Rankin Inlet, Canada - progress arriving in northeastern Hudson Bay

I posted a brief note about Rankin Inlet some time ago, but I feel the town deserves its own space as Ultima Thule. Located on the northeastern banks of Hudson Bay, this is a fishing community as well as a wellcoming settlement open to civilization at 64 º N, where you could expect just desolation and misery on the tundra.

The geographical centre of Canada is located on the northwest coast of Hudson Bay; this northernly location is caused by the huge extension of the Northern Territories, reaching as far as 83° N at Cape Columbia, on Ellesmere Island.

The region around the geographical centre is scarcely populated, with four main native settlements: Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake, Chesterfield Inlet and Arviat. All of them somehow related to the times of whale hunting and fur trading around the Bay.

This is the ending basin of Thelon River, which flows into Baker Lake, in fact a wide estuary; Rankin Inlet is few miles south of the Lake's mouth into Hudson Bay.

Rankin Inlet  or Kangiqtiniq
(“deep inlet” in Inuktitut)

Coordinates: 62°48′ N, 92°05′ W
Population:  ~ 2500

Rankin Inlet is the most important settlement in the Kivalliq region, a dynamic and growing town with modern facilities.

Street scene.

Purple triplex.

A very customized home,

Always some bear skin hanging to dry.

The arrival of American and European whalers in Hudson Bay in the 1800's marks the first years of Rankin Inlet. Later, the whalers departed, and the local Inuit population was only visited by missionaries and the  HBC traders, who had been around since the 18th century.

Rankin is now a government town, a bustling community that serves also as a transportation hub for the Kivalliq Region, thanks to its modern and well equipped airport.

Rankin Inlet airport Terminal, always busy.

The arrival of civil servants and their families revitalized the community. Miners, farmers and artists made transition into government jobs.

The brand new Health Center.

The Arctic College of Rankin Inlet.

The 'Northern Inn' and its tower clock, a typical feature in town.

Inukshuk Avenue, with restaurant and café.

Wild Wolf restaurant.

"Sugar Rush" café, almost world famous.

Surprise surprise, isn't it ?

Shopping with style, Rankin way.

'I really enjoy this !' - there are thousands of snowmobiles in town.

Inuit dancer.

The 'Fortress Isle', a cod fishing boat at Labrador, is going under restoration for river cruises !

The Fortress-Isle sailed to Rankin from Newfoundland. The former cod fishing boat is currently undergoing renovation that will turn her into a stunning 47-foot cruiser.

Painted white with red trim and a navy map of Nunavut on the bow.


Wall hanging embroideries are a local women's speciality.

Woven Hall Hanging by Isaqkijaq, decorating Nanuk Lodge.

Embroidered wall hanging depicting Sedna atop a narwhal, by Veronika Manilak.

Also by Veronika Manilak from Rankin Inlet.

Embroidery depicting outdoor activities by Monica Ugjuk, Rankin Inlet.

Average teperature oscilates between -27ºC and +15ºC. But the record low is dreadful -50ºC.

 - 40º C !