Blacklead Island, Canada

A remote island in the Canadian Arctic, Blacklead offers stark beauty and echoes of Inuit history.

A huddle of large walruses resting on a floating ice floe in the Arctic waters near Blacklead Island, with a smooth reflection and a calm blue sky in the background.

Overview

Blacklead Island, Canada Cruise Port

Blacklead Island is a historically significant, uninhabited island nestled in Cumberland Sound, Nunavut, Canada, off the southeast coast of Baffin Island. This remote Arctic gem is primarily visited by expedition cruises exploring the Canadian Arctic. It gained prominence in the 19th and early 20th centuries as one of the most important whaling stations in the Eastern Arctic and the site of an early Anglican mission. Today, it is a National Historic Site of Canada, preserving the archaeological remnants of this pivotal period of contact between Inuit and European whalers.

A visit to Blacklead Island offers expedition cruise passengers a unique opportunity to step back in time, explore the stark beauty of the Arctic landscape, and gain a profound understanding of the complex history of whaling, trade, and cultural exchange in the Canadian North. It's an ideal stop for those seeking a rugged, educational, and deeply immersive experience in a rarely visited part of the world.

Top Things to Do in Blacklead Island, Canada

Explore the Historic Whaling Station Remains

Wander through the archaeological remnants of the Blacklead Island Whaling Station National Historic Site. You can find foundations of old buildings, blubber rendering sites, remnants of whaling equipment, and other artifacts that tell the story of this once-bustling outpost from the 1860s until the early 20th century.

Tip: Your expedition guides, often historians or archaeologists, will provide invaluable context to the structures and artifacts you encounter.

Visit the Anglican Mission Site

Discover the site of the Anglican Mission, established on Blacklead Island in 1895. This was one of the earliest permanent missions in the Canadian Arctic, playing a significant role in the lives of the local Inuit. While buildings may be in ruins, the historical significance remains palpable.

Tip: Learn about Reverend Edmund Peck (Uqammaq), who taught the Inuit a syllabic writing system and spread Christianity throughout the region.

Observe Arctic Wildlife and Birdlife

While focused on history, the island's remote location offers opportunities for wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for various Arctic bird species nesting or foraging, and potentially seals or even polar bears (from a safe distance, usually from the ship or Zodiacs) in the surrounding waters or on ice floes, especially during the spring whale hunt season.

Tip: Binoculars are essential for spotting wildlife. Always maintain a safe distance and follow your expedition team's guidance.

Photography of the Stark Arctic Landscape

Capture the raw and dramatic beauty of the Arctic landscape. The island's setting within Cumberland Sound, with its rugged coastlines, distant mountains, and vast skies, provides incredible opportunities for landscape photography. The interplay of light on ice and rock is particularly striking.

Tip: Be prepared for variable light and weather conditions. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the expansive scenery.

Learn About Inuit Life and History

Through your expedition team's lectures and your observations on the island, gain a deeper understanding of Inuit history and their interactions with the whalers and missionaries. Blacklead Island was a vital meeting point where generations of Inuit adapted to new economies and cultural influences.

Tip: Many expedition cruises feature Inuit cultural interpreters or experts who can offer first-hand perspectives and insights.

Zodiac Cruises for Coastal Views

Enjoy Zodiac cruises around Blacklead Island and within Cumberland Sound. These inflatable boats allow for closer approaches to the coastline, offering different perspectives of the island's features, potential wildlife sightings, and the impressive scale of the Arctic environment.

Tip: Dress warmly in waterproof outer layers for Zodiac excursions, as you'll be exposed to the elements.

Overview

Blacklead Island, Canada Cruise Port