Park or nature areaUsable guide

Herschel Island

Island in Yukon, Canada

Photo: Maedward, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Herschel Island (Inuktitut: Qikiqtaruk; French: Île d'Herschel), in the Beaufort Sea (part of the Arctic Ocean), lies 5 km off the coast of Yukon in Canada. It is Yukon's only offshore island. The island is home to Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park, which makes up the entire of Herschel Island.

Getting there and around

Getting there

The park is open from mid-June to mid-September. You can charter a boat or aircraft. Aircraft can be chartered from Inuvik, NWT. Boat charters operate from various Mackenzie Delta communities.

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Getting around

You must provide your own means of transportation.

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Airports and nearby hotels

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Barter Island Long Range Radar Station Airport

Barter Island · Regional · BTI

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Read before you go to Herschel Island

Articles and travel topics about Herschel Island and Canada.

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Full travel guide

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UnderstandThe park protects important natural and human heritage. Its dry polar climate is home to an array of arctic plants, animals and sea life, including the largest colony of Black Guillemots in the Western Arctic.

Get inThe park is open from mid-June to mid-September. You can charter a boat or aircraft. Aircraft can be chartered from Inuvik, NWT. Boat charters operate from various Mackenzie Delta communities.

Fees and permitsYou are required to get a park permit to land aircraft on the island.

Get aroundYou must provide your own means of transportation.

SeeSeveral historic Pacific Steam Whaling Company structures are still standing at Pauline Cove. The Community House (1893) has interpretive displays.

DoHike, ski, focus on staying alive in this empty land, and ponder your own mortality. And of course, luxuriate in being alone in nature in an unspoiled land.

Eat, drink, and sleepIndependent camping is the only accommodation available. You must bring all the equipment necessary for independent camping in an Arctic environment.

Stay safeThe island is often shrouded in fog, particularly in late summer, which can delay flights for hours or even days. Be prepared with sufficient gear and food.

Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Herschel Island" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Herschel Island", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: Maedward, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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