Ukkusiksalik National Park
Ukkusiksalik National Park (“the place where there is soapstone” in Inuktitut) protects the long, tide-swept inlet of Wager Bay and a vast sweep of polar tundra, coastal lowlands, and Precambrian bedrock on the west side of Hudson Bay in central Nunavut. It is a remote, roadless park known for powerful reversing tides, rich marine–terrestrial wildlife, and extensive Inuit cultural sites.
| Location | Wager Bay (Kangiqtualuk Ukkusiksalik) and surrounding lands on the west side of Hudson Bay, Nunavut |
|---|---|
| Province / territory | Nunavut (Kivalliq Region) |
| Established | 2003 |
| Area (approx.) | ≈ 20,800–21,000 km² |
| Notable features | Long, narrow Wager Bay with strong reversing tides; raised beaches & marine terraces; coastal tundra & wetlands; Inuit archaeological sites (tent rings, fox traps, inuksuit, house remains); historic trading-post remnants |
| Nearby communities | Naujaat (Repulse Bay) and Rankin Inlet (staging/charter hubs); Chesterfield Inlet (regional) |
Overview
Ukkusiksalik links sea, ice, and tundra in a single protected system. The fjord-like inlet of Wager Bay funnels powerful tides through narrow channels that create reversing rapids and strong currents. Ashore, polar desert uplands step down to wetlands and beaches dotted with archaeological features reflecting generations of Inuit travel, hunting, and camp life.
Lands and relationships
The park is managed with Inuit partners in the Kivalliq Region. Place names, travel advice, and cultural protocols reflect living relationships with the land and sea. Visitors register and receive an orientation that covers safety, tides, wildlife, and respectful conduct at cultural sites.
Landscapes and ecosystems
- Inlet & tides: A 100-km inlet with constrictions that generate reversing tidal streams and rips; intertidal flats, lagoons, and rocky shores.
- Tundra & wetlands: Polar desert plateaus with patterned ground, sedge meadows, thaw ponds, and willow-lined creeks.
- Raised beaches & bedrock: Marine terraces and smoothed Canadian Shield outcrops provide windows into post-glacial rebound.
- Wildlife (highlights): Polar bear (coasts/ice), caribou, muskox, Arctic fox and hare, wolf, nesting raptors and seabirds; seals and beluga whales in season.
Things to do
- Boat-supported trips (summer): Guided or chartered excursions into Wager Bay for coastal camping, short hikes, wildlife viewing, and photography (tide- and weather-dependent).
- Backpacking & route travel (experienced): Off-trail tundra hikes from coastal camps with river fords and navigation; no built trail network.
- Cultural learning:** View tent rings, inuksuit, and historic sites with care; follow guidance from orientations and local guides.
- Spring travel:** In some seasons, guided snowmobile/ski approaches over sea ice may be possible—conditions and local knowledge are critical.
Access and visitor services
- There are no roads. Most parties fly to Naujaat or Rankin Inlet via regional hubs, then charter boat/aircraft into Wager Bay; access windows are narrow and weather-tide dependent.
- Registration & orientation with Parks Canada are required before entering the park; fees apply.
- No frontcountry facilities exist in-park; communities provide lodging, limited outfitting, and supplies. Plan for full self-sufficiency.
Safety and low-impact travel
- Tides, currents & cold water: Reversing flows and strong rips occur—carry tide tables, charts, and VHF; dress for immersion and use conservative windows.
- Polar bears & wildlife: Especially along coasts/sea ice—store food/odours securely; carry deterrents where advised; maintain legal distances.
- Arctic weather & remoteness: Rapid changes, fog, and wind with limited rescue—carry satellite communications and redundancy.
- Navigation & terrain: Feature-poor tundra, wetlands, and bluffs—use maps/GPS and camp on durable surfaces.
- Cultural respect & LNT: Do not disturb archaeological features; pack out all waste; follow seasonal closures and guidance from local partners.
See also
- Sirmilik National Park • Qausuittuq National Park • Auyuittuq National Park
- Hudson Bay • Naujaat, Nunavut • Rankin Inlet • National parks of Canada
External links (official)
- Parks Canada — Ukkusiksalik National Park: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nu/ukkusiksalik
- Parks Canada — Visit (planning, access, tides & safety): https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nu/ukkusiksalik/visit
- Parks Canada — Important bulletins (closures, wildlife, travel advisories): https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/imp