Sirmilik National Park
Sirmilik National Park (“place of glaciers” in Inuktitut) protects glaciers, rugged granite and limestone mountains, deep fiords, coastal tundra, and immense seabird cliffs across northern Baffin Island and Bylot Island in Nunavut. The park is arranged in several units—most prominently Bylot Island, the Borden Peninsula on north Baffin, and Oliver Sound—with access primarily from the communities of Pond Inlet (Mittimatalik) and Arctic Bay (Ikpiarjuk).
| Location | Northern Baffin region: Bylot Island, Borden Peninsula (north Baffin), and Oliver Sound area |
|---|---|
| Province / territory | Nunavut |
| Established | 1999 |
| Area (approx.) | ≈ 22,000 km² |
| Notable features | Glaciers & icefields on Bylot Island; fiords of Eclipse/Navy Board/Oliver Sound; towering seabird cliffs; snow goose nesting areas; Arctic tundra plateaus; midnight sun & aurora (shoulder seasons) |
| Nearby communities | Pond Inlet (Mittimatalik); Arctic Bay (Ikpiarjuk) |
Overview
Sirmilik stretches from blue-white glaciers and sharp peaks on Bylot Island to coastal plains and limestone hills on Baffin’s Borden Peninsula. Fiords radiate to the coast, where seabird colonies, intertidal life, and marine mammals animate cliffs and headlands. The park sits within an active travel and harvesting landscape for Inuit, and trips commonly combine boat or snowmobile transport with on-foot exploration.
Lands and relationships
The park is managed with Inuit partners under modern agreements. Orientation/registration before entry helps align trip plans with local knowledge, seasonal travel windows, and cultural protocols. Parts of Bylot Island are also within a federally protected migratory bird sanctuary with additional rules.
Landscapes and ecosystems
- Glaciers & mountains (Bylot Island): Ice caps and outlet glaciers drape steep peaks and carve broad valleys.
- Fiords & sounds: Eclipse Sound, Navy Board Inlet, and Oliver Sound cut deep into the coast with tide-swept channels and headlands.
- Tundra plateaus & limestone hills (Borden Peninsula): Rolling uplands with patterned ground, karst features, and wide views.
- Wildlife (highlights): Thick-billed murres, kittiwakes, snow geese, Arctic fox/hare, occasional caribou; polar bears may occur along coasts and ice edges; seals/whales offshore.
Things to do
- Boat-supported day trips & coastal camps: From Pond Inlet/Arctic Bay to landings for short hikes, photography, and bird cliffs (seasonal, weather/tide dependent).
- Backpacking & route travel (experienced): Off-trail tundra hiking in the Borden Peninsula unit (no built trail network; river fords and navigation required).
- Spring snowmobile/ski missions: Guided snowmobile approaches and ski day trips are common in late spring when sea ice routes are reliable.
- Wildlife & seabird viewing:** Respect approach distances at bird cliffs; long lenses recommended.
Access and visitor services
- There are no roads. Most visitors fly to Pond Inlet or Arctic Bay, then charter boats in summer or snowmobiles in spring to reach park units; limited air charters may be used for specific landings.
- Registration/orientation with Parks Canada is required before entering; fees apply.
- All supplies (fuel, food, bear-safe storage) must be self-carried. Services are in the communities, not in the park.
Safety and low-impact travel
- Arctic weather & remoteness: Rapid changes, strong winds/fog, cold water, and long rescue times—carry satellite comms and redundancy.
- Sea ice, tides & currents: Coastal access depends on tides/ice windows; carry tide tables and local guidance.
- Polar bears & wildlife: Especially near coasts and ice edges—store food/odours securely; carry deterrents where advised; keep legal distances.
- Glaciers & rivers: Crevasses, cornices, and cold, silty fords—use proper skills/gear or hire guides.
- Practice Leave No Trace and respect cultural/archaeological sites and any seasonal wildlife closures.
See also
- Auyuittuq National Park • Quttinirpaaq National Park • Ukkusiksalik National Park • Qausuittuq National Park
- Bylot Island • Pond Inlet, Nunavut • Arctic Bay, Nunavut • National parks of Canada
External links (official)
- Parks Canada — Sirmilik National Park: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nu/sirmilik
- Parks Canada — Visit (planning, safety, access): https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nu/sirmilik/visit
- Parks Canada — Important bulletins (closures, wildlife, travel advisories): https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/imp