Iqaluit, Nunavut

The town formerly called Frobisher Bay. Population: over 7000 (approximately). Nunavut separated from the Northwest Territories to become its own territory in 1999 and Iqaluit serves as its capital city.

The Airstrip

The site was originally founded during WWII to serve as an airstrip for planes refuelling from North America (many out of Dorval airport in Montreal) en route to England. After the war, the station was soon deactivated. It was then reactivated in 1951 with the start of the Cold War.

DEW Line - 1954

Frobisher Bay became the hub of planning and construction of the DEW (Distant Early Warning) line and saw some 300 flights going in an out on a single day. With the completion of construction in 1954, the base became something of a backwater and was ultimately closed by Strategic Air Command in 1963. The airport was converted to its current civilian use.

“Off-Limits” Says the Sign

The local Inuit built winter huts and tented in the summer across the inlet from the air base. The RCMP placed a large sign indicating that the village was “Off Limits” to the Base personnel.

The US AF Base Welcome pamphlet of 1954 stated: “Ample opportunity is afforded for taking of unusual pictures....The Eskimo Village is off limits to all military personnel at all times except when authorized by the RCMP. Tours through the village are conducted periodically during the winter months to allow you to take pictures of the natives. The only restriction to taking pictures on the site is the technical equipment will not be photographed.”

Aerial View

From the sky, the terrain looks barren and flat, almost like a puddled reef revealed by a low tide but when you see it from the ground, the pronounced elevation becomes apparent.

The Sylvia Grinnell River

Named after Henry Grinnell’s daughter. Henry was an avid explorer of the polar region and sponsored a number of expeditions in the North.

Buildings are numbered, unfenced. Some have the style of cargo containers in many different bright colours serving as fishing shacks or even residences.

The Tribe of Dogs

Near (or in?) Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park is an area where many owners keep their sled dogs and the care for these amazing animals is a matter of ongoing concern to the local humane society. Some are treated better than others.

Hudson’s Bay Company

The company moved its south Baffin Island site to the neighbouring village of Apex (or Niaqunngut) in 1949.

Flight Out

Views of the town of Iqaluit

Frobisher Inn overlooking the town.