Arctic · Nunavut
Quttinirpaaq National Park
'The top of the world' — the second most northerly park on Earth.
Province
Nunavut
Established
1988
Size
37,775 km²
Coordinates
81.50°, -71.00°
Family friendliness
Hidden gem
Photography
Overview
About Quttinirpaaq National Park
On Ellesmere Island, Quttinirpaaq sits within 800 km of the North Pole. The Hazen Plateau holds Lake Hazen, the largest lake north of the Arctic Circle; musk oxen and Arctic wolves roam Tanquary Fjord. Visitation is fewer than 50 people most years.
Why visit
- Some of the most remote terrain on the planet
- Lake Hazen polar oasis
- Tanquary Fjord wildlife
- Logistics challenge of a lifetime
Things to do
Plan your days.
Tanquary Fjord base camp
interpretive
Lake Hazen base camp
interpretive
Backpacking the high Arctic plateau
hiking
Camping
Camping in the park.
- Parks Canada base camps at Tanquary Fjord and Lake Hazen during summer
Best time to visit
- Spring
- Closed.
- Summer
- Mid-June to mid-August.
- Fall
- Closed by September.
- Winter
- Closed.
- Peak
- Late June to early August.
- Shoulder
- Not applicable.
Wildlife
What you'll see.
Wolves are unusually approachable — keep distance regardless.
Common species
Musk ox · Arctic hare · Snowy owl
Signature species
Arctic wolf · Musk ox · Peary caribou
Wildlife safety
Weather can delay flights for weeks; budget time and money accordingly.
Nearby communities
Where to base yourself.
- Grise Fiord
- Resolute Bay
Nearby attractions
- Sirmilik
- Aulavik
Suggested itineraries
Pick a length.
7 day
Tanquary Fjord week
Charter from Resolute; Parks Canada orientation; week base-camp.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Quttinirpaaq National Park.
Can I camp in Quttinirpaaq National Park?+
Yes. Quttinirpaaq 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 Quttinirpaaq 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 Quttinirpaaq 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 Quttinirpaaq 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 Arctic wolves, musk oxen and Peary caribou. 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?+
Seven to fourteen days plus weather buffer.
Nearby parks
