Hey there, Netflix fans! If you’re buzzing about North of North, the hilarious and heartfelt Canadian comedy series on Netflix, you’re not alone. I recently immersed myself in this gem on NetFilming, and I’m excited to share the insider information about its breathtaking filming locations for North of North. Set in the fictional Arctic town of Ice Cove, this series, created by Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, centers on Siaja, a young Inuk woman with a fresh start. What truly enchants this series? The places that bring this story to life. Here are the filming locations for North of North and the reasons you shouldn’t miss it.
North of North Filming Locations
“North of North” isn’t only laughing; it’s a love letter to Inuit culture and Arctic life. The creators, both of whom are from Nunavut, chose real-life locales to maintain authenticity. The shoot began on March 14, 2024 and ended in June 2024, making the most of the Arctic’s raw beauty. From snowy hills to community hubs, each place reflects Siaja’s journey. Are you curious about where it all took place? Let’s break it down.
Iqaluit, Nunavut
The majority of “North of North” was filmed in Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, located on Baffin Island. The setting isn’t some arbitrary choice — Iqaluit represents Ice Cove, the show’s fictitious town. Add the city’s wild, beautiful landscapes, eclectic community and weird vibe, and it’s the perfect backdrop. Here’s a closer look at the places in Iqaluit that steal the show:
- Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre – Located at 220 Sinaa Street, the Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre doubles as Ice Cove’s community center. It’s where Siaja gets a job and finds herself in her new reality. The building itself is stunning and screams authentic, making it a fan favorite. While watching, look for its snug indoor scenes—they’re packed with local charm.
- Iqaluit Curling Club – The crew got creative and turned the Iqaluit Curling Club at 4 Niaqunngusiariaq into a temporary soundstage. They built sets in Toronto, flew them up, and reassembled them here for interior shots. Stacey Aglok MacDonald called it a “one-time thing” since the rink is a community hotspot.
Fun fact: a permanent studio is now in the works in Iqaluit’s West 40 area for future projects. How cool is that?
- Nanook Elementary School – Siaja’s daughter, Bun, brings heart to the story, and Nanook Elementary School at 1 Ring Road plays a big role. This spot pops up in scenes tied to Bun’s life, grounding the show in everyday moments. Its colorful exterior and snowy surroundings add a playful touch to the Arctic setting.
Apex Neighbourhood
For those gorgeous exterior shots, the Apeneighborhoodod (also called Niaqunngut) takes center stage. This area’s impressive views showcase Iqaluit’s beauty, surrounded by water and hills. Fun fact: Apex was a Crystal, a WWII weather site, which adds historical depth to the show. Be it a quiet street or a snowy view, Apex highlights every frame.
Challenges in Iqaluit
It was not an easy task to shoot in Iqaluit. Logistics hurdles for the crew included no gear and no catering. They relied on a local shawarma shop to feed the lot of them — talk about community spirit! Sets were brought in from southern Canada and filming was halted twice because there was not enough accommodation. Amidst the chaos, director Anya Adams said the community rallied behind them, making Iqaluit a star in its own right.
Lake Ontario, Ontario
Nunavut was not the only location for shooting scenes. For water-based moments, like a hunting trip in Episode 1, the crew headed to Lake Ontario. Its vast, open waters mimicked the Arctic’s endless horizons, with no buildings in sight. This smart choice amps up the “middle of nowhere” vibe the show’s title hints at. Plus, it gave the cast a break from the Arctic chill!
Toronto, Ontario
Undoubtedly, Toronto served as the filming location for some interior scenes. Iqaluit hogs the spotlight, but Toronto’s studios also helped flesh out the production. The differences between the two sites — Iqaluit’s rugged wildness and Toronto’s urban convenience — demonstrate how far the team traveled to get it right.
The Cast and Their Connection to the Locations
The locations wouldn’t shine without the cast bringing them to life. Anna Lambe, an Iqaluit native, plays Siaja with heart and humor. Her real-life ties to the city add depth to every scene—whether she’s at the community center or braving the snow. Jay Ryan joins her, adding emotional weight as a key character tied to Siaja’s journey. Their chemistry, paired with Iqaluit’s backdrop, keeps you hooked.
Fun Facts About Filming
Want some behind-the-scenes goodies? Here are a few tidbits to make you love North of North even more:
- The crew threw bonfires and stargazing parties with locals, bonding over Iqaluit’s magic.
- Filming in the Arctic was like “shooting on the moon,” per Alethea Arnaquq-Baril. Talk about a challenge!
- Netflix’s big budget helped put Iqaluit on the map as a filming hotspot. Who knows what’s next for this Arctic gem?
- The show’s costumes, made by Inuit artisans, add pops of color that match the Arctic’s vibrant spirit.
Why You Should Watch North of North
If you haven’t had the chance to watch North of North yet, I highly recommend it. It’s Netflix’s first Canadian original, blending comedy, heart, and Inuit pride. The North of North filming locations—from Iqaluit’s snowy streets to Lake Ontario’s vast waters—make every episode a visual treat. Plus, Siaja’s story of starting over will hit home for anyone chasing a new chapter.
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