Iqaluit: The Heartbeat of Canada's Arctic

• Helloᐊᐃᒻᒪᓗ
  [aimallu]
• Goodbyeᐊᐃᒻᒪᓗ
  [aimallu]
• Yesᐊᓈᖃᕐᓂᖅ
  [anaaqarniq]
• Noᐊᓇᒃ
  [anaq]
• Please/You're welcomeᐃᑲᖅ
  [iqaq]
• Thank youᐃᑲᖅ
  [iqaq]
• Excuse me/Sorryᓴᐳᖃᑎᒃ
  [sapuqatik]
• How are you?ᖃᓂᐅᔮᖅ?
  [qanuijaq?]
• Fine. And you?ᑲᓇᖅ. ᒧᑦ ᐊᒥ?
  [kanaq. mut ami?]
• Do you speak English?ᐃᓕᐊᓚᐅᖅᑎᒃᑯᑦ?
  [ilialauqatikuttu?]
• I don't understandᓴᙱᓚᖅ
  [saviilaq]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseᓱᕈᓯᑐᑦ ᖃᓄᐃᑦᑐᑦ ᐅᑭᐅᖅ
  [surusitut qanuitut ukiuq]
• I don't eat meatᓱᕈᖅᑐᑦ ᓇᓄᑦ ᐅᑭᐅᖅ
  [suruqtut nanut ukiuq]
• Cheers!ᓱᓯᕐᒪᖅ!
  [susirmaq!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseᓯᑦ ᐊᒃᓱᑦᑐᑦ ᐅᑭᐅᖅ
  [sit aksutut ukiuq]

• Help!ᓴᙱᓚᖅ!
  [saviilaq!]
• Go away!ᐱᒻᒪᖅ!
  [pimmaq!]
• Call the Police!ᐊᓐᓄᓐᓱᕈᓚᖅ!
  [annunnsurulaq!]
• Call a doctor!ᐱᒃᑐᓯᕆᖅ!
  [piktuusiruq!]
• I'm lostᓴᙱᓚᖅ
  [saviilaq]
• I'm illᐃᖃᕐᓂᖅ
  [iqaqarniq]

• I'd like to buy...ᓱᕈᓯᑐᑦ ... ᐅᑭᐅᖅ
  [surusitut ... ukiuq]
• I'm just lookingᓱᕈᓯᑐᑦ ᑕᐅᖃᑎᒃ
  [surusitut tauqatik]
• How much is it?ᒪᑦᑐᑦ ᐊᐅᑎᖅ?
  [matut autiq?]
• That's too expensiveᐅᒃᑐᑦ ᐱᓇᑦᑐᑦ ᐊᐅᑎᖅ
  [ukut pitnut autiq]
• Can you lower the price?ᐱᒻᒪᖅ ᐊᐅᑎᖅ?
  [pimmaq autiq?]

• What time is it?ᖃᓂᓂᖅ ᐊᑯᓯ?
  [qaniniq akusi?]
• It's one o'clockᐊᑯᓯᒋᑦ ᐊᐃᓐᓂ
  [akusigit ainni]
• Half past (10)ᐋᐃᓐᓂ ᖃᑭᑦ
  [ainni qakitt]
• Morningᓯᕙᓪᓚᖅ
  [siwaluq]
• Afternoonᐊᓕᓐᓂᖅ
  [alinniq]
• Eveningᐱᓪᓕᖅ
  [pililuq]
• Yesterdayᓇᓪᓕᖅ
  [naliluq]
• Todayᐃᒡᓗᐊᖅ
  [igluuaq]
• Tomorrowᐱᐅᒃ
  [piuk]
• 1ᐊᐳᖅ
  [apuq]
• 2ᐊᒥᖅ
  [amiq]
• 3ᐃᑦᑕᐅᖃᖅ
  [ittauqaq]
• 4ᓴᒃᓯᕆᖅ
  [saksiruq]
• 5ᓯᖅᑳᕐᖅ
  [siqqaqruq]
• 6ᓇᒥᓕᖅ
  [namiluq]
• 7ᓇᓴᕆᐊᖅ
  [nasaariaq]
• 8ᓇᓄᓚᐅᖅ
  [nanaluq]
• 9ᓇᓕᖅᑳᕐᖅ
  [naliqqaqruq]
• 10ᓇᓄᖃᑦ
  [nanuqat]

• Where's a/the...?ᖃᖓᑦᑎᖃᖅ ...?
  [qangattiqaq ...?]
• What's the address?ᖁᕕᐊᓯ ᖃᖓᑦᑎᖃᖅ?
  [quviasi qangattiqaq?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?ᐅᑭᐅᖅᑦᑕᐅᖃᖅ ...?
  [ukiuqttauqaq ...?]
• When's the next (bus)?ᐊᐃᒪᖅᑦ ...?
  [aimaqt ...?]
• A ticket (to ....)ᐅᓯᕆᖃᖅ ... (ᑐᑦ)
  [usiruqaq ... (tut)]

The area now known as Iqaluit has been inhabited by the Inuit for thousands of years. The Inuit, primarily the Thule people, migrated to the region, capitalizing on its rich marine and land resources. They developed a unique way of life, including igloo construction, hunting techniques, and intricate social structures.

During World War II, Iqaluit, then known as Frobisher Bay, became strategically important. The United States established an air base here in 1942 as part of the Crimson Route, a network of airfields used for ferrying aircraft to Europe. This brought significant infrastructure development and introduced new technologies and goods to the Inuit population.

After World War II, the military presence diminished, but the infrastructure laid the groundwork for future growth. The area became a hub for Arctic research and exploration. The Canadian government established administrative and health services, which attracted more settlers and increased interactions between Inuit and non-Inuit communities.

In 1987, the town officially changed its name from Frobisher Bay to Iqaluit, which means 'place of many fish' in Inuktitut. This change was part of a broader movement to recognize and honor Inuit culture and heritage.

One of the most significant events in Iqaluit's history was the creation of the Nunavut Territory in 1999. Iqaluit was chosen as the capital of the newly formed territory. This event was a monumental step towards Inuit self-governance and has since influenced the cultural and political landscape of the region.

Today, Iqaluit is a vibrant blend of traditional Inuit culture and modern amenities. The city hosts numerous cultural events, such as the Toonik Tyme Festival, celebrating Inuit heritage. The Legislative Assembly of Nunavut and various Inuit organizations are central to the city's life, reflecting a strong commitment to preserving and promoting Inuit culture and language.

Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, Canada, is accessible primarily by air. The main entry point is the Iqaluit Airport (YFB), which offers regular flights from Ottawa, Montreal, and Yellowknife. There are no road connections to Iqaluit, making air travel the most practical option. During the summer months, some adventurous travelers might arrive by boat, but this is less common.

Iqaluit is a small city, and most places of interest are within walking distance. Taxis are available and are the most common mode of transportation for longer distances. There is no public bus system in Iqaluit. Renting a car is also an option, but availability can be limited, and it's advisable to book in advance. Snowmobiles are popular during the winter months for both transportation and recreation.

The official currency in Iqaluit is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting more remote areas or smaller establishments. ATMs are available in the city, but ensure you have sufficient cash before heading out for excursions.

Iqaluit is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any other place, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Petty crimes like theft can occur, so be vigilant. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always best to stay aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The Qikiqtani General Hospital is the main medical facility in Iqaluit, providing essential healthcare services. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress warmly and in layers, especially during winter, as temperatures can drop significantly. Don't wear overly formal clothing; casual and practical attire is the norm. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially those of the Inuit community. Public Transport: Do use taxis or walk, as there is no public bus system. Don't expect regular bus services. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly nod or a handshake. Inuit greetings often involve a warm, welcoming attitude. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like Arctic char and seal meat. Don't refuse food offerings, as hospitality is highly valued.

To experience Iqaluit like a local, attend community events and festivals such as Toonik Tyme, which celebrates Inuit culture and traditions. Visit the local markets where you can buy handmade Inuit crafts and carvings. Engage with locals who are often willing to share stories about their way of life. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes surrounding Iqaluit, including Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park and the Apex Trail. For a unique experience, consider taking a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of the area from knowledgeable locals.