Herschel Island, Yukon Territory, Canada

A protected Arctic island rich in wildlife and history.

A close-up of a fluffy, gray and white Arctic fox resting in a bed of green and red grass on Herschel Island, Yukon, Canada.

Overview

Herschel Island, Yukon Territory, Canada Cruise Port

Herschel Island, known as Qikiqtaruk in Inuvialuit, is a small, uninhabited island located in the Beaufort Sea, just off the north coast of Canada's Yukon Territory. It is Yukon's only offshore island and holds immense historical and ecological significance. Once a vital seasonal hunting ground for the Inuvialuit people for thousands of years, it later became a major overwintering and trading base for American commercial whalers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, briefly making it the largest community in the Yukon.

Today, Herschel Island is protected as Herschel Island–Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park, preserving its unique Arctic landscape, a collection of historic whaling-era buildings (including the Yukon's oldest frame building), and numerous archaeological sites that speak to millennia of human occupation. It is a poignant destination that offers a glimpse into the harsh realities of Arctic life, the boom-and-bust of the whaling industry, and the enduring cultural connection of the Inuvialuit to their ancestral lands. The island's remote location and the ongoing impacts of climate change (erosion, melting permafrost) make it a sensitive and increasingly fragile historical site.

Top Things to Do in Herschel Island, Yukon Territory, Canada

Explore the Historic Whaling Settlement at Pauline Cove

Wander through Pauline Cove, the island's sheltered harbor, where well-preserved wooden buildings from the whaling era still stand. These include the historic Community House (now a visitor center and park office), storage sheds, and cabins, offering a tangible link to the island's past as a bustling commercial hub.

Tip: Engage with the Inuvialuit Park Rangers on-site, who can provide invaluable insights into the island's history, Inuvialuit culture, and ongoing conservation efforts.

Visit the Anglican Mission Church

Discover the historic Anglican Mission Church, a testament to the presence of missionaries who arrived in the late 19th century. Its isolated location adds to its somber charm and historical significance.

Tip: The church offers a quiet space for reflection on the diverse communities that once inhabited the island.

Hike the Tundra Trails

Embark on a hike across the island's Arctic tundra. Designated routes allow visitors to experience the unique polar dry climate, observe Arctic wildflowers (in summer), and enjoy panoramic views of the Beaufort Sea and the mainland coastline.

Tip: Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile tundra ecosystem and avoid disturbing archaeological sites or sensitive bird nesting areas. Be prepared for uneven terrain and carry bear spray as a precaution.

Observe Arctic Wildlife

Keep an eye out for diverse Arctic wildlife. On land, you might spot muskoxen, caribou, grizzly bears, polar bears, and various species of foxes. The coastal waters and cliffs are home to seabirds (including the largest colony of Black Guillemots in the Western Arctic), seals, and occasionally bowhead and beluga whales.

Tip: Bring binoculars for optimal wildlife viewing. Always maintain a safe and respectful distance from all animals, especially bears, and never approach them.

Learn About Inuvialuit Heritage and Archaeology

Explore the rich Inuvialuit heritage of Qikiqtaruk, which has been used for thousands of years. Park rangers share stories and insights into traditional ways of life, and archaeological evidence of ancient Thule and Inuvialuit dwellings can be seen.

Tip: The island offers a profound opportunity to learn about the deep connection of the Inuvialuit people to this land, which continues today through traditional activities.

Reflect on the Island's Changing Landscape

Witness firsthand the impacts of climate change on this fragile Arctic environment. Observe coastal erosion, which is rapidly threatening historic buildings and archaeological sites due to rising sea levels and melting permafrost.

Tip: This experience provides a powerful and tangible understanding of global environmental changes and their immediate effects on remote locations and cultural heritage.

Overview