Lake Hazen
Lake Canada's largest Arctic lake on Ellesmere Island
Lake Hazen on Ellesmere Island is the largest lake north of the Arctic Circle, set in polar desert terrain; scientists, hardy trekkers and wildlife observers come for glacial outlets, migratory birds and remote Arctic landscapes.
Lake Hazen is a large Arctic lake on Ellesmere Island in Nunavut, Canada, within Quttinirpaaq National Park. It is one of the largest high-Arctic freshwater lakes and lies well above the Arctic Circle.
The lake is notable for its remote, largely pristine environment and long ice-covered season; shoreline access is limited and the area is visited mainly by scientific expeditions and specialist tours. Aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems around the lake are adapted to extreme polar conditions.
The basin and lake were sculpted by glacial and periglacial processes during the Pleistocene and Holocene, and the surrounding landscape includes glaciers and steep terrain. Traditional Inuit use of nearby coasts and fjords has a long history in the broader region.
Geographically it sits on northern Ellesmere Island in Nunavut, within Quttinirpaaq National Park, and is accessible only by air or lengthy overland travel in polar conditions.
- Largest lake north of the Arctic Circle: Recognised as the largest lake by volume located north of the Arctic Circle, lying within a very remote Arctic national park.
How to Get to Lake Hazen #
Access to Lake Hazen is by research aircraft or vessel to Ellesmere Island and then overland or via small aircraft to local landing strips. Travel requires permits and coordination with Canadian Arctic research authorities.
Tips for Visiting Lake Hazen #
- Polar conditions require specialist gear - guided expeditions are recommended.
- Summer (mid‑July) is the only practical season for fieldwork and access by boat.
- Respect scientific stations' protocols if visiting research sites around the lake.
Best Time to Visit Lake Hazen #
Visit only during the brief Arctic summer when the ice retreats; otherwise inaccessible.
Weather & Climate near Lake Hazen #
Lake Hazen's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -36°C to 3°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is freezing with highs of -28°C and lows of -33°C. The driest month with just 3 mm.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -29°C and lows of -35°C. The driest month with just 3 mm.
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March
March is the coldest month with highs of -29°C and lows of -36°C. The driest month with just 3 mm.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -21°C and lows of -28°C. Almost no rain.
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May
May is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -14°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Almost no rain.
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July
July is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is freezing with highs of -15°C and lows of -19°C. Almost no rain.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -22°C and lows of -27°C. Almost no rain.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -25°C and lows of -30°C. Almost no rain.
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