The Itsanitaq Museum, formerly known as the Eskimo Museum, is Churchill's cultural anchor. Founded in 1944, it holds carvings in stone, bone and ivory, plus tools, weapons, traditional clothing and historical photographs, and the name Itsanitaq is described as meaning things from the past. The collection spans Inuit carvings and artifacts from the Pre-Dorset period, about 1700 B.C., through the Dorset and Thule cultures to modern Inuit work, and the carvings show animals, spirits and everyday life. Heritage plaques mark the presence of Pre-Dorset and Dorset peoples in the area from roughly 3000 to 1000 B.C. A gift shop sells northern books, Canadian Inuit art, postcards and local wildberry preserves. The museum is at 242 La Verendrye Avenue, a short walk from most of the places to stay in the centre of town, and admission is by donation, so there is no fixed ticket price to plan around.
Check the hours, because they are short and seasonal. The hours we found show summer opening Monday afternoon and most of Tuesday to Saturday, and winter opening Monday to Saturday from about 1 to 4:30 in the afternoon. The museum is closed on Sundays and holidays, and groups of ten or more need an advance reservation. At this time of year you should assume the shorter winter hours and confirm by phone before you walk over, as the hours came from a tourism directory rather than the museum itself.
Why go
The carvings are the reason. Inuit carvers around Hudson Bay worked in soapstone, bone and ivory, and the collection lets you see how subjects and styles shift across several thousand years. It also gives the human side to a place otherwise known for bears and whales, which is why many visitors place it on the second day of a trip, after the wildlife. Allow an hour for the museum and a little longer if you shop, and remember that buying Inuit art is one way to support northern artists.
The museum is small and easy to combine with other things. It is about a seven minute walk from the Iceberg Inn on Kelsey Boulevard, close to the Arctic Trading Company and the riverfront. It is a good wet-weather or cold-weather fallback when a tundra buggy day is full or when the weather turns. The six-day polar bear package on this site includes a visit, and the Parks Canada Visitor Centre is nearby for context on the area.
What to expect
The experience
A small self-guided museum of Inuit carvings, tools, clothing and historical photographs, with a gift shop.
Best time
Any time the museum is open; winter hours are short, so confirm before you go.
How long
About an hour, a little longer if you browse the shop.
Tips
Check hours by phone, bring a donation, and allow time to look closely at the carvings.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone curious about Inuit history and art, and a good indoor stop in cold weather.
- Families
- Older children enjoy the carvings, but the museum is small and quiet.
- Couples
- A peaceful hour of art and history between wildlife days.
- Pair with
- Dog sledding, the Cape Merry tour and an aurora evening.
- Time needed
- Allow one hour.
Good questions
Is the Itsanitaq Museum free?+
Admission is by donation, with no fixed fee. The gift shop sells Inuit art, northern books and local preserves.
What are the opening hours?+
Winter hours are Monday to Saturday from about 1 to 4:30 in the afternoon, with longer summer hours. It is closed on Sundays and holidays, so confirm before you visit.
What is in the collection?+
Carvings in stone, bone and ivory, plus tools, weapons, clothing and photographs. The collection runs from the Pre-Dorset period through Dorset, Thule and modern Inuit work.
Where is the museum?+
It is at 242 La Verendrye Avenue in the centre of Churchill. It is within walking distance of most town accommodation.
Do groups need to book?+
Groups of ten or more need an advance reservation. Smaller parties can usually just visit during opening hours.
