Quttinirpaaq National Park (“top of the world” in Inuktitut) protects polar-desert plateaus, sprawling ice caps, fiords, and some of the most remote mountains and valleys on northern Ellesmere Island, Nunavut. Centered around Tanquary Fiord and Lake Hazen, the park includes Canada’s highest Arctic mountains and the northern fringe of the massive Ellesmere icefields.
| Location | Northern Ellesmere Island, High Arctic (around Tanquary Fiord and Lake Hazen) |
|---|---|
| Province / territory | Nunavut (Qikiqtaaluk Region) |
| Established | 1988 (as Ellesmere Island National Park Reserve); renamed & upgraded to National Park in 2000 |
| Area (approx.) | ≈ 37,775 km² |
| Highest peak | Barbeau Peak (≈2,616 m) |
| Notable features | Lake Hazen (large High Arctic lake); Tanquary Fiord base area; Northern Ellesmere icefields & outlet glaciers; Ruggles River; coastal ice shelves (e.g., Ward Hunt area); polar desert plateaus; historic sites such as Fort Conger |
| Nearby communities | Resolute (Qausuittuq) is the main staging hub by air; Grise Fiord is the nearest community on Ellesmere (limited use). Research stations at Eureka and Alert have no public services. |
Overview
Quttinirpaaq is Canada’s farthest-north national park and one of the world’s most remote protected areas. Polar desert plains roll toward ice-capped ranges and fiords where summer brings continuous daylight, stark vistas, and clear air. Wildlife is sparse but resilient—muskox, Peary caribou (variable), Arctic wolf and hare—while seabirds and marine mammals occur along outer coasts and ice edges.
Lands and relationships
The park is managed cooperatively with Inuit partners. Trip registration and a mandatory orientation (typically in Resolute or via Parks Canada staff before charter flights) align plans with local knowledge, safety, and cultural/site protection. Archaeological sites—including historic expedition remains—are strictly protected.
Landscapes and ecosystems
- Polar desert & plateaus: Gravelly, wind-scoured uplands with patterned ground and short bursts of summer wildflowers.
- Ice caps & glaciers: Northern Ellesmere icefields feed outlet glaciers that shape valleys and moraines.
- Lakes, rivers & fiords: Lake Hazen and the Ruggles River lie in a broad interior basin; fiords like Tanquary Fiord and Greely/Wolf stretch to the Arctic Ocean.
- Wildlife (highlights): Muskox, Peary caribou (status varies), Arctic wolf/fox/hare; polar bears may occur near coasts and ice shelves—maintain legal distances.
Things to do
- Backpacking routes (experienced): Classic circuits from Tanquary Fiord (e.g., Ad Astra, Macdonald River valleys) and traverses toward Lake Hazen—expect river fords, glacial outwash, and route-finding.
- Lake Hazen basecamp & day hikes: Fly-in trips explore valley bottoms, terraces, and viewpoints; boating is limited and conditions vary.
- Ski expeditions & glacier travel (expert): Spring missions onto icefields or long traverses require crevasse rescue skills, partners, and permits.
- History & science: View (do not touch) historic features like Fort Conger remnants; learn about climate and ice research tied to the high Arctic.
Access and visitor services
- No roads. Most parties fly to Resolute via Iqaluit/Arctic hubs, then charter ski-/wheel-equipped aircraft to Tanquary Fiord or Lake Hazen airstrips (short summer window).
- Registration & orientation are mandatory before entering; user fees apply.
- There are no communities or frontcountry facilities in-park. Plan full self-sufficiency (shelter, fuel, food, repairs, water treatment, satellite communications).
Safety and low-impact travel
- Extreme Arctic conditions: Rapid changes, strong winds, cold water, and long rescue times—carry redundant nav/comm gear and emergency kits; build weather buffer days.
- Glaciers & rivers: Crevasses, cornices, and cold, silty fords; know glacier/ford techniques or hire guides.
- Polar bears & wildlife: Especially near coasts/ice—store food/odours securely; carry deterrents where advised; respect legal distances.
- Navigation & terrain: Feature-poor plateaus and braided outwash; use maps/GPS and conservative route choices.
- Cultural sites & LNT: Do not disturb archaeological/historic features; pack out all waste; camp on durable surfaces and follow any seasonal closures.
See also
- Auyuittuq National Park • Sirmilik National Park • Qausuittuq National Park
- Ellesmere Island • Lake Hazen • Fort Conger • National parks of Canada
External links (official)
- Parks Canada — Quttinirpaaq National Park: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nu/quttinirpaaq
- Parks Canada — Plan your visit (access, permits, orientation): https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nu/quttinirpaaq/visit
- Parks Canada — Important bulletins (closures, wildlife, travel advisories): https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca/imp