Qikiqtarjuaq (Hudson Strait)

Island Coastal Nunavut community on Hudson Strait, Inuit hamlet.

A small Inuit community on Hudson Strait used as a base for boat trips, fishing and Arctic wildlife tours; visitors arrive for sea‑based wildlife viewing, local culture and access to nearby islands and ice-edge scenery.

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Qikiqtarjuaq is an Inuit hamlet located on an island in the Hudson Strait within the territory of Nunavut, Canada. It is a small coastal community that serves local residents and seasonal marine activities.

The community was long known by its English name, Broughton Island, before adopting the traditional Inuktitut name Qikiqtarjuaq. It developed as a permanent Inuit settlement in the 20th century with the arrival of regular air and ship services.

Situated on an island in the Hudson Strait off northern Quebec and Labrador, the hamlet lies on the eastern approaches to Hudson Bay within Nunavut.

  • Former name: Formerly known as Broughton Island; the local Inuit community reclaimed the traditional name.
  • Transport access: Serves as a small regional hub with an airstrip that connects the settlement to other communities in Nunavut.
Qikiqtarjuaq (Hudson Strait)
Qikiqtarjuaq (Broughton Island), Nunavut, Canada
62.7084, -70.5909

How to Get to Qikiqtarjuaq (Hudson Strait) #

Qikiqtarjuaq is served by scheduled flights to its small airport (YVM) from regional hubs such as Iqaluit; ferry service and seasonal boat travel are also possible. Plan flights well in advance and check seasonal schedules.

Tips for Visiting Qikiqtarjuaq (Hudson Strait) #

  • Arrange flights to the small Qikiqtarjuaq (Broughton Island) airport in advance; connections from Iqaluit or Rankin Inlet are infrequent.
  • Visit in late summer for calmer seas and easier boat travel if planning further marine excursions.
  • Respect local wildlife and community schedules - this is a living community, not just a waypoint for visitors.

Best Time to Visit Qikiqtarjuaq (Hudson Strait) #

Best visited in July-August when sea access and local services are most reliable.

Summer
July-August · 5-15°C
Warmest period with long days; best for boat trips and birdwatching.
Late spring/early autumn
June & September · 0-10°C
Cooler with variable conditions; shoulder seasons have fewer services.

Weather & Climate near Qikiqtarjuaq (Hudson Strait) #

Climate

Qikiqtarjuaq (Hudson Strait)'s climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -27°C to 13°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
13°
Warmest Month
-27°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -20°C and lows of -27°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-24°
Feels Like Freezing
-24°C
Temperature
-27° -21°

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -21°C and lows of -27°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-24°
Feels Like Freezing
-24°C
Temperature
-27° -21°

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of -17°C and lows of -23°C. The driest month with just 17 mm.

Comfort

-20°
Feels Like Freezing
-20°C
Temperature
-23° -17°

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-16° -8°

Weather

22 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-6° -1°

Weather

26 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

36 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with 55 mm of rain.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-5° -1°

Weather

39 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-13° -8°

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -15°C and lows of -21°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-18°
Feels Like Freezing
-18°C
Temperature
-21° -15°

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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