The visitor center at Ukkusiksalik National Park, located in the Naujaat office, is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm, and is closed on weekends.
The entrance fee at Ukkusiksalik National Park is $16 per person per day for a Northern Park Backcountry Daily Excursion Permit, free for those 17 and under. Overnight permits are $33.25 per person per night, with an annual pass available for less than the cost of 7 day passes. Free admission is granted with a Canoo membership.
By Air: Charter flights from Rankin Inlet to Wager Bay or designated park landing sites. By Boat: Summer boat access via Wager Bay. Guided Tours: Multi-day escorted trips provide transport and logistics.
There are no designated parking lots or areas within Ukkusiksalik National Park due to its remote wilderness location and lack of road access.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:None
Nestled in Nunavut’s remote Kivalliq Region, Ukkusiksalik National Park is a pristine Arctic wonderland spanning over 20,500 km². Named after the soapstone found in the area, the park offers a rich blend of natural beauty, Indigenous history, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore historic Hudson’s Bay Company trading posts and Inuit archaeological sites, hike tundra trails, kayak Wager Bay’s coastline, or camp under Arctic skies amid polar bears, caribou, and seals.
- Area (km²)
- 12977.72
- Established year
- 2003
Top 3 Facts about Ukkusiksalik National Park
The park features old beaches and esker remains now 200 meters above current sea level, evidence of retreating glaciers from the last Ice Age, creating a unique geological landscape.
The coastal waters teem with marine life—including seals, walruses, and beluga whales—forming vital feeding grounds for marine mammals and seabirds.
Ukkusiksalik offers some of the world’s best Northern Lights viewing, thanks to its dark skies and minimal light pollution.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Living History & Cultural Demos
- Scavenger Hunts
- Family Camping & Overnight
- Arts & Crafts
- Water-based Adventures
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Obtain park permits, charter flights, and guided-tour bookings well in advance due to remote access and limited capacity.
Pack Appropriately
Dress in layers with waterproof and insulated gear, sturdy boots, navigation tools, and emergency supplies.
Respect Wildlife
Maintain safe distances, follow bear and polar bear safety guidelines, store food properly, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Stay Informed
Check Parks Canada for weather alerts, permit requirements, transport advisories, and be prepared to adapt plans.
Seasons
April–June: tundra blooms, migratory birds arrive, and archaeological sites are best accessed after spring thaw.
June–August: long daylight, mild weather—ideal for hiking, boating, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
September–November: autumn tundra colors, wildlife migrations, and fewer visitors—perfect for solitude and photography.
December–March: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, Northern Lights viewing—extreme cold requires experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Ukkusiksalik National Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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To visit Ukkusiksalik National Park, it is advisable to stay in nearby communities such as Naujaat, Baker Lake, Chesterfield Inlet, Coral Harbour, or Rankin Inlet, as these are the closest settlements with available accommodations.
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The easiest hiking trail is to the first waterfall of the Sila River, which is a 4 km hike with a height difference of 40 meters and a difficulty level of easy, taking about 1.5 hours to complete.
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Pets are allowed but must be kept under physical control at all times. Leashed dogs can explore the park with their owners. However, pets should never be left unattended.
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There is no parking available, as the park is a remote wilderness area with no road access or designated parking lots.
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Explore the Arctic wilderness through hiking, skiing, and mountaineering, or take guided boat tours to see polar bears, caribou, and arctic wolves. Visit ancient Inuit cultural sites like tent rings, food caches, and the remnants of a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post. Go backcountry camping or join local guides for wildlife tours and insight into the park’s unique ecosystem and Inuit history.