Kimmirut, Territorial hamlet in Qikiqtaaluk Region, Nunavut, Canada
Kimmirut is a territorial hamlet in Nunavut, located across the Hudson Strait from Quebec, sitting at approximately 53 meters above sea level. A rocky outcrop rises roughly 60 meters from the water and defines the settlement's setting.
The settlement originated in 1909 when the Tay Whale Fishing Company opened a mica mine near Lake Harbour, attracting families to the area. This industrial foundation shaped the hamlet's early development.
Artisans here create carvings from walrus ivory, serpentine, soapstone, and marble, incorporating gemstones from nearby rock formations into their work. This craft tradition shapes daily life and visitor experiences in the settlement.
Winter temperatures drop to around minus 40 degrees Celsius, while summers reach about 20 degrees, with sea ice breaking up in June and snow accumulating from October onwards. Visitors should prepare for extreme weather and plan around seasonal accessibility changes.
The area contains some of Earth's oldest rock formations, featuring metamorphic geology shaped by ancient geological processes. These ancient structures offer visitors a glimpse into the planet's deepest geological history.
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