Lake HazenLake Hazen at a Glance
About Lake Hazen
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -33° - -28° | -31° | 3 mm | - | - | 1.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -35° - -29° | -32° | 3 mm | - | - | 1.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -36° - -29° | -33° | 3 mm | - | - | 0.9 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -28° - -21° | -25° | 6 mm | - | - | 1.1 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -14° - -8° | -15° | 6 mm | - | - | 1.8 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | -4° - 0° | -5° | 9 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | -1° - 3° | -3° | 25 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 0° - 3° | -2° | 23 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | -8° - -4° | -10° | 20 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -19° - -15° | -23° | 8 mm | - | - | 2.1 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -27° - -22° | -25° | 5 mm | - | - | 1.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -30° - -25° | -28° | 4 mm | - | - | 0.9 m/s | - | - |
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.