A long layover in Holman Island is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Ulukhaktok Holman Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 30 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at YHI:
First, verify that you can enter Canada — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the local transport takes about 30 minutes into Holman Island, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — CAD is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some CAD in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Holman Island from the Airport
The most straightforward way into Holman Island is the local transport, which takes about 30 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 50 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the local transport is usually the smarter call.
Things to Do During Your Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Holman Island, two standouts are:
- Ulukhaktok Arts Centre — It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Holman Island.
- Explore Ulukhaktok Hamlet — It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Holman Island.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside YHI, you can spend time at Airport Waiting Area or try Aircraft Observation. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Grab a Meal
For food in Holman Island, local travelers recommend Northern Store Deli & Hot Food. If you have time for a second stop, Ulukhaktok Community Hall (Events) is another popular pick.
Back at YHI, Airport Vending Machines is the go-to. Traveler’s Self-Serve Dining Area rounds out your in-terminal options.
What to Budget for Your Holman Island Side Trip
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Holman Island:
Transport to the city and back runs about $13 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $26 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $49 USD total.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Holman Island.
Storing Your Luggage at Ulukhaktok Holman Airport
Specific locker facilities at YHI aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Holman Island itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and YHI is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Holman Island and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Rest Areas & Lounges
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at YHI.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Holman Island count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave YHI. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.