Arctic · Nunavut
Ukkusiksalik National Park
Wager Bay's reversing tidal falls and inland polar bears.
Province
Nunavut
Established
2003
Size
20,885 km²
Coordinates
65.37°, -87.30°
Family friendliness
Hidden gem
Photography
Overview
About Ukkusiksalik National Park
Around Wager Bay on the western Hudson Bay coast, Ukkusiksalik is one of the few places in Canada where polar bears summer far inland. Tidal reversals at Sila Lodge create a salt-water-meets-fresh phenomenon.
Why visit
- Inland polar bears in summer
- Reversing tidal phenomenon
- Inuit archaeological sites
- Wilderness solitude
Things to do
Plan your days.
Sila Lodge stay (operator-run)
interpretive
Wager Bay boat tours
boating
Camping
Camping in the park.
- Operator-supported wilderness only
Best time to visit
- Spring
- Ice-bound.
- Summer
- July–August.
- Fall
- Cold and short.
- Winter
- Closed.
- Peak
- July.
- Shoulder
- Late June or August.
Wildlife
What you'll see.
Coastal cliffs and Wager Bay shorelines.
Common species
Caribou · Arctic fox · Tundra swan
Signature species
Polar bear · Beluga whale · Caribou
Wildlife safety
Armed Inuit guides required.
Nearby communities
Where to base yourself.
- Naujaat (Repulse Bay)
- Coral Harbour
Nearby attractions
- Qausuittuq (north)
Suggested itineraries
Pick a length.
7 day
Sila Lodge week
Charter in from Rankin Inlet for a guided week.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Ukkusiksalik National Park.
Can I camp in Ukkusiksalik National Park?+
Yes. Ukkusiksalik 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 Ukkusiksalik 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 Ukkusiksalik 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 Ukkusiksalik 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 polar bears, beluga whales and 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 ten days.
Nearby parks
