Chesterfield Inlet, known in Inuktitut as Igluligaarjuk (ᐃᒡᓗᓕᒑᕐᔪᒃ), is a quaint hamlet nestled on the western shore of Hudson Bay, in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut, Canada. The name Igluligaarjuk translates to "place with few houses," a fitting description for Nunavut's oldest community. Chesterfield Inlet is accessible by air via the Chesterfield Inlet Airport and receives an annual supply known as sealift. The Inuit from this region are known as Qaernermiut, previously referred to as Kenepitic, Kenepetu, or Kenepitu.
According to the 2021 Canadian census conducted by Statistics Canada, Chesterfield Inlet is home to 397 residents living in 116 of its 131 total private dwellings. This represents a -9.2% change from its 2016 population of 437. With a land area of 139.49 km2 (53.86 sq mi), Chesterfield Inlet had a population density of 2.8/km2 (7.4/sq mi) in 2021.
Since 2005, the community of Chesterfield Inlet has been served by the Qiniq network. This fixed wireless service provides connectivity to homes and businesses, linking them to the outside world via a satellite backbone. The Qiniq network is designed and operated by SSI Micro. In 2017, the network was upgraded to 4G LTE technology, and 2G-GSM for mobile voice, ensuring residents and businesses in Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut, stay connected.
Chesterfield Inlet experiences a subarctic climate (Dfc), characterized by short but cool summers and long, cold winters. This climate contributes to the unique and beautiful landscapes that make Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut, a truly special place.
