Clyde River

Photo: Saliaralok Panipak

Overview

A community of about 1,881 people (2021 census), Clyde River is located in the Qikiqtaaluk region of Nunavut. The hamlet is in the Eastern Standard time zone along with Iqaluit and most of Quebec and Ontario. Travelers to Clyde River fly three hours and 10 minutes from Ottawa to Iqaluit, then two hours from Iqaluit to their destination.

Highlights

A unique feature of Clyde River is the Piqqusilirivvik Inuit Cultural School. The importance of hunting and Inuit culture led to the government of Nunavut to create the school in 2011. It provides young Inuit with the opportunity to immerse themselves in traditional hunting, sewing, and Inuit cultural activities.

Clyde River is also known as ‘Kangiqtugaapik’ in Inuktitut, meaning "Nice little inlet.' Stone sculptures are created here from a distinctive, light-green stone found north of Clyde River. Kangiqtugaapik artists are famous for the quality of their whalebone carvings.

Weather and Landscape

Situated just north of the 70th parallel, Clyde River has a tundra climate. From mid-May through late July there is constant daylight; conversely, there is 24-hour darkness from late November to about the third week of January.

The region is known for high winds, which are constant most of the year. Winter temperatures hover around -30°C and can sometimes drop to -40°C. Clyde River is located in a cove called Patricia Bay.

Photo: Saliaralok Panipak