Travelling to the North Pole

Ellesmere Island has been a staging point for northern exploration and North Pole attempts since the late nineteenth century. It has also been the focus of various scientific studies over the years, including the extensive projects organized by the Defence Research Board between 1953 and the 1970s.

If you are planning to attempt the North Pole from any land managed by Quttinirpaaq National Park, including Ward Hunt Island, McClintock Inlet or Cape Columbia, you must contact park staff in Iqaluit at (867) 975-4673 to advise us of your trip. Depending on your travel plans, you may also be required to register and take part in a mandatory orientation session in person at the Iqaluit Park Office. If your itinerary does not include a stop in Iqaluit, alternate arrangements must be made in advance of your departure.