Rankin Inlet

— primary source) Rankin Inlet North America > Canada > Northern Canada > Nunavut > Rankin Inlet Rankin Inlet (Inuktitut: Kangiqiniq or ᑲᖏᕿᓂᖅ, meaning deep bay ), is an active community of 2,800 people (2016) in mainland Nunavut . It is a government village and an air transport hub for travel between Nunavut and the centre and west of Canada.

There are no roads to Rankin Inlet that connect to the rest of Canada. Airport 🌍 Rankin Inlet Airport ( YRT IATA ), ☏ +1 867-645-3403 . Rankin Inlet is the waystation for flights between Iqaluit and Yellowknife . It is an airport hub to/from other Kivalliq communities. ( updated Sep 2025 ) Flights to Rankin Inlet from Iqaluit (2 hours), Winnipeg (2.5 hours), and Yellowknife (2 hours). Airlines Calm Air , toll-free: +1-800-839-2256 . A regional airline operating flights in Manitoba and Nunavut . ( updated Oct 2025 ) Canadian North , toll-free: +1-800-267-1247 , +1-800-661-1505 , [email protected] . A regional airline primarily operating flights in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut , and flights travelling between that region and a few large cities in Canada. ( updated Oct 2025 ) Kivalliq Air , toll-free: +1-877-879-8477 . Operates charter and air ambulance services. ( updated Mar 2015 )

Rankin Inlet is very small, so one could reasonably get around by foot. Rankin Taxi , ☏ +1 867 645-7674 . ( updated Sep 2025 ) Darren's Taxi , ☏ +1 867 226-3932 . ( updated Sep 2025 ) Silus Taxi , ☏ +1 867 645-7712 . ( updated Sep 2025 )

🌍 Inukshuk . 24 hours . ( updated Mar 2015 )

The midnight sun adds a magical element to travel in the Arctic! Rankin Inlet doesn't have 24-hour sunny days, but winter is the time of darkness. Light starts to disappear mid-October and usually does not rise again until Christmas. There are only about four hours of twilight during this time, but the light starts to return in January. A visit in autumn or winter gives you a chance to see one of Earth's most spectacular phenomena – the Aurora Borealis . They can be easily seen from October to March in the centre of the community, but by taking a walk out of the town, they can be more spectacular. Inuit people have many legends about the auroras, which can be heard by talking to people in Rankin. A walk five minutes outside the community will give you the opportunity to see terrain which appears untouched by humans. You will most likely discover the siksiit . Spring and summer brings squirrels, which are everywhere, chattering incessantly from their perches, as do peregrine falcons and gyrfalcons. Keep a watchful eye on the area to see loons, geese, swans and cranes, which will keep photographers busy. In May, you can witness thousands of caribou migrate through Rankin Inlet. 🌍 Iqalugaarjuup Nunanga Territorial Park ( 15 mins by car north of the hamlet ), ☏ +1 867 975-7700 , [email protected] . Iqalugaarjuup Nanang Historical Park provides a half day of adventure and is a favourite spot for hiking, fishing and bird watching. The archaeological site of Thule near the Ijiraliq River offers a historical perspective. Although water from the Rankin Inlet valve is treated and safe to drink, many locals use the river as a source of fresh water during the spring and summer. Visitors can plunge into stone age culture while visiting this park and take a glimpse at ancient Inuit Arctic traditions. ( updated May 2020 ) 🌍 Marble Island . Marble Island figures prominently in Inuit traditions and received the special designation of area of exclusive possession in the accord which separated Nunavut from the Northwest Territories. An hour of boat trip from Rankin Inlet to Marble Island offers a beautiful contrast with the purple flowers of dwarf fireweed growing amongst the rocks. The tombs of the crew of the Knight Expedition from 1921 are still visible on Dead Man Island. At low tide on clear days, one can clearly see the silhouette of the whaling ship, the Orray Taft, which sank near the island in 1893. Because of its "area of exclusive possession" status, non-Inuit beneficiaries must apply for a tourism license from Kivalliq Inuit Association to access Marble Island. ( updated Sep 2025 ) Hockey forms part of the Rankin Inlet community. Rankin is particularly involved since it is the hometown of hockey player Jordin Tootoo (of the NHL Detroit Red Wings). In addition, there are major hockey tournaments held in the community each year. In April the annual Pakallak Time festival is held, offering outdoor games and competitions, dog sled racing and snowmobile racing. May hosts the annual fishing tournament that attracts people from other communities. July 9 is Nunavut Day which is celebrated with pride throughout the territory. In autumn, the community usually hosts the annual trade show for Kivalliq Region inviting companies from all seven communities in the region. During the holidays there are organized events, including snow sculptures, games, talent shows, concerts, craft sales, pageants, dog sled races and snowmobiling. Traditional sports like "one foot high kick," "two foot high kick," "arm pull," "knuckle hop", "head sweater", "airplane" and others are still practised in the community and are presented at many events throughout the year. Events February/March Polar Bear Plate . Hockey tournament. April Pakallak Time . The most popular of the annual events, Pakallak Time includes a sled race, snowmobile races, igloo building and community celebrations. Hamlet Day . Involves a barbecue with the community, square dancing at the arena and outdoor games. June National Aboriginal Day . This is an event across Canada and is celebrated on June 21 every year. July Canada Day . 1 July. Communities across the country organise celebrations often including parades. Nunavut Day . 9 July. Nunavummiut celebrate the "Agreement on the Nunavut Land Claims Act and the Nunavut Act," with the Nunavut Day. All government offices are closed to mark this occasion.

🌍 Turaarvik Inns North Restaurant , Mivvik St , ☏ +1 867 645-4955 . Dining room and daily menu. ( updated Oct 2025 ) 🌍 The Captains Galley Restaurant ( in Siniktarvik Hotel & Conference ), ☏ +1 867 645-2022 . Daily 8AM-6PM . Their chicken parmesan is delicious. $23-27 . ( updated Sep 2025 )

Bars and other nightlife are practically nonexistent in Nunavut, where alcoholism is a problem for many inhabitants. These restrictions are so strongly applied that the police search the bags of people entering the territory. All alcohol entering dry communities is rapidly confiscated. Rankin Inlet is one of the rare places outside Iqaluit where alcohol can be legally served. There is a government-run beer and wine store next to Siniktarvik Hotel.

B&B 🌍 Yara's Bed and Breakfast , 222-63 Uqquaq St , ☏ +1 867 645-3478 , fax : +1 867 645-3538 , [email protected] . Check-out: Noon . Four single rooms. Free airport pickup and drop off. Shared bathroom, kitchen and laundry. TV in common area. Free WiFi on Starlink. Contact Zakir Hossain. $350/night . ( updated Oct 2025 ) 🌍 Sanaya's B&B , 215-67 Nappiq St , ☏ +1 204-599-5350 , +1 204-599-0643 , [email protected] . Check-out: Noon . Four shared rooms (two beds per room) and shared washroom. Large living room and dining area. Laundry available. Starlink internet, smart TV and phone for local calls in each room. Contact Mahi Syeda. $450/night (includes breakfast) . ( updated Sep 2025 ) Hotels 🌍 Siniktarvik Hotel and Conference Centre , Mavvik Ave , ☏ +1 867 645-2807 , fax : +1 867 645-4956 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 11AM . Though not as great as most hotels further south, this hotel is calm and comfortable. But it is a bit old. From $319 . ( updated Sep 2025 ) 🌍 Katimavik Suites and Conference Centre , 552 Tupervik Ave , ☏ +1 867 645-2275 , toll-free: +1-855-333-5366 , fax : +1 867 645-2225 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 11AM . Laundry facilities, satellite TV, WiFi on Starlink Internet, private bathrooms, shared kitchen, free airport shuttle and breakfast. Recommended by locals as the hotel is relatively new and clean. Two-story high. Second floor (which has the shared kitchen and breakfast area) is not accessible by wheelchairs. Single $330/night, Double $400/night . ( updated Sep 2025 ) 🌍 Turaarvik Inns North Hotel , Mivvik St , ☏ +1 867 645-4955 , fax : +1 867 645-4956 . From $249 . ( updated Sep 2025 ) 🌍 Nanuq Lodge , 1 Atausiq St , ☏ +1 867 645-2650 , fax : +1 867 645-2640 , [email protected] . Double $395/night . ( up [... truncated ...]

There are many shops in Rankin which sell the work of local artisans and artists. Matchbox Gallery represents highly qualified artists who produce beautiful ceramic sculptures and carvings of stone, bone and antler, wall hangings, paintings and original prints. The work of many of these artists can be seen at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. The Co-op store and Kissarvik Siniktarvik Hotel shop sell sculptures and crafts. 🌍 Northern Store , Tupirvik Ave , ☏ +1 867 645-2823 . General store and grocery. 🌍 Kissarvik Co-Op , ☏ +1 867 645-2801 , fax : +1 867 645-2280 , [email protected] . Grocery store, also provides cable television services and property and video rentals for residents of the community. ( updated Mar 2015 ) 🌍 Ivalu Ltd. , ☏ +1 867 645-3400 . M-F 9AM-noon, 1-5PM . Represents small businesses in many Inuit communities in Nunavut. Here you will find books, sealskin clothing, knitted hats and vests, carvings and sculptures, jewellery, other arts and crafts, gifts, caribou meat and Arctic char fillets. ( updated Sep 2025 ) 🌍 Kativik , Building 93 , ☏ +1 867 645-3280 . Daily 9AM-midnight . Convenience store that also sells clothing, hobbies. arts and crafts, fur and electrical goods. ( updated Sep 2025 ) 🌍 Quick Stop , Tupirvik Ave . Convenience store with a Tim Hortons counter. ( updated Mar 2015 ) 🌍 Victoria's Arctic Fashion ( in Ikingutigiit Centre ), ☏ +1 867 222-9215 , [email protected] . Tu-F 10AM-6PM, Sa 1-4PM . Stylish handmade winter clothing made with fur and synthetic materials by award winning local fashion designer. But it will not be cheap. ( updated Aug 2025 ) CIBC and RBC both have bank branches in the community.

From Rankin Inlet, visitors can explore other communities and natural attractions in Nunavut by road. The region offers scenic drives, provincial and national parks, and charming small towns worth a detour. Check highway conditions and fuel availability before setting out on longer routes, particularly in remote areas.