Permanent residents
Newcomers’ guide to Nunavut: What you need to know about this unique province

Table of Contents
- Nunavut's geography and population: The largest territory
- Nunavut’s identity: A modern territory with ancient roots
- A guide to Nunavut and its Inuit culture
- Languages of Nunavut
- The Arctic landscape and lifestyle
- Clear skies in Nunavut: The aurora and midnight sun
- Finding prosperity in Nunavut: Industries, job market, and immigration
- Main industries in Nunavut
- Job opportunities in Nunavut
- Immigration to Nunavut
- Moving to Nunavut: Key resources and helpful tips for Newcomers
- Resources for newcomers in Nunavut
- Groceries in Nunavut: Understanding food prices
- How to travel to Nunavut
- The unique charm of Nunavut
Key takeaways
Nunavut offers a unique lifestyle and career opportunities: This guide to Nunavut highlights the territory’s rich natural beauty, vibrant culture, and promising job opportunities, particularly in resource-based industries and government positions.
Newcomers should be prepared for higher living costs: Food prices and the cost of goods are generally higher in Nunavut, but programs like Nutrition North Canada and local resources can help ease the financial impact.
Canada, the second-largest country in the world, is a land of vast diversity, offering an array of landscapes, cities, towns, cultures, and people. From coast to coast, this incredible variance opens up endless opportunities for newcomers, whether you’re pursuing new careers or looking for a welcoming community. Canada is divided into three territories and ten provinces, each with its own distinct culture.
Nunavut, located in the northeastern corner of Canada, is a lesser-known territory compared to the country’s major urban centers. Yet, it presents unique career prospects and a distinctive lifestyle for those who seek it. Known for its rich indigenous heritage, cold climate, and stunning tundra landscapes, Nunavut offers a chance to immerse oneself in both traditional and modern Canadian life.
Nunavut’s geography and population: The largest territory
Nunavut is Canada’s largest territory by land area, situated to the north of Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec, and to the east of the Northwest Territories. Much of its land consists of frozen arctic islands, forming the Arctic Archipelago above the Arctic Circle. With its tundra terrain and permafrost, the region is home to many arctic species, including polar bears and caribou.
The climate in Nunavut is harsh, with winters averaging temperatures around -30°C. Summer is much cooler, with temperatures typically ranging from 5°C to 15°C.
Nunavut’s identity: A modern territory with ancient roots
Established as a separate territory from the Northwest Territories in 1999, Nunavut holds great significance as the official homeland of the Inuit people, who have lived on this land for millennia. The creation of Nunavut enabled the Inuit to govern their traditional lands, preserving their heritage and cultural identity.

A guide to Nunavut and its Inuit culture
Inuit culture is deeply embedded in Nunavut’s fabric, and as the majority of the territory’s population is Inuit, it influences everything from arts and crafts to traditions and language. Traditional Inuit arts, such as stone carving, weaving, and printmaking, are a cornerstone of the local economy. The territory also places a high value on the teachings of elders, who pass down knowledge about the arts, music, dance, and oral storytelling.
Inuit festivals like the Rockin’ Walrus Arts Festival, Toonik Tyme, and the Alianait Arts Festival celebrate these age-old customs in modern settings. Despite the rich preservation of these traditions, it is important to note that misconceptions about the Inuit lifestyle—such as living in igloos—still persist. Instead, Nunavut is a modern society with strong cultural ties to its roots.
Languages of Nunavut
Nunavut has three official languages: Inuktitut (which encompasses various dialects of Inuit languages), English, and French. Inuktitut, spoken by the majority of the population, is the most widely used mother tongue, although English is also common.
The Arctic landscape and lifestyle
Nunavut is a land of contrasts, from the dramatic fjords and mountain ranges of the Qikiqtani Region to the expansive tundra and lakes of the Kivalliq and Kitikmeot regions. Though the cold weather may be seen as a barrier, for many, it is a challenge to embrace, offering opportunities to explore the beauty of the Arctic through dog sledding, hiking, or fishing for arctic char.
To fully appreciate Nunavut’s unique environment, proper preparation is essential. With the right gear and guidance, adventurers can experience firsthand the breathtaking wilderness and rich cultural heritage that the region offers.
Clear skies in Nunavut: The aurora and midnight sun
In Nunavut, residents are fortunate to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, a stunning natural phenomenon where vibrant, multicolored lights dance across the sky. Due to the long winter nights, these ethereal lights can be seen late into the day. Known as aqsarniit in the Inuit language, the Northern Lights offer a spectacular sight, and many visitors opt for excursions or camping trips over frozen lakes to get the best experience away from city lights.
Nunavut’s extreme northern location also results in long summer days. In Iqaluit, the capital, the sun can shine for up to 21 hours a day during the summer months, a phenomenon called the “midnight sun.” With so much extra daylight, visitors can take advantage of the time to explore or celebrate the unique extended daylight.
Finding prosperity in Nunavut: Industries, job market, and immigration
Main industries in Nunavut
Nunavut’s economy is largely based on resource industries, including traditional activities like hunting, fishing, and trapping. The sale of traditional arts and crafts also plays a significant role in the livelihood of families and communities. Mining exploration and extraction are on the rise, with numerous unexplored areas offering potential, although the region’s remote location makes accessing and transporting resources expensive and challenging. Tourism is becoming increasingly popular as more people around the world discover the territory’s natural beauty and rich cultural offerings.
Job opportunities in Nunavut
The largest employer in Nunavut is the Government of Nunavut, which offers various job opportunities for those with a degree or diploma in business, finance, or a related field. Other in-demand positions include:
- Facility and maintenance managers
- School administrators
- Construction managers
- Financial managers
- Human resources professionals
- Bookkeepers
- Shippers and receivers
- Conservation and fishery officers
- Registered nurses
- Early childhood educators
- Janitors and caretakers
- Taxi drivers
Securing a job may take time, check out our tips on how newcomers can find a job in Canada.
Immigration to Nunavut
Unlike other Canadian provinces and territories, Nunavut does not have a provincial nomination program for immigration. However, prospective immigrants can still apply through federal immigration programs managed by the Government of Canada. Two common pathways to immigration include:
- Express Entry: Skilled workers may apply for permanent residency in Canada through the Express Entry system.
- Family Sponsorship: If you have family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, they can sponsor your immigration. Alternatively, once you become a permanent resident, you can sponsor your family’s immigration to Canada.

Moving to Nunavut: Key resources and helpful tips for Newcomers
Resources for newcomers in Nunavut
Most of the resources available to newcomers in Nunavut are concentrated in Iqaluit, the capital city. However, these services can often provide assistance even if you choose to move to smaller communities in the territory:
Groceries in Nunavut: Understanding food prices
Food costs in Nunavut are typically higher than in other parts of Canada. The primary reason for this is that food must be shipped over longer distances, contributing to increased transportation costs. To help ease the financial burden of food prices, the Government of Canada has implemented the Nutrition North Canada program, which offers subsidies for healthy, fresh food.
Each community in Nunavut generally has a few grocery stores where you can purchase everyday items. For non-perishable goods and other items, locals rely on the sealift, a summer service where goods are transported by ship once the ice thaws. Alternatively, Air Cargo is another option to receive international ingredients year-round, though this method tends to be more expensive.
Country food refers to traditional Inuit foods such as caribou, seal, fish, and whale. For those interested in trying these local delicacies, the Nunavut Country Food Store in Iqaluit is a great place to experience the unique flavors of the region.
You can also refer to the Nunavut FAQs for more detailed information on food and grocery shopping in the region.
How to travel to Nunavut
Nunavut is not connected by road to other regions of Canada, nor are there any roads linking its communities. The most efficient way to travel to and within Nunavut is by air. There are four major cities in Canada that serve as gateway points for flights into Nunavut: Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Edmonton. For more travel details, check out Nunavut Tourism for tips on flying into and navigating around the territory.
While there is no public transit system in Nunavut, taxi services are available in some communities. Most residents rely on private vehicles to get around. Newcomers interested in purchasing or leasing a car should consider the pros and cons outlined by the Government of Canada when buying or leasing a vehicle in any new region. It’s essential to understand the specifics of winter driving, especially if you’re not accustomed to icy roads or low visibility during snowstorms. Ensuring your vehicle has winter tires and that you’re aware of road safety in these conditions is crucial. The Nunavut driver’s manual provides helpful insights into obtaining a driver’s license and preparing for winter driving.
The unique charm of Nunavut
Nunavut stands as one of Canada’s most extraordinary and visually captivating regions, with its expansive tundra landscapes and deep-rooted cultural traditions. Although it remains a relatively isolated place that not many people outside of the territory will visit, it’s vital for Canadians and potential newcomers to appreciate the special opportunities Nunavut offers. For those looking to start anew, Nunavut presents an incredible chance to experience a distinctive lifestyle and career prospects. The strong, supportive community of the Nunavummiut and the adventure of building a new life in the north promise to make this a truly remarkable experience.
Key takeaways
Nunavut offers a unique and enriching experience for newcomers, combining breathtaking natural landscapes with a rich cultural heritage. While the region presents some challenges, such as its isolated location and higher living costs, it also provides incredible opportunities for those willing to embrace its distinct way of life. Whether you’re drawn to Nunavut for career prospects, the chance to experience a vibrant Inuit culture, or the adventure of life in the far north, it’s a place that promises to be as rewarding as it is unforgettable.