Arctic · Nunavut
Sirmilik National Park
Floe-edge narwhal and the cliffs of Bylot Island.
Province
Nunavut
Established
2001
Size
22,200 km²
Coordinates
73.00°, -80.00°
Family friendliness
Hidden gem
Photography
Overview
About Sirmilik National Park
North of Pond Inlet, Sirmilik straddles Bylot Island and northern Baffin's Borden Peninsula. Spring is the famous 'floe edge' season — pods of narwhal and beluga gather where the sea ice meets open water, drawing wildlife photographers worldwide.
Why visit
- Floe-edge narwhal and beluga viewing (May–June)
- Bylot Island seabird colonies
- Inuit-guided experiences from Pond Inlet
- Polar bear sightings
Things to do
Plan your days.
Floe-edge camp (May–June)
wildlife
Sea kayaking from Pond Inlet (July–August)
kayaking
Bylot Island bird cliffs
wildlife
Camping
Camping in the park.
- Operator-supported camps on the sea ice in spring
Best time to visit
- Spring
- May–June: floe-edge season.
- Summer
- July–August: open-water kayaking.
- Fall
- Quick freeze.
- Winter
- Sled-based travel with operators.
- Peak
- Late May through June for narwhal.
- Shoulder
- August.
Wildlife
What you'll see.
Floe-edge in spring; bird cliffs in summer.
Common species
Ringed seal · Snow bunting
Signature species
Narwhal · Beluga · Polar bear · Thick-billed murre
Wildlife safety
Sea-ice travel only with Inuit guides.
Nearby communities
Where to base yourself.
- Pond Inlet
- Arctic Bay
Nearby attractions
- Auyuittuq (south Baffin)
Suggested itineraries
Pick a length.
7 day
Floe-edge week
Multi-day Inuit-led camp from Pond Inlet.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Sirmilik National Park.
Can I camp in Sirmilik National Park?+
Yes. Sirmilik 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 Sirmilik 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 Sirmilik National Park family friendly?+
Our family score is 3/10. Better suited to teens and adults — expect remote conditions and limited services.
When is the best time to visit Sirmilik National Park?+
Late May through June. 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 narwhal, beluga whales, polar bears and thick-billed murres. 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 ten days.
Nearby parks
