Igloolik, Inuit territorial hamlet in Foxe Basin, Nunavut
Igloolik is a settlement on a small island north of the Arctic Circle between the Canadian mainland and Baffin Island in Foxe Basin. The community sits on tundra surrounded by seawater, shaping the architecture and daily life of its residents.
The Dorset culture settled this region roughly 4,000 years ago, leaving archaeological traces still being uncovered today. European contact began in 1822 when British ships arrived, beginning interactions with the outside world.
The name Igloolik comes from the Inuktitut language, meaning "place of houses." Residents continue to shape the settlement through hunting and fishing traditions that define the pace of everyday life.
Getting there is mainly through the local airport, which connects the community to other regions year-round. Visitors should prepare for extreme temperatures: summer reaches around 15°C (59°F), while winter can drop to -30°C (-22°F).
The settlement experiences total darkness from December through January, followed by continuous daylight from June through July. These extreme light shifts influence not just daily routines but also sleep patterns and social activities throughout the year.
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