In 1752, Niels Brønlund Bloch, Poul Egede's cousin, established a mission in Ilimanaq.

Ilimanaq is the starting point for hikes to Qasigiannguit and for boat trips in the ice fjord.

Air Greenland serves the village as part of government contract, with winter-only helicopter flights between Ilimanaq Heliport and Ilulissat Airport.

During winter, the nearby Qasigiannguit town to the south of Ilimanaq can be reached on foot, or by dogsled.

During summer and autumn, when the waters of Disko Bay are navigable, communication between settlements is by sea only, serviced by Diskoline.