Ready, set, action: ‘North of North’ returns to Iqaluit
Filming has started in Apex for season 2 of popular TV comedy
Snowmobilers gather in Apex for the filming of ‘North of North’ on Friday. (Photo by Arty Sarkisian)
Iqaluit is slowly turning into Ice Cove once again.
A sign for Neevee’s Survival Shop went up on a house on Simonie Michael Lane in Iqaluit this week as cast and crew ready for season 2 of “North of North.” (Photo by Arty Sarkisian)
A sign reading “Neevee’s Survival Shop” has gone up on a building on Simonie Michael Lane in Apex and trailers for the cast and crew are in place in Nunavut’s capital as preparations are underway to film the second season of the popular TV comedy North of North.
Produced by Red Marrow Media and Northwood Entertainment, the series debuted in Canada on CBC and APTN in January 2025 and was released worldwide on Netflix last April.
Based in the fictional community of Ice Cove, North of North follows Siaja, an Inuk woman played by Anna Lambe, as she turns her life around to follow her dreams after her marriage breaks up.
The eight-episode first season, filmed mostly in Iqaluit, became popular with both viewers and critics. It swept all five nominations in its category at the Writers Guild of Canada Screenwriting Awards in January.
Last year, North of North was the most-watched new series on CBC Gem, the Canadian national broadcaster’s streaming service, and debuted at No. 9 on Netflix’s global top 10 for English-language releases in its first week.
The start of production on season 2 was announced jointly by series distributors Netflix, CBC and APTN in a news release in January.
Since then, producers have been working to cast background actors, putting a notice on the show’s Facebook page looking for locals interested in auditioning for parts as extras.
On Friday, a group of snowmobilers gathered in Apex in front of Neevee’s Survival Shop to prepare for filming. The shop is named for Siaja’s mother in the show, Neevee, played by Maika Harper.
It’s not clear if the stars of the show have arrived in Iqaluit yet to start work on the new season. So far, no date has been announced for the start of season 2.
The city of Iqaluit announced that Simonie Michael Lane and Jack Anawak Street will be closed on March 2 and 3 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. to allow safe filming of North of North scenes.
Iqaluit’s Storehouse Bar & Grill is also tapping into the excitement, hosting an Ice Cove night party Saturday at 10 p.m. that will mark the return of the show’s crew.
Hope the crew is more respectful of the town than they were last year. Stumbling on a crew pickup truck hung up on a rock for days, complete with cans of beer in the cup holders was an awesome treat for the family to have to see on our walks.
Indeed. Thankfully everyone in Apex ensures nothing of that sort has ever—or will ever—happen.
How could you possibly know whose truck it is? You realize “the crew” are also made up of long term Iqaluit residents right? Not the flex you think this is. You’re jealousy is on display
How could anyone possibly know whose truck it was? You do realize this is a small town and filming was being done in the same areas for a long time, right?
As for whether they were local or visitors, I have no idea, nor do I care. It was disgusting that it happened and was left on display for days. And it is disgusting when the same thing happens with personal vehicles.
As for jealousy, I’m not sure what there is to be jealous of. The lights?!? The camera?!? You got me. That’s usually what drives my feelings toward brazen drunk driving in a public park.
Jealousy
Unfortunately beer in the truck simply represents the all too often reality of drinking while driving.
Welcome to reality of life you negative naysayers. You want to make a better program that won’t receive any negative comments? I dare you to make a seasonal program that has all the earmarks of a commie. Heavily censored mind you. I’d like to see a program that YOU think is better than “North of North.