Qausuittuq National Park
Qausuittuq National Park (“place where the sun doesn’t rise” in Inuktitut) protects polar desert landscapes, low limestone plateaus, wetlands, and ice-scoured shorelines on northern Bathurst Island and nearby islands in the high Arctic of Nunavut. Established in 2015, the park conserves critical habitat for the threatened Peary caribou and other Arctic wildlife in one of the most remote regions of Canada.
| Location | Northern Bathurst Island and adjacent islands of the Arctic Archipelago (High Arctic) |
|---|---|
| Province / territory | Nunavut (Qikiqtaaluk Region) |
| Established | 2015 |
| Area (approx.) | ≈ 11,000 km² |
| Notable features | Polar desert plateaus; patterned ground & frost-heave polygons; shallow tundra lakes & wetlands; coastal bluffs, gravel spits & sea-ice shorelines; habitat for Peary caribou and muskox; midnight sun & winter polar night |
| Nearby communities | Resolute (Qausuittuq) — principal staging community with airport and charter access |
Overview
Qausuittuq preserves a stark, beautiful high-Arctic world of wind-scoured rock, sparse tundra, and long horizons. The park adjoins important protected areas on Bathurst Island and supports the recovery and movement of Peary caribou alongside muskox, Arctic fox, and seasonal birdlife. Summers bring 24-hour daylight and short bursts of wildflowers; winters are dark, cold, and windy with drifting sea ice along the coasts.
Lands and relationships
The park is managed in collaboration with Inuit partners in the Qikiqtaaluk Region. Travel planning and orientations reflect Inuit knowledge, seasonal hunting and travel routes, safety in polar conditions, and respect for cultural and archaeological sites.
Landscapes and ecosystems
- Polar desert plateaus: Low, rolling limestone and dolomite uplands with thin soils, patterned ground, and scattered cushion plants and sedges.
- Wetlands & lakes: Shallow thaw ponds, kettle lakes, and sedge wetlands important for nesting waterfowl during the brief summer.
- Coasts & channels: Gravelly shores, marine terraces, spits, and lagoons; shorefast sea ice is common for much of the year.
- Wildlife (highlights): Peary caribou (core habitat), muskox, Arctic fox and hare, snowy owl (some years), jaegers, loons, geese, and shorebirds; polar bears may occur along coasts and sea-ice edges.
Things to do
- Fly-in basecamps & tundra hiking (experienced): Charter to landing areas for off-trail ridge walks and valley rambles; no built trail network.
- Backpacking & route travel:** Self-reliant route-finding across tundra plateaus with river/pond fords and variable ground conditions.
- Spring snowmobile/ski approaches (guided): In some seasons, guided snowmachine approaches over sea ice enable short ski tours and photography.
- Wildlife & landscape photography: Wide-angle polar desert scenes, lakes, and coastal landforms under midnight sun or aurora (shoulder seasons).
Access and visitor services
- There are no roads. Most visitors fly to Resolute (Qausuittuq) via Iqaluit/Arctic hubs, then charter aircraft to permitted landing areas; limited boat/snowmachine access may be arranged seasonally with local operators.
- Registration & orientation with Parks Canada are required before entering the park; trip fees apply.
- There are no frontcountry facilities in-park—plan full self-sufficiency for shelter, fuel, food, water treatment, repairs, and communications.
Safety and low-impact travel
- Extreme Arctic conditions: Rapid weather changes, strong winds, cold water, and long rescue times—carry satellite comms, spare layers, repair kits, and emergency rations.
- Polar bears & other wildlife: Especially near coasts/sea ice—store food/odours securely; carry deterrents where advised; maintain legal distances.
- Navigation & terrain: Feature-poor plateaus, tussocks, ponds, and braided channels—use maps/GPS and conservative route choices.
- Cold water & ice: Lakes and coastal waters are cold year-round; sea-ice conditions vary—seek local guidance.
- Practice Leave No Trace and avoid disturbing archaeological features and sensitive tundra soils.
See also
- Sirmilik National Park • Auyuittuq National Park • Quttinirpaaq National Park
- Bathurst Island • Resolute, Nunavut • National parks of Canada
External links (official)
- Parks Canada — Qausuittuq National Park: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nu/qausuittuq
- Parks Canada — Visit (planning, safety, access): https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nu/qausuittuq/visit
- Parks Canada — Important bulletins (closures, wildlife, travel advisories): https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/imp