Arctic Archipelago

The Canadian Arctic Archipelago is a vast cluster of islands north of the Canadian mainland, extending into the high Arctic Ocean. It contains many of the world’s largest northern islands and forms a major component of Canada’s Arctic territory.

The region includes extensive glaciated and polar desert landscapes, fjords and complex coastlines, with habitats for Arctic wildlife and areas of cultural importance to Inuit communities. Human settlement is sparse and concentrated in a few small towns and hamlets.

Indigenous peoples have lived in the archipelago for millennia, and the area was later the focus of European polar exploration. Today the archipelago is important for sovereignty, scientific research and understanding Arctic environments.

Geographically the islands lie north of mainland Canada, within the territory of Nunavut and Northwest Territories, stretching from the mainland to the Arctic Ocean and adjacent possible Northwest Passage routes.

• Scale: The archipelago comprises tens of thousands of islands in northern Canada and includes some of the largest Arctic islands on Earth.
• Access and conditions: Sea ice, polar climate and remoteness mean travel is seasonal and often requires charter vessels, aircraft or icebreakers; many areas are visited only by scientific or expedition teams.

What to See#

• Baffin Island: Canada’s largest island, containing fjords, mountains and the provincial capital Iqaluit on its southeastern coast.
• Ellesmere Island: A high Arctic island with extensive ice caps and polar deserts, home to dramatic glaciated landscapes and Ellesmere Island National Park areas.
• Major island groups: A large group of Arctic islands and waterways that together form one of the world’s most extensive high-latitude archipelagos, with complex coastlines and sea-ice conditions.

Access is by air or sea. Common departure points include Iqaluit (Nunavut) and Arctic cruise departures from Canadian ports or Iceland; smaller communities are served by regional airlines (e.g., Calm Air, Canadian North). Most visitors join expedition cruises that operate in June-August; overland travel is rare and logistically complex.

• If planning a cruise or expedition, book with an experienced polar operator that provides ice-strengthened vessels and permits.
• Bring layered, windproof clothing and high-SPF sunscreen - reflection from ice is intense even in cold air.
• Learn basic polar bear and wildlife-safety protocols; many islands are polar bear country, and landings are strictly supervised.
• Most of the archipelago is remote - travel itinerary will usually include limited shore time; prioritize zodiac landings for the best wildlife and historical sites.