Coats Island, Canada
A remote Arctic island rich in wildlife and history.
A remote Arctic island rich in wildlife and history.
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Overview
Coats Island (Inuktitut: Appatuurjuaq) is a large, uninhabited island located at the northern end of Hudson Bay in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut, Canada. This remote Arctic island is a vital sanctuary for abundant wildlife, particularly its significant populations of thick-billed murres and walruses. Characterized by its low-lying muskeg and sedge tundra in the south, rising to rocky cliffs in the north, Coats Island offers a stark and beautiful Arctic landscape that is critical for nesting seabirds and marine mammals. It also holds historical significance as the last home of the Sadlermiut people, who are widely believed to represent the Dorset culture.
Coats Island is not a traditional cruise port with developed infrastructure. Instead, it is a key expedition stop for Arctic cruises, particularly those exploring the Canadian Arctic, Hudson Bay, or the Northwest Passage. These voyages are conducted on smaller, ice-strengthened expedition vessels. Access to the island's shores or near its wildlife colonies is typically via Zodiac boats, allowing for immersive wildlife viewing and photography. A visit to Coats Island offers expedition cruise passengers an extraordinary opportunity to witness a pristine Arctic ecosystem, observe unique wildlife in their natural habitat, and experience the profound solitude of the Canadian North.
Witness the massive colonies of thick-billed murres (a type of seabird) nesting on the island's northern cliffs, especially near Cape Pembroke. With tens of thousands of breeding pairs, the sheer number of birds is a spectacular sight, and you can observe their nesting behaviors.
Tip: Bring binoculars for detailed viewing of the birds on the cliffs. Maintain a respectful distance as advised by your expedition leaders.
Look for significant concentrations of walruses at their haulouts along the base of cliffs or on offshore islands at the northern end of Coats Island. These large marine mammals are a major highlight and can often be seen lounging on the rocks.
Tip: Your expedition team will guide Zodiac excursions to safe viewing distances, allowing for excellent photographic opportunities.
Coats Island offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife photography. From the dense seabird colonies to walrus congregations and potentially polar bears, the remote and stark landscape provides a dramatic backdrop for capturing Arctic fauna.
Tip: Prepare your camera equipment for cold and potentially windy conditions. Bring extra batteries, as they drain faster in the cold.
Take exhilarating Zodiac cruises along the coastline of Coats Island. These small, inflatable boats allow for close approaches to the cliffs, ice formations, and shorelines, providing unique perspectives for wildlife viewing and appreciating the island's geology.
Tip: Dress warmly in layers, including waterproof outer shells, as it can be spray-filled and cold on Zodiacs.
Participate in onboard lectures and discussions led by the ship's naturalists and historians. They will provide deep insights into the unique Arctic ecosystem, the island's geology, the behavior of its wildlife, and the history of its Indigenous inhabitants, the Sadlermiut.
Tip: Engage with the experts! They are a wealth of
While not guaranteed, polar bears are present on Coats Island and are occasionally sighted, especially as they patrol the coastline for food. Your expedition team will be constantly looking for these magnificent predators.
Tip: Maintain vigilance and follow all safety protocols given by your expedition staff regarding polar bear encounters.
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