Belcher IslandsBelcher Islands at a Glance
About Belcher Islands
The Belcher Islands are an archipelago in eastern Hudson Bay, part of the Canadian territory of Nunavut. The group consists of many low-lying islands and skerries scattered across the bay.
The largest settlement in the archipelago is the Inuit hamlet of Sanikiluaq on Flaherty Island, which serves as the regional community hub. The islands have been inhabited by Inuit populations for centuries and remain important for local subsistence and culture.
The islands are remote and reached by air from southern Nunavut or seasonal boat services; landscape features include rocky shorelines, tidal flats, and sheltered bays used for fishing and hunting.
Geographically the Belcher Islands sit off the western shore of Quebec’s Ungava Peninsula within Hudson Bay and form part of northern Canada’s Arctic maritime region.
- Geography: The archipelago lies in the eastern part of Hudson Bay and is administratively part of Nunavut; the islands are characterized by low, rocky terrain and extensive shoreline.
What to See#
- Sanikiluaq (Flaherty Island): Flaherty Island hosts the hamlet of Sanikiluaq, the main settlement and administrative centre for the archipelago, with community facilities and local transport links.
Nearby Attractions to Belcher Islands
Best Time to Visit Belcher Islands
Best visited in the Arctic summer (June-August) when sea-ice retreat allows boat access and wildlife viewing.
Weather & Climate near Belcher Islands
Belcher Islands's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -26°C to 16°C. Moderate rainfall (516 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -24° - -19° | -32° | 19 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -26° - -20° | -34° | 18 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -20° - -14° | -27° | 16 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -11° - -5° | -15° | 19 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -2° - 4° | -4° | 31 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 4° - 11° | 4° | 49 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 9° - 16° | 12° | 66 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 9° - 15° | 12° | 71 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 5° - 10° | 4° | 74 mm | - | - | 6.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 0° - 4° | -3° | 66 mm | - | - | 6.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -6° - -2° | -12° | 53 mm | - | - | 7.0 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -16° - -12° | -24° | 34 mm | - | - | 6.7 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Belcher Islands
Access is by air or sea from Nunavut communities. Seasonal passenger and freight boats visit in summer from larger Arctic ports; small aircraft service links islands to regional centers such as Sanikiluaq. Travel requires careful planning and coordination with local authorities.
Tips for Visiting Belcher Islands
- Charter a small expedition vessel from a Nunavut port such as Sanikiluaq-trips are seasonal and require experienced ice captains
- Be respectful of Inuit communities and note that some islands are used for subsistence activities-ask permission if planning to land
- Bring appropriate polar gear: weather changes fast and daylight patterns vary dramatically by season