Pingualuit craterAbout 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.
Best Time to Visit Pingualuit crater
The crater is most accessible in summer (June-August) when charter flights operate and trails are snow-free; plan months ahead for logistics.
Weather & Climate near Pingualuit crater
Pingualuit crater's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -27°C to 11°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -27° - -23° | -37° | 21 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -27° - -23° | -35° | 21 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -25° - -19° | -32° | 22 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -16° - -11° | -22° | 20 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -7° - -3° | -12° | 27 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 0° - 4° | -2° | 37 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 7° - 11° | 6° | 56 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 6° - 10° | 5° | 63 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 0° - 3° | -3° | 55 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -6° - -3° | -11° | 47 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -14° - -10° | -20° | 45 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -22° - -18° | -31° | 29 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Pingualuit crater
Pingualuit National Park is accessed by charter flight from Kuujjuaq (Nunavik). There are no roads directly to the site; most visitors join organized camping or guided trips arranged through approved outfitters and the park authority.
Tips for Visiting Pingualuit crater
- Book charters and guided tours well in advance-access is by air and services are limited.
- Pack for remoteness: insect repellent, layered clothing for cold nights and good water purification methods.
- Respect the park rules: Pingualuit's water is extraordinarily clear and fragile-swimming is regulated and campsites are designated for minimal impact.