Nunavut Emergency Management issued an official safety reminder on February 17, 2026, for residents in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, to use caution when travelling on land and ice. Officials warn that ice in the area has taken longer to form this year and may be thinner than expected in some locations.
The advisory is specifically meant for hunters, fishers, and families who use sea or lake ice for travel and gathering food. Because of these hazardous conditions, residents may need to change their usual winter routes to avoid accidents or breaking through the ice.
This warning comes as data shows a trend of shorter safe-ice periods in the Kivalliq region. Recent reports indicate that Hudson Bay experienced very late ice formation over the last two years, resulting in record-low ice levels during the early winter months.
The importance of reliable ice was seen in May 2024, when a PC-12 aircraft successfully made an emergency landing on the sea ice near the community. While the ice is a necessary part of local life, current conditions mean traditional travel knowledge may not be enough to ensure safety this season.
Travelers are encouraged to test ice thickness frequently and carry emergency communication devices like satellite messengers. Residents can also contact the Kangiqliniq Hunters and Trappers Organization for the latest local ice updates before heading out on the land.
