Arctic · Nunavut
Qausuittuq National Park
The Place Where The Sun Does Not Rise — Bathurst Island's Peary caribou.
Province
Nunavut
Established
2015
Size
11,008 km²
Coordinates
76.50°, -98.00°
Family friendliness
Hidden gem
Photography
Overview
About Qausuittuq National Park
Canada's newest national park, Qausuittuq protects key Peary caribou habitat on Bathurst Island. There is no regular visitor infrastructure; trips are by Parks Canada coordination only.
Why visit
- Peary caribou conservation
- Some of the rarest visitation in the system
- Polar desert ecology
Things to do
Plan your days.
Coordinate with Parks Canada Resolute office
interpretive
Camping
Camping in the park.
- Coordinated wilderness camping only
Best time to visit
- Spring
- Closed.
- Summer
- Late June to early August.
- Fall
- Closed.
- Winter
- Closed.
- Peak
- July.
- Shoulder
- Not applicable.
Wildlife
What you'll see.
Only with researchers or coordinated expedition support.
Common species
Arctic hare · Snowy owl
Signature species
Peary caribou · Musk ox · Arctic wolf
Wildlife safety
Logistics-extreme; remote even by Nunavut standards.
Nearby communities
Where to base yourself.
- Resolute Bay
Nearby attractions
- Quttinirpaaq (further north)
Suggested itineraries
Pick a length.
7 day
Coordinated expedition
Multi-week planning required — speak with Parks Canada Resolute.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Qausuittuq National Park.
Can I camp in Qausuittuq National Park?+
Yes. Qausuittuq National Park operates Parks Canada campgrounds with a mix of frontcountry sites and, on most loops, oTENTik or backcountry options.
Do I need reservations to visit Qausuittuq National Park?+
Yes — campsite reservations are required during peak season and open via the Parks Canada Reservation Service in mid-winter.
Are dogs allowed?+
Yes — dogs are welcome on a leash (max 3 m) throughout the park, but must be supervised at all times and kept off closed trails and beaches with wildlife restrictions.
Is Qausuittuq National Park family friendly?+
Our family score is 2/10. Better suited to teens and adults — expect remote conditions and limited services.
When is the best time to visit Qausuittuq National Park?+
July. Shoulder seasons reward visitors with fewer crowds and softer light, while winter opens its own set of opportunities (or, in the far north, closes road access entirely).
What wildlife can I see?+
Signature species include Peary caribou, musk oxen and Arctic wolves. Always keep at least 30 m from large mammals and 100 m from bears; carry bear spray on backcountry trails.
Can I bring an RV?+
RV access is limited or unavailable; this park is best explored by tent, backcountry travel or day trips from nearby communities.
How many days should I spend here?+
Ten days minimum.
Nearby parks
