Frobisher Bay in winter to hiking in nearby Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park under the midnight sun in summer.
As Iqaluit moves forward, it continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of being a growing Arctic capital, balancing economic development with cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.
Carol and I are looking forward to experiencing this beautiful part of the earth and getting to know the Inuit and its local people.
Stay tuned for more of our exciting adventures as we sail the Arctic with Silversea Expeditions over the next 14 days.
For more information or to book an exciting Silversea Expedition cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.
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This article was written with the aid of Perplexity AI. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an independent affiliate of Cadence and a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40