Eglinton Island

Island Remote Arctic island in Canada's Northwest Territories

A high-Arctic island in the Northwest Territories, Eglinton Island is virtually uninhabited; scientists and expedition vessels visit for polar tundra, sea-ice study and remote landscape photography.

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Eglinton Island is a remote, uninhabited island in the high Canadian Arctic within the Northwest Territories. It lies in the polar environment and is characterized by stark tundra, rocky coasts and Arctic climate conditions.

The island offers no visitor infrastructure; its landscape is primarily of interest to scientific expeditions, Arctic researchers and specialist cruising vessels. Wildlife may include typical high-Arctic species and migratory birds depending on season.

Eglinton Island’s geology and ecology reflect Arctic processes of glaciation, permafrost and coastal erosion; it has not supported permanent human settlements in modern times and remains largely undisturbed.

The island is located in the high Arctic of northern Canada within the Northwest Territories, well north of the Arctic Circle and distant from major population centres.

  • Access note: There are no permanent settlements and access is by chartered expedition or government vessels only, suitable primarily for scientific fieldwork.
Eglinton Island
Eglinton Island, Northwest Territories, Canada (High Arctic)
75.8013, -118.3395
No visitor facilities; remote Arctic access requires charter arrangement and permits

How to Get to Eglinton Island #

Access via chartered ice-strengthened vessels or specialist aircraft from northern Canadian bases; travel is arranged through polar expedition operators and requires permits.

Tips for Visiting Eglinton Island #

  • Only attempt travel with specialized Arctic expedition operators; navigation is complex and weather is extreme.
  • Be prepared for polar conditions and limited rescue options - thorough planning and insurance are essential.
  • Respect environmental protections - the High Arctic is fragile and often within protected zones.

Best Time to Visit Eglinton Island #

Brief Arctic summer offers limited access for scientific expeditions; travel is logistically complex and seasonal.

Arctic summer (Jun-Aug)
Jun-Aug · -5 to 5°C (23-41°F)
Short window of milder weather and sea-ice retreat enabling limited access by ship or aircraft.
Arctic winter (Nov-Mar)
Nov-Mar · -30 to -15°C (-22 to 5°F)
Extremely cold and inaccessible except to specialized scientific teams.

Weather & Climate near Eglinton Island #

Climate

Eglinton Island's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -38°C to 8°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
Warmest Month
-38°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of -29°C and lows of -37°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-33°
Feels Like Freezing
-33°C
Temperature
-37° -29°

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -30°C and lows of -38°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-34°
Feels Like Freezing
-34°C
Temperature
-38° -30°

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of -29°C and lows of -36°C. The driest month with just 3 mm.

Comfort

-32°
Feels Like Freezing
-32°C
Temperature
-36° -29°

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is freezing with highs of -21°C and lows of -29°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-25°
Feels Like Freezing
-25°C
Temperature
-29° -21°

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -15°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-15° -8°

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

24 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-8° -3°

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -20°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-17°
Feels Like Freezing
-17°C
Temperature
-20° -13°

Weather

12 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of -23°C and lows of -30°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-26°
Feels Like Freezing
-26°C
Temperature
-30° -23°

Weather

7 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -27°C and lows of -34°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

-31°
Feels Like Freezing
-31°C
Temperature
-34° -27°

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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