Pangnirtung

Photo: Katrina Kierstead

Overview

A community of approximately 1,500 people (2021 census), Pangnirtung is located in the Qikiqtaaluk region of Nunavut.

This hamlet is part of the Eastern time zone along with Iqaluit and most of Quebec and Ontario. Getting there involves flying 3 hours and 10 minutes from Ottawa to Iqaluit followed by a one-hour flight from Iqaluit to Pangnirtung.

Highlights

Pangnirtung is located close to the Auyuittuq National Park, where a 97-kilometre hiking trail called the Pang Pass connects Pangnirtung with the community of Qikiqtarjuaq.

Also known as ‘Pangniqtuuq’ and fondly called ‘Pang’ for short, Pangniqtuuq means 'Place of the Bull Caribou' in Inuktitut. It is famous for a unique style of crocheted winter hat called the ‘Pang Hat’ that is very popular all across Nunavut. One of the most enjoyed cultural attractions in Pang is the Uqqurmiut Inuit Arts Centre, which features studios and shops.

Weather and landscape

Pangnirtung sits near the 66th parallel, just below the Arctic Circle. On winter solstice the community sees about 2.5 hours of daylight; the sun shines 24 hours a day through most of June.

In the warm months of June through August, temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C. In the wintertime, extreme temperatures sometimes drop to -40°C. There is limited sunlight in the middle of winter and it can get very windy. With the wind-chill factor, it can feel like -60°C.

Pang is located in a fiord, surrounded by tall, snow-capped mountains. Fog is a common issue, especially in the summer months, preventing planes from landing.

Photo: Katrina Kierstead