Sirmilik National Park

Sirmilik National Park is a national park on Baffin Island in Nunavut , Canada . As of Jan 2022, the park is on UNESCO's mixed tentative list along with the proposed Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area for its exceptional representation of the Arctic ecosystem. The park is seldom visited – in 2022–23, it only received a mere 6 visitors.

Pond Inlet and Arctic Bay, Nunavut are Sirmilik National Park’s gateway communities, accessible by 3-hour commercial flights from Iqaluit. Local outfitters offer park boat or snowmobile shuttles, depending on the season. The best times to visit are late March to early June and August to mid-September. Book well in advance; park registration, orientation and de-briefing are mandatory. Weather dictates travel schedules so it’s wise to factor in time for delays. To Iqaluit : Canadian North flies direct to Iqaluit from Ottawa. Travel from Iqaluit to Pond Inlet or Arctic Bay : Canadian North offers scheduled flights from Iqaluit to Pond Inlet and Arctic Bay. To Sirmilik National Park : Travel to and from Sirmilik, from either Pond Inlet or Arctic Bay, can be arranged with local outfitters. Outfitters will take you to and from the park by either boat or snowmachine, depending on the season. In Pond Inlet, staff of the Nattinnak Visitor Centre can help you make the necessary arrangements with local outfitters, ☏ +1 867-899-8226 . Outfitter charges vary and should be discussed with the outfitter being hired. For more information on Arctic Bay, ☏ +1 867-439-8483 . Fees and permits Daily excursion: $16.00 per person (2024). Northern Park Backcountry Excursion/Camping Permit valid at Sirmilik, Auyuittuq , Ivvavik , Nahanni , Aulavik , Quttinirpaaq , Tuktut Nogait and Vuntut National Parks (per person, 2024): Daily $33.25 An annual pass is available for less than the cost of 7 day passes. It is mandatory to register all trips into the park prior to entering and to de-register upon exiting. If you plan on travelling on Inuit-owned land, contact the Qikiqtani Inuit Association at ☏ +1-800-667-2742 for permission. To register your trip, make a reservation for your orientation at the Parks Canada office in Pond Inlet at least 48 hours in advance by phone or email. To de-register your trip, within 24 hours of exiting the park, visit the Parks Canada office in Pond Inlet or contact them by phone at +1 867 899-8092. Permits for operating a business (guiding, outfitting), filming and commercial photography, research, landing an aircraft, establishing a cache or base camp, or for transporting a firearm through the park must be acquired through the Parks Canada office well in advance (some permits may take 90 days or more to be issued). Research permits are only issued in winter and spring.

Travel to and from Sirmilik, from either Pond Inlet or Arctic Bay, can be arranged with local outfitters who are licensed to operate in Sirmilik National Park. Outfitters will take you to and from the park by either boat or snowmobile, depending on the season. In Pond Inlet, park staff can help you make the necessary arrangements with local outfitters. In Arctic Bay, call the Hamlet Office at ☏ +1 867 439-9917 . Outfitters must have a current National Parks Business Licence to transport visitors to the park. Ensure your outfitter has a current licence before hiring them. Tagak Outfitting Service (Pond Inlet) , ☏ +1 867-899-8932 . ( updated Jul 2019 ) Inuarak Outfitting (Pond Inlet) , ☏ +1 867-899-8551 , [email protected] . ( updated Jul 2019 ) Arctic Bay Adventures (Arctic Bay) , toll-free: +1-844-347-4822 , [email protected] . ( [... truncated ...]

Sirmilik National Park and its surroundings offer natural scenery, local architecture, and points of interest that reflect the character of Nunavut. Look for heritage buildings, scenic viewpoints, and local landmarks that tell the story of the community and its place in Canadian history.

Outdoor activities in the Sirmilik National Park area include hiking, fishing, and exploring the natural landscape of Nunavut. In winter, snow-based activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing may be available. Check locally for seasonal events, festivals, and guided tours that showcase the region's culture and heritage.

Dining in Sirmilik National Park features Canadian comfort food and regional specialties. Expect fresh, locally sourced ingredients — seafood where coastal, game and farm produce in rural areas. Cafés and casual restaurants serve hearty meals. In Nunavut, look for dishes featuring local ingredients and traditional Maritime/Prairie/Quebecois cooking styles depending on the region.

Local pubs and cafés in Sirmilik National Park serve Canadian beer, coffee, and comfort drinks. Nunavut has a growing craft brewery and distillery scene — ask locals for their favourites. Wine and spirits from Canadian producers are widely available. Non-alcoholic options include excellent Canadian coffee and local fruit juices.

Accommodation in and around Sirmilik National Park ranges from bed-and-breakfasts and motels to seasonal cabins and inns. Options may be limited in smaller communities — advance booking is recommended, especially during peak summer season and holiday weekends. For a wider selection of hotels, the nearest larger town or city provides additional choices.

Local shops in Sirmilik National Park offer everyday essentials and regional products. Look for locally made crafts, artisanal food products, and souvenirs that reflect the character of Nunavut. Farmers' markets, when in season, are excellent places to find fresh local produce and handmade goods.

From Sirmilik National Park, visitors can explore other communities and natural attractions in Nunavut by road. The region offers scenic drives, provincial and national parks, and charming small towns worth a detour. Check highway conditions and fuel availability before setting out on longer routes, particularly in remote areas.