Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Resolute. Resolute Bay Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 30 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Before You Step Outside YRB
Three things to verify before you walk out of YRB:
- Can you legally enter Canada? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 30-minute journey each way by local transport, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting from YRB to Resolute
You have two main options for getting from Resolute Bay Airport into town:
- local transport: About 30 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 50 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Things to Do During Your Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Resolute:
Start with Walk Through Resolute Hamlet. Just walking around here gives you a feel for the local vibe. Then, if time allows, make your way to View of Resolute Bay. You don’t need long to appreciate it — even a brief visit is refreshing.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside YRB, you can spend time at Enjoy Arctic Views or try Relax in Terminal Waiting Area. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Eat
In Resolute
If you make it into town, The Northern Store (Deli/Snacks) is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Resolute Bay Hotel Dining Room.
Inside YRB
If you’re staying in the terminal, Snack & Drink Vending Machines is your main option. Limited Grab-and-Go Selection works too if you want something quick.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Resolute, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Resolute.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at YRB aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Resolute itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at YRB, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Resolute itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Canada that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
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 YRB.
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
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Resolute genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.