Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada

Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:City_of_Iqaluit.jpg
Author: ADialla


Iqaluit is the capital and principal city in the territory of Nunavut in northern Canada. The city covers 52.5 sq km (20.27 sq mi) and has a population of 6,700 people (2012 estimate), making it the smallest capital city in Canada.

Iqaluit was founded by the United States in 1942, during the Second World War. Originally named Frobisher Bay, Iqaluit was initiallyg an airbase for fighter aircrafts to refuel before making the flight across the Atlantic to support the war effort in Europe. At the time it was established, the area was a campsite for the Inuit.

After the United States military left Iqualuit in 1963, the town was administered by the Canadian government and was turned into a logistic center for the eastern Arctic region. This was when a proper town took shape. It had its first election in 1964, and the first mayor was appointed in 1979.

Frobisher Bay was officially renamed Iqaluit on 1 January 1987. The name, which means "place of many fish" in the Inuktitut language, has already been commonly used by the local Inuit population. In 1995, it was selected to be the future capital of Nunavut through a territory-wide referendum, and was given city status in 2001.

Iqaluit experiences an Arctic climate, even though it is well outside the Arctic Circle. Temperatures are usually very low throughout the year. July is the warmest month, but even then, the average high temperature is 11.6°C (52.9°F). January is the coldest month, when the average low temperature drops to -30.6°C (-23.1°F). August receives the most rain while October the most snow.

Visiting Iqaluit

When the weather permits, there are flights by Canadian North between Iqaluit and Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa. First Air also has flights between Iqaluit and Edmonton, Montreal and Ottawa.

Places of Interest in Iqaluit

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