Ukkusiksalik is home to a rich variety of Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, caribou, Arctic wolves, and Arctic foxes. The park's waters support ringed and bearded seals, while the shoreline hosts numerous seabird colonies. Over 125 bird species have been recorded in the park, including peregrine falcons, rough-legged hawks, and snow geese. Wager Bay is also an important habitat for beluga whales during summer months.
Despite the harsh Arctic climate, the park supports diverse tundra vegetation. The landscape features hardy plants adapted to the short growing season, including Arctic willow, mountain avens, purple saxifrage, and various lichens and mosses. During the brief summer, the tundra comes alive with colorful wildflowers, creating a striking contrast against the rocky terrain.
The park's landscape was shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age, resulting in dramatic fjords, rolling tundra, and exposed Precambrian bedrock. The centerpiece is Wager Bay, a 100-kilometer-long inlet extending inland from Hudson Bay. Significant deposits of soapstone, historically important to Inuit communities, can be found throughout the region. The terrain varies from coastal lowlands to inland plateaus reaching heights of 600 meters.
The area has been home to Inuit peoples for over 3,000 years, as evidenced by numerous archaeological sites including tent rings, food caches, and hunting blinds. The name 'Ukkusiksalik' means 'where there is stone to make pots and oil lamps' in Inuktitut, referring to the soapstone found in the region. The Hudson's Bay Company operated a trading post at Wager Bay from 1925 to 1947, and the park was officially established in 2003.
Wager Bay, the park's most distinctive feature, experiences some of the most dramatic tides in North America, with fluctuations up to 8 meters. The park contains over 500 documented archaeological sites, including traditional Inuit camps and the remains of the Hudson's Bay Company post. Unique reversing falls occur at the bay's entrance, created by the interaction of strong tides with the narrow inlet, providing a spectacular natural phenomenon.
Ukkusiksalik National Park experiences a typical Arctic climate with long, severe winters and brief, cool summers. Winter temperatures regularly drop below -30°C (-22°F), while summer temperatures range from 5-15°C (41-59°F). The park sees 24-hour daylight during peak summer months and extended periods of darkness in winter. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with strong winds and precipitation common throughout the year.
Canada
65.4170°, -87.5000°
2003
20885
Ukkusiksalik National Park surrounds Wager Bay, a vast inland sea in Nunavut. The park features rolling tundra, coastal cliffs, and numerous archaeological sites representing thousands of years of human history. It is home to polar bears, caribou, and various marine mammals, offering a pristine Arctic wilderness experience.