Emergencies and rescue capability

Sirmilik is one of the most remote parks in North America, and rescue services and facilities are very limited. Our public safety staff are trained in swift water recovery, first aid, patient stabilization and evacuation in non-technical terrain.

Park search and rescue operations may be delayed by poor weather conditions, geography, aircraft or staff availability. For high-angle technical evacuations, assistance from outside of Nunavut is required.

To help us and yourself, please:

• Prepare to be self-reliant and responsible for your own safety.
• Have the required equipment, knowledge, skills and physical fitness to safely travel in the park.
• Consider the public safety information and advice provided by Parks Canada.
• Seek out additional advice from our staff if you are uncertain about what you may encounter.
• Follow the public safety registration and de-registration program.
• Be prepared for emergencies (medical, wildlife or weather related).

When will a search be initiated?

A search and rescue response will be initiated when a distress signal is reported or when a group has failed to de-register and an initial investigation suggests a group is overdue. In the case of an overdue group, a physical search may not occur until at least 48 hours after the de-registration date has passed.

Air support

• There are only commercial aircraft in Pond Inlet or Arctic Bay.
• Air access may be delayed, sometimes for many days, due to poor visibility, weather conditions or high winds.
• Aircraft cannot land in the backcountry if the terrain is unsuitable for a safe landing.

Do not forget to de-register!

Visitors who fail to de-register place an unnecessary burden on our limited search and rescue capabilities. You can place rescue staff in danger and make the rescue team unavailable for a real emergency. Please remember to visit or call our Parks Canada office upon your safe return from the park.