Banks Island is one of the largest islands in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago located in the Northwest Territories. It is situated between the Beaufort Sea, the Amundsen Gulf, and the M'Clure Strait. The island is approximately 250 km (155 mi) long and 130 km (81 mi) wide and has an area of about 17,000 km² (6,600 mi²). It is the seventh largest island in Canada, and the 13th largest island in the world.
Banks Island is home to a variety of wildlife, including polar bears, caribou, wolves, muskoxen, and various species of birds. The island is also home to several Inuit communities, including Sachs Harbour, Inuvik, and Tuktoyaktuk.
The earliest known inhabitants of Banks Island were the Inuit, who inhabited the island for thousands of years. The first Europeans to visit the island were the British explorers John and James Clark Ross, who arrived in 1826. In 1852, the Hudson's Bay Company established a trading post on the island, which was used until the early 20th century.
Banks Island is also home to several important historical events in Canadian history. In 1851, the first Canadian Arctic Expedition took place on the island, led by the explorer John Rae. In 1854, the first commercial whaling expedition in the Canadian Arctic was launched from Banks Island. In 1883, the first North Pole expedition was launched from the island.
Banks Island has a unique and diverse landscape, ranging from mountains and glaciers to tundra and boreal forests. Its rugged coastline is dotted with glaciers, icebergs, and fjords. The island also has a number of archaeological sites, including ancient Inuit campsites, which provide insight into the history and culture of the Inuit.
Experience Banksinsel with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Banksinsel. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.
Banksinsel in Canada experiences a mild climate over the four seasons. Spring is cool and wet, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C. Summer is warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Fall is cool and wet, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C. Winter is cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 5°C. Overall, Banksinsel has mild temperatures throughout the year, with significant precipitation during the spring and fall.
Our weather forecast for Banksinsel helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.
Date | Icon | Temperature | Wind speed/gusts | Cloudiness/Visibility | Air humidity/pressure | Sunrise/Sunset |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 22nd 2024 Dec. 22nd 2024 | max: -22.4 °C min: -32 °C |
13.0 m/s 16.9 m/s |
99.5 % 18.3 m |
72.1 % 1,010 hPa |
||
Dec. 23rd 2024 Dec. 23rd 2024 | max: -28.9 °C min: -35.9 °C |
16.6 m/s 29.5 m/s |
25.8 % 17.6 m |
71.6 % 1,012 hPa |
||
Dec. 24th 2024 Dec. 24th 2024 | max: -20.3 °C min: -35.6 °C |
25.2 m/s 45.7 m/s |
69.8 % 13.4 m |
71.1 % 1,009 hPa |
||
Dec. 25th 2024 Dec. 25th 2024 | max: -15.8 °C min: -19.3 °C |
25.6 m/s 44.3 m/s |
99.8 % 0.3 m |
82.5 % 995 hPa |
||
Dec. 26th 2024 Dec. 26th 2024 | max: -16.1 °C min: -27.3 °C |
11.2 m/s 10.4 m/s |
72.8 % 12.1 m |
78.4 % 996 hPa |
||
Dec. 27th 2024 Dec. 27th 2024 | max: -21.2 °C min: -24.3 °C |
16.9 m/s 24.1 m/s |
76.1 % 15.1 m |
78.5 % 1,002 hPa |
||
Dec. 28th 2024 Dec. 28th 2024 | max: -22.4 °C min: -24.5 °C |
9.0 m/s 10.4 m/s |
84.3 % 1.5 m |
79.3 % 1,010 hPa |
||
Dec. 29th 2024 Dec. 29th 2024 | max: -20.5 °C min: -24.8 °C |
24.8 m/s 40.7 m/s |
98.0 % 0.8 m |
78.2 % 1,021 hPa |
||
Dec. 30th 2024 Dec. 30th 2024 | max: -25.2 °C min: -38 °C |
26.6 m/s 45.4 m/s |
35.3 % 20.5 m |
67.4 % 1,034 hPa |
||
Dec. 31st 2024 Dec. 31st 2024 | max: -34.7 °C min: -42.6 °C |
14.8 m/s 25.9 m/s |
90.2 % 6.9 m |
67.2 % 1,038 hPa |
||
Jan. 1st 2025 Jan. 1st 2025 | max: -30.3 °C min: -39.5 °C |
24.5 m/s 47.2 m/s |
75.5 % 10.4 m |
67.2 % 1,036 hPa |
||
Jan. 2nd 2025 Jan. 2nd 2025 | max: -21.3 °C min: -29.6 °C |
24.1 m/s 43.2 m/s |
100.0 % 1.4 m |
75.0 % 1,025 hPa |
||
Jan. 3rd 2025 Jan. 3rd 2025 | max: -23.0 °C min: -32.7 °C |
20.2 m/s 38.0 m/s |
8.8 % 23.6 m |
70.0 % 1,025 hPa |
||
Jan. 4th 2025 Jan. 4th 2025 | max: -22.4 °C min: -33.7 °C |
22.3 m/s 43.2 m/s |
69.3 % 6.8 m |
74.6 % 1,024 hPa |
||
Jan. 5th 2025 Jan. 5th 2025 | max: -32.4 °C min: -43 °C |
24.5 m/s 50.0 m/s |
14.7 % 24.1 m |
62.9 % 1,032 hPa |
Would you like to travel to Banksinsel on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Banksinsel.
Date | Ship | Arrival | Departure | Details |
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.Port | Distance |
---|---|
Sachs Harbour in Canada | 193,58 km |
Amundsen Golf in Canada | 284,94 km |
Holman Island in Canada | 287,83 km |