Qausuittuq National Park in Nunavut, Canada - map, photos and visitor information

Qausuittuq National Park protects High Arctic land and waters around northern Bathurst Island in Nunavut. Resolute Bay is the flight gateway, not a road entrance. A visit requires an expedition plan, charter arrangements and coordination with Parks Canada well before departure.

Highlights of northern Bathurst Island

• Peary caribou habitat: the park protects travel routes, calving grounds and winter habitat for this Arctic caribou.
• Open tundra and wetlands: explore low plateaus and sparsely vegetated landscapes on an independently planned route.
• Inuit connections: the park's creation and care reflect Inuit knowledge and an enduring relationship with the area.
• Backcountry travel: hiking and ski touring are options for experienced visitors with suitable equipment and support.

Plan an Arctic expedition before booking transport

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Self-reliance, polar bears and delayed assistance

Entry and travel throughout Qausuittuq are formally designated hazardous activities. Remote access makes rescue planning part of the trip itself. Your group needs advanced wilderness first aid skills and the ability to manage medical, wildlife and weather emergencies.

Polar bears occur here. Discuss a bear-safety plan, route conditions and communication equipment with staff. If your group lacks the necessary experience, consider a licensed guide or bear guard. Verify an operator's current park business license before paying for a trip. The official outfitter guidance explains the level of preparation expected.

Cold, exposed terrain and long delays can affect both travel and supplies. Carry sufficient warm and waterproof clothing, food and cooking fuel for your plan and contingency period. Do not assume that an aircraft can collect you at a fixed time regardless of conditions.

Protect tundra and archaeological places

Camp on durable ground away from archaeological sites, preservation areas and wildlife habitat. Leave plants, rocks, artifacts and existing stone features undisturbed. Do not build cairns or other markers. Fires are prohibited; use a stove and arrange fuel transport with your carrier. Pack out your waste.

Pets, sled dogs and service animals are prohibited under the published visitor rule, which states an Inuit exception. Contact staff about requirements before making access arrangements. Visitor rules must not be confused with rights-based Inuit activities.

Register every trip and arrange orientation

All visitor trips require registration before entry and deregistration after exit. Contact the park at least 48 hours ahead to book orientation, and start complex planning much earlier. Report your return within 24 hours of completing the trip. Follow the registration and visitor requirements.

There are no designated campsites to reserve. Coordinate aircraft permission, any proposed base camp and transport directly with staff and your operator. A charter booking does not complete park registration.

Maps, location, and the Resolute flight gateway

The park is on Bathurst Island in Nunavut's Qikiqtaaluk region, about 200 km northwest of Resolute Bay. Scheduled air travel reaches Resolute; the park approach requires a chartered aircraft. Confirm flight schedules with the carrier rather than assuming a daily connection.

Use the official park map to discuss boundaries, landing options and your proposed route with Parks Canada. A general Google Maps search is not a landing authorization or a navigable expedition route.

Other Arctic parks require separate journeys

There are no road-based park combinations from Bathurst Island. These regional alternatives need their own permits, flights and travel plans:

• Quttinirpaaq National Park: on Ellesmere Island, with charter access from Resolute Bay. It can share a flight-planning gateway, but it is a separate remote expedition.
• Sirmilik National Park: reached through Pond Inlet or Arctic Bay, then by boat or snowmobile with an outfitter according to season. It is not a direct overland continuation from Qausuittuq.

Hiking, ski touring and distant wildlife observation

Qausuittuq offers backcountry hiking and ski touring rather than a menu of short, serviced visitor trails. Build an itinerary around your group's navigation skills, the terrain and the travel season. Ask staff about suitable areas and current conditions before selecting daily distances.

Wildlife observation is another reason to travel here, but animals must have undisturbed space. Avoid nesting and calving areas and change your route when necessary. Do not turn a possible sighting into a close approach.

Limited public shelters and expedition supplies

Dome Camp, at Erskine Inlet on western Bathurst Island, primarily supports park operations. It has two dome structures, storage and a toilet room; one shelter is described as open to the public for a base or entry/exit point.

Dundee Bight also supports operations and monitoring. Its infrastructure includes two cabins, toilet facilities and an outdoor change room/shower. One cabin is available for public use and emergencies. These descriptions do not establish bookable accommodation or staffed visitor services. Confirm availability and conditions through the field infrastructure information before relying on a shelter.

Discuss specific mobility and transfer requirements with staff and the charter operator.

About Qausuittuq National Park

Inuit participation and park establishment

The park was formally established in 2015, following negotiation of an Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement. An official opening ceremony took place in Resolute in 2017. Those dates describe different milestones.

Inuit and Parks Canada jointly manage the park. The Qausuittuq Park Management Committee provides advice on park management under the applicable agreements and national park framework.

Life in a polar desert

Qausuittuq's dry High Arctic climate supports sparse patches of vegetation. Peary caribou and muskoxen use this landscape, along with Arctic wolves, foxes and hares. Polar bears and marine mammals are also part of the wider land-and-water environment. The park's value includes habitat that animals need throughout the year, not only during the short visitor season.

Contact the Resolute office

Call +1 867-252-3000 or email [email protected]. Explain your proposed dates, route, group experience, charter plan and communication equipment. For emergencies within the park, Parks Canada lists +1 780-852-3100.