So you’ve decided to move to Inuvik. Congratulations! This is a very welcoming town (pop. 3,500) and an interesting region of Canada.Here’s some responses to a few common questions:
1.What are the apartments like? There are furnished apartments in town. I live in ParkView on Boot Lake Road and it’s close to everything. Rent is high in comparison to other towns — don’t expect to pay less than $1000 a month for a one-bedroom — and buying a house is very expensive also. Best bet is to rent a furnished place. (Lee Thomas, a pilot who writes dustysensor.ca, moved here earlier this year and he now lives in Mountainview, he likes it.)There is a moving company which can help carry furniture, but the cost is $90 an hour.
2.Can I buy a car there?There actually is an order-based dealership in town as well as a garage that sells used vehicles. But the usual method is buying in Whitehorse and driving the dempster highway (16 hours drive) Do you need a car? That’s debatable. The town is very small and all cabs are $5 flat rate (1 ride anywhere in town = 5 bucks) so I would certainly say you can do without.
3.Are there cheap hotels? All places are expensive, in range of $150 a night. Mackenzie is the top of the line, it’s very nice but as said, expensive. If you want a real northern kick, try seeing if the Arctic Chalet has places available. It’s a series of rentable log cabins. You can also rent a dog sled there.
4.What should I bring? Clothing! There is no real clothing store here, apart from kids’ stuff at the North Mart and another boutique. Also, Timbits for people once you get off the plane, which is a local tradition.
5. How cold does it get, really?Do not believe the hype. Arctic winters are perfectly fine if you dress up. Wear lots of layers. It might get cold enough to snap your ipod headphones, but there are ways to cope. On the plus side, you will never deal with slush, soaked boots, or freezing rain.
6. Do you have 24-hour darkness? We definitely get 24-hour sunlight, but 24-hour darkness is a bit of an exaggeration. There is always a “solar glow” visible for a few hours, even in the darkest of winter. So you’ll go on your lunchbreak and see a little bit of pink on the horizon but that’s it.
7. What do you do, anyway?There are plenty of activities in town. We have the Inuvik Family Centre, which has a year-round pool and waterslide, and also squash courts, a sauna and 24-hour gym. Inuvik also has a golf course (small, but getting better) and ski club in the winters.There is also a library and, believe it or not, a mini-putt. It is also guaranteed you’ll find a packed dancefloor at the Mad Trapper bar every weekend. (The bar has live music six nights a week.)
8. Are there jobs? Yes! There is certainly work to be found in Inuvik. It’s expensive to live alone (rent is about $1000 a month minimum for a one-bedroom) but I know many people who’ve come north to work as hairdressers, bartenders, waiters, hotel staff, grocery store people (North Mart even helps staff with housing) and other jobs. North Mart was looking for cashiers and offering $16 an hour.
9. Can you drive to Inuvik?The answer is yes, most of the year. The Dempster Highway (see Wikipedia entry here) connects our community to Dawson City and eventually Whitehorse, which itself connects south to B.C. and the TransCanada highway.Overall, it takes about 16 days to drive from Ottawa. Be sure to pack some food because you’ll often go hours without a gas station. (The Eagle Plains rest stop, for instance, is hours between Fort McPherson and Dawson.)
The problem of course is that the Dempster Highway is intersected by two rivers, the Mackenzie and the Peel. These are usually serviced by free ferries, but the rivers are allowed to freeze for ice roads. So you cannot drive the Dempster to Inuvik for about 4-5 weeks of time, around November and April.Since ice roads follow the weather, all dates are subject to change.
10. Are there a lot of drugs like ‘crack’ in the north? Do people sniff glue and gasoline? While the north has its share of social problems — obviously more per capita than some other places — I have never even seen crack, or someone sniffing gasoline. Some homeless people do drink mouthwash and other products (such as cooking sherry and apparently Lysol) but this happens in all cities. Mouthwash is kept behind the counter at the Northmart drug store, so you have to ask while looking respectable.So, in answer to this question: Yes, we have people who drink and there is homelessness. But if you can walk through downtown Toronto or Ottawa, you’ll be fine here.
11. Can I voluteer at the Youth Centre or Food Bank, as a way to meet people and help the community?
YES!
39 responses so far ↓
Kathryn // October 28, 2007 at 3:12 am
Is the mini-putt indoor or outdoor?
This is a great new section Phil!
inuvikphil // October 28, 2007 at 8:43 am
The mini-putt is outdoor outside Ingamo Hall. I should have taken a photo! (It was kind of decrepit this year and no one goes, but people fixed it. Maybe next year?)
George Lessard // October 29, 2007 at 2:04 pm
The Centennial Library is great and has an extensive selection of rare books about the Arctic see
http://www.inuvik.net/icl/
Diana // November 6, 2007 at 11:59 pm
Hi!
I think your website is great; about the best I’ve found. It’s helped me a lot to prepare for my move there. It’s great to actually see pictures of the town combined with the information that you have provided. I will be leaving Canada in early December and wonder if you could answer a few questions about things to bring and all that.
Thanks!
inuvikphil // November 7, 2007 at 12:51 am
Hello Diana,
Thanks for the kind words! However, I must admit I don’t understand your request. Are you leaving Canada or moving to Inuvik?
inuvikphil // November 7, 2007 at 1:31 am
Okay (Clarification: Diana is moving to Inuvik from England)
I would reccomend you bring clothing, as there is no real clothing store in Inuvik. Stock up; buy a few pairs of shoes and pants. The alternative is ordering from a Sears catalogue, or online.
ROD HAND // November 24, 2007 at 4:07 pm
i use to live in inuvik, i really enjoyed the time i spent there. it was very cozey in the winter. and warm in the summer. i use to work at artic memories art gallery that was in the rec hall across from the norhtern. i lived about the liqour store, and we loved it. i mis it there. rod
inuvikphil // November 27, 2007 at 5:28 pm
Thanks Rod — it’s nice to see someone use the optimistic word “Cozey” to describe -40c weeks and so little sunlight!
Where do you live now?
Elena Lora // January 8, 2008 at 8:18 pm
I found your blog starting from your longboard ride on you-tube! I was looking for some informations about Inuvik since I know the Regional Hospital is looking for a physiotherapist and I’m seriously thinking about it. You gave me many many answers! Thank you for this precious help. I’m Italian and still don’t know if I’ll decide to move to Inuvik, but I learnt so many things about it that I feel it could be my place…
Tundramunkie // February 4, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Where do all the people in ther 20s and early 30s hang out (besides the bar)? How do you meet people in this town outside of work?
Lisa Carr // February 10, 2008 at 3:14 am
I am currently in the process of moving to Inuvik. I am a RN and very excited about this new place. Great website and beautiful pictures!
Linda // February 14, 2008 at 7:18 am
I lived in Inuvik from Oct 95 to Sept 96 & worked in the Brass Rail at the McKenzie Hotel & lived at the Trapper. I am wondering if you know if Marty & Vince are still at the McKenzie? I enjoyed living there & have always talked about my experiences in Inuvik. To this day when I tell people about Inuvik they listen in awe. I met a real beautiful friend when I was in Inuvik by the name of Debbie Robinson & have lost contact of her since I left but have always wondered whatever happened to her. I hope she reads this & gets in touch with me. How long have you lived in Inuvik?
Lenora // February 27, 2008 at 1:45 am
Great site and very helpful. If I wanted to move to Inuvik I’d be so grateful if I came across this website! Great work!
Corrine // March 6, 2008 at 4:18 am
oh man I’m so glad I found this blog. I’ve bookmarked it
Phil // March 6, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Thanks Corrine and Lenora!
Johanne // March 6, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Hi, I was looking at Inuvik as for my son Martin will be there tomorrow. He will be woorking at Cariboo Café as a cook. I was a bit worry so I was looking for infos about the town and what there was there to do. Do you know if there is anybody there whom is able to record (studio like) becose this would be of a big interest for him! If you’d like go welcome him, go by is new job and say his mom say’s hello…he would be quite intrigue!!!
I am keeping your blog in my favorite and tank’s in advance.
Johanne from Québec
inuvikphil // March 6, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Allo Johanne,
There is no recording studio in town — I assume you mean for a music album or something — but I believe my friend Ray Massey is trying to start something up in his home.
Certainly, any musicians will be appreciated up here.
I’ll have to stop by the Caribou cafe, it’s a nice place to eat. (Maybe I can take some photos of your son at work, if they’ll let me.)
Johanne // March 7, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Hi Phill,
It is so wonderfull to have you answer me! I feel like it is not as far anymore. Bare with me for the way I sometimes write I am from Quebec …you guess?. My son is a verry good rapper and I dont say that because he is my son…lol. Mostly he as rapped in French, but he speaks English and I am sure he can rapp in English if he want’s.I haven’t heard from him since he arrived sometime today…but I will keep our conversation a secret and let you surprise him! I am sure he would enjoy talking with people his age since he does’nt know anybody up there. I for sure would be happy if you sent me pictures!!!
Take care and thanks alout for everything and this is so cool what you do with the blog and all!
Johanne
Winnie // March 24, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Hello Phil,
I am asking since it seems like you know a lot of people in Inuvik. I am an OT student who will be coming up to Inuvik in 2 weeks. At first our school said that accommodations would be available but not anymore. I have looked into accommodations in town but it is not something that a student like me could afford after paying $1500 for the plane. I am just wondering if you have any friends who are going away in April and would like someone to house sit for them? I promise that I am really neat and tidy! If you do know anything please do not hesitate to let me know. I will check your site as frequent as possible. Many thanks.
veggiesyarnsandtails // March 30, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Thanks for this personal list of what to expect re: living and working in Inuvik. We are considering, taking the plunge, in the not too distant future. Previously lived in Whitehorse, miss the quiet and serenity and SNOW a lot now. I have added you to my blogroll, hope you will stop by and visit soon. G
Marg // March 31, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Hi Phil,
I have just moved a week ago. I did a lot of research, however a few things people forgot to mention was that you must give a $150. deposit on Power Corporation also a deposit I think of $130 for phone and internet. I just thought I would add that for some who may come with there last $ to make a go of it here. I like it so far….But I came right at the Festival of Spring and went to a great Festival and Ceremonies, Jamboree, snowmobile races and dogsledding so a very busy week. But I can’t mention enough the cost of food is a bit of a shock at first.
Julia // April 4, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Winnie, have you tried sending an email around to staff at the hospital?
Winnie // April 4, 2008 at 11:59 pm
My preceptor did but I don’t think it worked. She has contacted the Aurora College but I was not able to get in touch with them as of today- after trying to call them for at least 20 times (& I am arriving tomorrow!)… hostels here are $100 per night, I will be in serious debt by the end of it! Sigh!
If you know of anything please kindly let me know. It would be truly extremely appreciated.
inuvikphil // April 6, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Winnie, I will look around to see if anyone needs a houseguest…
Marg // April 7, 2008 at 11:09 pm
HI, Phil,
If you want to pass on my e-mail to Winnie…she can get in touch with me. I might be able to help.
Marg
MissP // May 5, 2008 at 8:43 pm
I may be moving to Inuvik in the next coming months, as my bf is a heli pilot and I’m coming with him. I work as a Marketing Communications Specialist, and am wondering what kind of work there is up in Inuvik for me. Right now I live and work in Vancouver, BC
Miguel Quirarte // May 14, 2008 at 1:59 am
Hi!
Inuvik is beautiful, an stranger city! I’m from Piedras Negras (Mexico) / Eagle Pass,TX (USA), very different. Greetings from Mexico/USA!
Joe // May 19, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Hello!
I’m a high school teacher living in San Diego California. This summer I was planning on renting a Hybrid vehicle (thanks to high gas prices) and explore the great white north. I keep reading about the Dempster and Inuvik and I would love to make this drive. Do you think a Toyota Prius with a couple of full size spares would be able to make the trip in July? I have a lot of 4×4 and outdoor experience, but unfortunately, economics is forcing me to leave my 4×4 behind.
Thanks for your time.
Joe
Phil Morin // May 20, 2008 at 6:45 pm
I know someone who drove here with a Toyota Camry or something similar, so it should be no problem as long as you wait for the dry part of the summer. (June, July or August.)
Maybe bring a spare tire, but otherwise there should be no problem at all!
Sounds like a wonderful idea for a trip, best of luck to you.
Joe // May 22, 2008 at 2:44 am
Thanks a lot Phil. I just made the reservations for my car today. I can’t wait to make the trip!
Elise // June 10, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Hi!
Love your blog and the information you provide.
I’ve searched and searched on the internet and can’t seem to find a general idea of cost of living in Inuvik. I’ve seen that housing prices are high ($1,000 for a one bedroom seems steep for places like Portland and Seattle!) and I’ve seen folks mention that groceries are expensive. I was wondering if you could give me a general idea of what groceries/gas (per gal. or ltr…
are currently?
Sometimes I can find a local grocery store (chain) on the internet that posts their “weekly specials” but I don’t find that for any store in Inuvik.
Thanks for any info you have time to provide! I’m very curious about living in Inuvik!
Elise
P.S. I’d be moving with my best buddy, my Dog…are there veterinarian services in Inuvik or is it do-it-yourself veterinarian medicine?! Do you know if most housing (apartments included) are large-dog friendly?
inuvikphil // June 11, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Hi Elise,
Inuvik used to have a travelling vet who would stop by every second month or so form Whitehorse, providing vaccinations, etc. I believe he is set up now more permanent services.
Right now it’s possible to see 2L orange juice containers for $8.99, and you will rarely eat a sandwich that is not $8 or over.
A hamburger at the Roost is about $13 and so is a bagel sandwch at the Cafe Gallery.
It’s not unusual for me to get a coffee, small soup and bagel sandwich there for lunch, which costs $18.
Dianna // June 12, 2008 at 1:06 am
I am thinking of heading to Inuvik for work. Do you know any transplants from truly warm places that have learned to adjust to the cold? I am originally from San Diego, and have been in Vancouver for 15 years. Am I nuts?
Elise // June 12, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Wow, it really is terribly expensive, isn’t it!?
Thank you again, Phil, for your response. I’m really interested in that area and Canada’s Northern Territories in general.
You’ve got a great blog, and I’ve enjoyed reading your stories and seeing the pictures. Keep up the great work!
inuvikphil // June 12, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Thanks very much! I try to create a site which would have helped me out originally, when first moving here…
Phil Morin // June 24, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Hi Diana,
No, you’ll do just fine. Maybe you won’t live here for many years, but you will come to be impressed by the cold and perhaps even enjoy it.
Just remember to dress up!
jenn // June 29, 2008 at 5:32 pm
hi phil.
i am looking at a hospital job in inuvik and was just wondering if there are a lot of people that are from other parts of canada working there that are my age….in their twenties or thirties?
Also i know that groceries are expensive but is there any fresh produce or is it mostly pre packaged stuff. Ive also heard that some people either have their food mailed or flown in from bigger centers…is this true??
thanks
inuvikphil // July 13, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Hi Jenn,
There are plenty of people here in their 20s and 30s, who are doing exactly what you are planning to do. I don’t post party photos online (the blog really isn’t about me or my friends) but I can tell you there are plenty of BBQs and potlucks and friendly people here.
If you go somewhere like the Greenhouse, it’s very easy to meet people.
As for produce: it’s probably better than you are expecting. The grocery stores have fresh produce year-round but the price and quality varies because of the ice roads opening and closing. It’s not excellent but considering how far north Inuvik really is, the selection is mighty impressive. (Blueberries, for instance, in winter.)
There is also “the fruit man” who drives up and uses his truck as a store. That’s where you find the best produce and his prices are terrific.
Do people get their food mailed? I have heard of this but I don’t think it’s common. Some people probably save money by ordering their dry goods (cereal, salt, flour, cans, etc.) from a shipping company but I’ve never done it.
We have three grocery stores to choose from.
Patricia Morin // July 16, 2008 at 4:05 pm
To Johanne from Quebec
I am a good friend of Martin & Rachel. He actually call me his Mama because I keep him honest. What a great kid you have.
Moi aussi je suis du Quebec actual de Deux Montagnes. Il me dit qu’il va amener Rachel a ta maison au mois de Novembre.
J’espere que tu es prepare. Il est un bon vivant.
A la prochaine.
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