Pingualuit crater

Pingualuit crater is a meteorite impact crater in the Nunavik region of northern Quebec, Canada, distinguished by a circular rim that encloses a deep, clear lake. The structure is one of the most well-preserved young impact craters on Earth.

A deep oligotrophic lake fills the crater basin and is notable for its clarity and light-coloured water. The crater’s circular form and steep rim make the lake visually distinctive from surrounding lowlands.

The crater was identified in the 20th century and has been the subject of geological and limnological study; it formed by a meteorite impact and is estimated to be roughly 1.4 million years old. The site is now part of a protected park area that supports scientific research and controlled visitor access.

Pingualuit sits in remote northern Quebec within the Nunavik administrative region; access is typically by charter flights to nearby airstrips and by organised park trips rather than by road.

• Former name and size: The feature was formerly known as Chubb Crater and is a well-preserved meteorite impact structure with a roughly 3.44-kilometre diameter.
• Lake clarity and access: The crater lake is notable for exceptionally clear, low-nutrient water and a remote Arctic setting; access is by charter flight or guided expedition into northern Quebec.

What to See #

• Crater rim and lake: The crater rim forms a near-circular wall about 3.4 kilometres across, enclosing a deep, clear lake that fills the impact basin.