Qikiqtarjuaq (Hudson Strait)About Qikiqtarjuaq (Hudson Strait)
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.
Best Time to Visit Qikiqtarjuaq (Hudson Strait)
Best visited in July-August when sea access and local services are most reliable.
Weather & Climate near Qikiqtarjuaq (Hudson Strait)
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -27° - -21° | -34° | 18 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -27° - -21° | -33° | 19 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -23° - -17° | -29° | 17 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -16° - -8° | -20° | 22 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -6° - -1° | -9° | 26 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 1° - 6° | -1° | 36 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 6° - 13° | 7° | 55 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 5° - 11° | 6° | 49 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 1° - 5° | -1° | 40 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -5° - -1° | -9° | 39 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -13° - -8° | -18° | 40 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -21° - -15° | -26° | 23 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
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.