Qausuittuq National Park

Qausuittuq Overview

Qausuittuq National Park, meaning “Place Where the Sun Does Not Rise” in Inuktitut, is a remote and pristine protected area in Nunavut, Canada. Spanning approximately 8,290 square kilometers (3,201 square miles), the park is located on Bathurst Island and surrounding smaller islands in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.

This vast and isolated expanse features a stark yet beautiful polar desert landscape, where the terrain consists of low-lying tundra, rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and areas of permafrost. The region experiences an extreme Arctic climate, with long, dark winters and brief but vibrant summers, when the sun remains above the horizon for continuous daylight.

The landscape is dotted with ancient marine fossils, testifying to its prehistoric origins, and patches of moss, lichen, sedges, and Arctic willow provide the only plant life capable of withstanding the harsh conditions.

Wildlife in Qausuittuq National Park is well adapted to the Arctic environment, with many species enduring frigid temperatures and scarce food supplies. The park is a vital refuge for the endangered Peary caribou, a small and resilient subspecies that has struggled with declining populations due to climate change and habitat disturbances.

Muskoxen, with their thick, woolly coats, also roam the tundra, often spotted grazing in the sparse vegetation. Arctic foxes and wolves traverse the icy expanse, searching for prey, while polar bears occasionally venture through the region, though they are more commonly seen near the ice-covered shores.

Birdlife in the park is diverse during the brief Arctic summer, as migratory species take advantage of the thawing landscape. Snowy owls, rough-legged hawks, and peregrine falcons soar above the tundra, while seabirds such as thick-billed murres and black guillemots nest along coastal cliffs. The presence of red-throated loons and king eiders adds to the richness of the bird population, providing birdwatchers with rare opportunities to observe these Arctic species in their natural habitat.

One of the park’s most fascinating features is its remoteness and untouched wilderness, making it a destination for adventurers seeking solitude and an authentic Arctic experience. Visitors can explore the landscape on guided treks, immersing themselves in the vast tundra and its geological wonders.

Wildlife viewing is a primary activity, particularly for those hoping to glimpse the elusive Peary caribou or the majestic muskoxen. Due to the harsh conditions and lack of infrastructure, most travelers visit with experienced outfitters who provide logistical support for multi-day expeditions.

In the summer, visitors can experience the surreal phenomenon of the midnight sun, while in the darker months, the Arctic sky dazzles with the northern lights.

Qausuittuq National Park faces significant conservation challenges, primarily linked to climate change. Warming temperatures have led to habitat changes that affect the movement patterns and survival of key species, particularly the Peary caribou. Melting permafrost and shifting sea ice also threaten the region’s ecological stability.

However, Parks Canada, in collaboration with local Inuit communities, has worked to implement conservation strategies that support the protection of this delicate ecosystem while respecting traditional Inuit knowledge and land use.

These partnerships have led to successful monitoring programs and adaptive management strategies, ensuring that the park remains a haven for Arctic wildlife and an important cultural landscape for future generations.

Park Map

Qausuittuq National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Qausuittuq National Park, located in the High Arctic on Bathurst Island, is home to a unique array of wildlife specially adapted to its extreme climate. The park’s name means “place where the sun doesn’t rise” in Inuktitut, referencing the long Arctic winter. The remote and rugged terrain provides a refuge for many Arctic species, including some that are rare or threatened.

Peary Caribou
The Peary caribou is a small and endangered subspecies of caribou that is specially adapted to the harsh Arctic climate. These animals have a thick, white coat in the winter and a shorter, darker coat in the summer. They rely on lichens, mosses, and sedges for food, digging through the snow in winter to find sustenance.

Muskox
Muskoxen are large, shaggy-haired mammals known for their distinctive curved horns and thick, woolly coats that protect them from the Arctic cold. They travel in small herds and use their strong hooves to break through snow and ice to graze on mosses, lichens, and grasses.

Arctic Wolf
The Arctic wolf is a smaller and lighter-colored subspecies of the gray wolf, well-adapted to the extreme cold of the High Arctic. They hunt in packs and primarily prey on Peary caribou, muskoxen, and Arctic hares, using teamwork and endurance to chase down their prey.

Arctic Fox
Arctic foxes are highly adaptable predators and scavengers, capable of thriving in the park’s frigid conditions. Their thick fur changes color with the seasons, turning white in winter for camouflage in the snow and brown in summer to blend in with the tundra. They feed on small mammals, birds, and carrion left behind by larger predators.

Polar Bear
Polar bears roam the northern edges of the park, particularly near the sea ice, where they hunt for seals. These massive carnivores are well adapted to their environment, with a thick layer of fat and a water-repellent coat that helps them stay warm while swimming in the frigid Arctic waters.

Arctic Hare
The Arctic hare is a resilient species that survives in the tundra by digging burrows in the snow for warmth and protection. Their fur turns white in winter to help them blend into the snowy landscape and brown in summer for better camouflage against rocks and vegetation.

Ermine (Stoat)
The ermine, or short-tailed weasel, is a small but fierce predator found in the park. Like the Arctic hare and fox, its fur changes from brown in summer to white in winter. It preys on lemmings, voles, and other small mammals.

Lemmings
Lemmings are small, burrowing rodents that play a crucial role in the Arctic ecosystem as a primary food source for many predators, including Arctic foxes, ermines, and snowy owls. They survive harsh winters by tunneling under the snow to find food and shelter.

Wolverine
The wolverine is a solitary, powerful carnivore with a reputation for being one of the toughest animals in the Arctic. They scavenge and hunt, preying on caribou, lemmings, and small mammals while also feeding on carrion.

Ringed Seal
Ringed seals are a vital part of the Arctic food web, serving as the primary prey for polar bears. They live along the park’s coastal regions, using their strong claws to maintain breathing holes in the sea ice and feeding on fish and crustaceans beneath the surface.

Birds

Despite the harsh conditions of the High Arctic, Qausuittuq National Park is home to a variety of bird species, particularly during the short summer breeding season when migratory birds arrive in large numbers.

Snowy Owl
One of the most iconic Arctic birds, the snowy owl is a large, white owl with striking yellow eyes. These powerful hunters prey on lemmings and other small mammals, using their sharp talons and keen eyesight to locate food even in low-light conditions.

Gyrfalcon
The gyrfalcon is the largest falcon species and a top predator in the Arctic. It comes in different color variations, ranging from white to dark gray, and hunts birds such as ptarmigans and seabirds, often chasing them in high-speed aerial pursuits.

Rock Ptarmigan
The rock ptarmigan is a hardy ground-dwelling bird that changes its plumage seasonally—white in winter and mottled brown in summer—to blend into its environment. It feeds on buds, twigs, and leaves and is an important prey species for Arctic foxes and raptors.

Long-tailed Jaeger
This agile seabird is known for its elegant flight and aerial acrobatics. Long-tailed jaegers are migratory, arriving in the Arctic to breed and preying on lemmings, insects, and other small birds during the summer months.

Red-throated Loon
Recognizable by its slender build and distinctive red throat patch during the breeding season, the red-throated loon nests near Arctic lakes and ponds. It dives underwater to catch fish and has a haunting, eerie call that echoes across the tundra.

King Eider
The king eider is a striking sea duck with bold coloration, especially the males, which have a mix of black, white, and pastel blue plumage with a bright orange bill. They inhabit coastal waters and dive for mollusks and crustaceans.

Black Guillemot
These small seabirds are excellent divers, using their wings to propel themselves underwater as they hunt for fish and crustaceans. Black guillemots have distinctive black bodies with white wing patches and bright red feet.

Northern Fulmar
A relative of the albatross, the northern fulmar is a seabird known for its stiff-winged flight and ability to glide effortlessly over the ocean. They feed on fish, squid, and marine invertebrates and nest on cliffs along the Arctic coastline.

Sabine’s Gull
Sabine’s gull is a striking Arctic gull with a black head, white body, and distinctive wing patterns. These birds breed in the High Arctic and migrate south in winter, often traveling long distances over the ocean.

Glaucous Gull
A large, pale Arctic gull, the glaucous gull is an opportunistic scavenger, feeding on fish, carrion, and even other birds. They are often seen near shorelines and seabird colonies, using their size to dominate smaller birds and steal food.