Herschel Island Territorial Park

ENVIRONMENT YUKON

Government of Yukon > Environment > Territorial Parks > Herschel Island Territorial Park

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Herschel Island Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park

Herschel Island - Qikiqtaruk Park lies five kilometers off the north coast of the Yukon Territory in the Beaufort Sea. This 116 square kilometer island protects a unique combination of natural and human heritage. Situated between land and sea, its dry polar climate is home to a unique combination of arctic plants, animals and sea life, including the largest colony of Black Guillemots in the Western Arctic.

Inuvialuit have used the site for thousands of years and many of their old dwellings are still visible on the island. In the late 1800s, American whalers established a station at Pauline Cove. Several historic structures from this station are still standing. Several Inuvialuit families still use the area for traditional activities.

Travel to Herschel Island Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park

From mid-June to mid-September, Herschel Island – Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park is accessible by boat and aircraft on a charter basis. You can charter aircraft out of Inuvik, Northwest Territories (250 km southeast). Boat charters may be operating out of various Mackenzie Delta communities.

Commercial operators arriving at Herschel Island will be required to obtain a park use permit for the landing of aircraft or other vessels including boats. Park Use Permits need to be obtained prior to arrival and applications are available online through the Park Offices

If you are rafting or kayaking the Firth River on the Yukon mainland, you can end your trip at Herschel Island – Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park. However, you must make prior arrangements for return travel. The island is often shrouded in fog, particularly in late summer, and flights can be delayed for hours or even days. Be prepared with sufficient gear and food.

Facilities

You should plan to bring all the equipment necessary for independent camping in an arctic environment. Facilities are limited to driftwood windbreak shelters for tenting, fire rings and driftwood, outhouses, and a limited supply of potable water. Park rangers maintain the facilities and offer interpretive assistance at Pauline Cove. The staff includes local rangers who can provide insight into Inuvialuit culture and history. There is a charge for overnight camping on the island of $12.00 per tent per night.

Park Management

Herschel Island – Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park was established as a nature preserve in 1987, as a result of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement. This agreement identifies the Yukon North Slope, including Herschel Island, as a special conservation area with the primary purpose of conserving wildlife and habitat and providing for traditional aboriginal use.

Working with the Inuvialuit and their advisory bodies, the Yukon Government has been primarily responsible for the management and maintenance of the park.

In 2006, a new Herschel Island – Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park Management Plan was jointly developed by federal and territorial government agencies, the Aklavik Hunters and Trappers Committee, the Inuviluit Game Council along with the Wildlife Management Advisory Council (North Slope). This plan outlines the management issues that have arisen since the establishment of the park and the strategies for addressing them.

Additional Resources

Contact Parks Branch

Environment Yukon

Government of Yukon

Box 2703 (V-4)
Whitehorse, Yukon
Canada Y1A 2C6

Phone: 867-667-5648
Toll free (in Yukon): 1-800-661-0408 local 5648
Fax: 867-393-6223

Email: yukon.parks@gov.yk.ca

Yukon Parks – Klondike Region

P.O. Box 600

Dawson City, Yukon

Canada Y0B 1G0

Phone: (867) 993-6850