Located in the rugged wilderness of Nunavut, Canada, Ukkusiksalik National Park is a place where time feels suspended, and the raw beauty of the Arctic unfolds in every direction. Spanning nearly 20,885 square kilometers, this park remains one of the most remote and least-visited national parks in the world, offering an unspoiled landscape teeming with wildlife, rich Inuit history, and breathtaking natural scenery. Established as a national park in 2003, Ukkusiksalik is named after the soapstone found in the area, which the Inuit people have long used for carving and crafting. Unlike many parks with roads and visitor centers, Ukkusiksalik is truly off the beaten path—accessible only by chartered flights and boats, making every journey here a true adventure.
A Landscape Shaped by Ice and Time
At the heart of Ukkusiksalik is Wager Bay, a massive inland sea connected to Hudson Bay, where powerful tides shape the shoreline and create an ever-changing seascape. The bay freezes over in winter, transforming the area into an icy expanse that supports Arctic wildlife and Inuit travel routes. Surrounding the bay, the tundra stretches endlessly, dotted with rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and lakes formed by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago. The harsh yet stunning environment shifts dramatically with the seasons—summer brings a burst of life with wildflowers, while winter drapes the land in a blanket of snow, making it a challenging yet rewarding destination for those who venture here.
A Haven for Arctic Wildlife
Despite its remote and extreme conditions, Ukkusiksalik is teeming with wildlife. The park is home to some of the Arctic’s most iconic species, including polar bears, which patrol the coastline in search of seals. Caribou roam the tundra, muskoxen graze in small herds, and Arctic foxes dart across the landscape. Birdlife is abundant during the summer months, when peregrine falcons, snowy owls, and gyrfalcons nest along the cliffs, while migratory waterfowl such as eiders and loons take advantage of the brief Arctic warmth. Marine life thrives in the icy waters of Wager Bay, with beluga whales, ringed seals, and bearded seals commonly spotted along the coast.
Inuit History and Ancient Sites
Long before Ukkusiksalik became a national park, the Inuit lived and traveled through this region, leaving behind a rich cultural heritage. Visitors to the park can find remnants of traditional stone structures, including meat caches and tent rings, which tell the stories of past generations who thrived in this harsh environment. One of the most fascinating historical sites is an abandoned Hudson’s Bay Company trading post, built in the 1920s and later abandoned, offering a glimpse into the early interactions between European traders and Inuit communities.
A True Wilderness Experience
Unlike more accessible national parks, Ukkusiksalik has no established hiking trails, visitor facilities, or campsites—adventurers here must be entirely self-sufficient. Those who visit often do so with guided expeditions, setting up base camps along the shores of Wager Bay and exploring by foot, boat, or even snowmobile in winter. The park’s remoteness means that every experience feels deeply personal, with no crowds, no noise, just the vast Arctic wilderness stretching endlessly in every direction. Whether witnessing the midnight sun in summer or the northern lights in winter, Ukkusiksalik offers an unforgettable journey into one of Canada’s most untouched and awe-inspiring landscapes.