Herschel Island — Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park

Qikiqtaruk is a low-lying tundra island off the Yukon's Beaufort coast, historically a Pacific-whaling base and today a fly-in territorial park co-managed with the Inuvialuit. Park rangers guide visitors through the historic settlement at Pauline Cove and out onto the tundra to see muskoxen, caribou and thick-billed murres. Access is by charter aircraft or small-ship expedition — this is one of Canada's most remote parks.

• Yukon's only Arctic-Ocean park
• Historic whaling settlement at Pauline Cove
• Inuvialuit co-management and cultural interpretation
• Muskox, caribou, migratory birds

Size

116 km²

Established

1987

Access

Charter aircraft or expedition ship

Nearest hub

Inuvik NT

• Ranger-led tundra walks

• Muskox and caribou viewing

• Historic settlement tours

• Arctic seabird viewing

Reservations: Required · Frontcountry: No · Backcountry: Yes · RV: No · Glamping: No

• Very limited primitive camping — permit required
• Most visitors come via day charters
• Ranger cabin accommodations by arrangement

• Pauline Cove interpretive walk

  Easy · 3 km

  Ranger-guided tour of the historic whaling settlement.

• Collinson Head

  Moderate · 8 km

  Tundra ridge with Beaufort Sea view.

• Weathered whaling buildings at Pauline Cove
• Muskox on tundra ridges
• Midnight sun on Beaufort Sea

Peak: Mid-July to mid-August · Shoulder: Late June, early September

Book through Yukon Parks — opens 90 days ahead of arrival.

Coordinate with a licensed air charter and Yukon Parks rangers before travel.

• day-trip

  Inuvik Air Day

  Charter flight from Inuvik + ranger tour + return same day.

• 3-day

  Expedition Camp

  Multi-day stay with rangers; tundra walks and historic tours.

Our Travel Concierge builds custom itineraries around Herschel Island — Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park — permits, campsites, driving times, and shoulder-season strategy included.