The location and inspiration behind North of North‘s Ice Cove play a powerful role in amplifying Indigenous sovereignty, making its production a landmark moment in major television. Series creators Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril set out to tell the story of a modern Inuk woman, leading by the principle of making “Inuit everywhere to feel seen and represented” (via Tudum). North of North has joined the best Canadian TV shows on Netflix and stands out as the only one actually filmed in the Arctic.
Executive producer Miranda de Pencier — also responsible for the inspirational Anne with an E series — describes the creation of Ice Cove as “grabbing the best of the Arctic and pulling it into one town.” Every element of the fictional town is intentionally crafted to reflect the authentic values and traditions of diverse Inuit communities. From the beautifully stylized costumes that bring the characters in North of North to life to the incorporation of the Inuktitut language and music by the best throat singers, the series takes care to honor and celebrate Inuit culture at every turn.
Where Netflix’s North Of North Was Filmed
The Town Of Iqaluit Helped Bring Ice Cove To Life
At the beginning of North of North, Siaja (Anna Lambe) describes Ice Cove as “the heart of the Arctic.” While the town of Ice Cove is fictional, the series was actually filmed in the capital and heart of Nunavut: Iqaluit — also the only city of the region and the northernmost city in Canada. North of North is the first major television series ever filmed in the Arctic, a milestone made possible through a collaboration between Netflix, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), and the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN).
North of North beautifully captures the idyllic Arctic spring, with its longer daylight hours and thawing landscapes as the sea ice begins to break up.
Featured alongside the best TV shows on Netflix right now, the series is set during springtime, however, filming began in January. Still, North of North beautifully captures the idyllic Arctic spring, with its longer daylight hours and thawing landscapes as the sea ice begins to break up. Adding an emotional layer to the story, Lambe is originally from Iqaluit, and many of the townspeople contribute to the show in multiple roles. Because of her close connections to the site, it was her priority that Inuit culture was represented with authenticity and care.
North Of North’s Ice Cove Is Fictional, But It Incorporates Real Inuit Culture
North Of North Features Inuit Hunting, Costumes, Music & Food Traditions
Drawing inspiration from Iqaluit’s traditional reputation as the “place of many fish,” North of North highlights hunting as one of the Inuit people’s most cherished and enduring traditions — a practice that deeply connects them to the Land and their community. The show also places great emphasis on costume and production design, showcasing vibrant, traditionally crafted parkas; beaded earrings made from natural materials like ivory, bone, and antler; and even real fur used to create Siaja’s dresses. Every piece is designed by Inuk artists, using styles and materials known to the Arctic region.
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Using phrases like “Ready, set, atii!” and “Ullaakkut, Mom!” North of North makes the world of Ice Cove feel familiar and welcoming, even for those new to the language. The songs are a blend of pop culture hits translated into Inuktitut and music from celebrated Inuit artists, including throat singer Tanya Tagaq, who’s also part of True Detective: Night Country‘s soundtrack. Traditional cuisine, like frozen raw meat, is featured as well, making the show one of the most authentic and full-picture portrayals of modern Inuit culture on screen.
Sources: Tudum
