Beechey Island is a small island located in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago in Nunavut, Canada. It is located in the Queen Maud Gulf, off the northern coast of Cornwallis Island, and is the northernmost island in the eastern portion of the archipelago. It is approximately 8 km wide and 12 km long, and is home to a variety of wildlife including seals, walrus, polar bears, and numerous species of birds.
Beechey Island is best known for its historical significance as the site of the 1845 Franklin Expedition, in which Sir John Franklin and his crew of 129 men attempted to navigate the Northwest Passage. The expedition ended in tragedy when the crew became stuck in the ice and all perished. In 1854, the crew's graves were discovered on Beechey Island by a search party led by John Rae.
Today, Beechey Island is a popular destination for polar exploration, as it is located in a region of the Canadian Arctic that is relatively ice-free during the summer months. The island is also home to a variety of archaeological sites, including the Franklin Expedition graves, as well as Inuit sites dating back to the 19th century. In addition, the island is home to multiple research stations, including the Beechey Island Research Station, which is operated by the University of Alberta and is used for research into the Arctic environment.
Experience Beechey Island 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 Beechey Island. 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.
Beechey Island in Canada has a cold and severe climate. During the winter months, temperatures range from -25 to -10 degrees Celsius, with strong winds and snowfall. In the spring and summer, temperatures range from 0 to 12 degrees Celsius, with occasional rain. During the autumn months, temperatures can range from -10 to 0 degrees Celsius and there is often snow. Overall, the climate in Beechey Island is cold and harsh throughout the year.
Our weather forecast for Beechey Island 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. 31st 2024 Dec. 31st 2024 | max: -29.6 °C min: -35.7 °C |
19.8 m/s 30.2 m/s |
38.8 % 23.0 m |
64.4 % 1,037 hPa |
||
| Jan. 1st 2025 Jan. 1st 2025 | max: -30.7 °C min: -36.5 °C |
19.8 m/s 31.0 m/s |
79.3 % 7.9 m |
70.5 % 1,027 hPa |
||
| Jan. 2nd 2025 Jan. 2nd 2025 | max: -34.7 °C min: -39.1 °C |
19.8 m/s 29.9 m/s |
92.0 % 5.4 m |
69.1 % 1,022 hPa |
||
| Jan. 3rd 2025 Jan. 3rd 2025 | max: -33.3 °C min: -38.1 °C |
14.0 m/s 17.6 m/s |
93.4 % 3.0 m |
70.7 % 1,028 hPa |
||
| Jan. 4th 2025 Jan. 4th 2025 | max: -34.0 °C min: -38.3 °C |
13.3 m/s 15.7 m/s |
30.2 % 22.8 m |
65.3 % 1,027 hPa |
||
| Jan. 5th 2025 Jan. 5th 2025 | max: -19.7 °C min: -33.1 °C |
27.4 m/s 54.0 m/s |
100.0 % 8.2 m |
72.5 % 1,009 hPa |
||
| Jan. 6th 2025 Jan. 6th 2025 | max: -16.3 °C min: -25.6 °C |
18.0 m/s 29.9 m/s |
94.3 % 1.8 m |
82.1 % 1,013 hPa |
||
| Jan. 7th 2025 Jan. 7th 2025 | max: -28.1 °C min: -35.1 °C |
20.2 m/s 28.1 m/s |
28.2 % 23.5 m |
68.9 % 1,028 hPa |
||
| Jan. 8th 2025 Jan. 8th 2025 | max: -25.5 °C min: -35 °C |
23.4 m/s 36.0 m/s |
92.8 % 23.4 m |
66.3 % 1,026 hPa |
||
| Jan. 9th 2025 Jan. 9th 2025 | max: -19.4 °C min: -27.1 °C |
15.5 m/s 20.2 m/s |
99.8 % 5.3 m |
77.1 % 1,020 hPa |
||
| Jan. 10th 2025 Jan. 10th 2025 | max: -16.8 °C min: -25.7 °C |
12.2 m/s 16.2 m/s |
90.4 % 1.7 m |
81.6 % 1,013 hPa |
||
| Jan. 11th 2025 Jan. 11th 2025 | max: -22.1 °C min: -26.4 °C |
16.3 m/s 23.3 m/s |
70.1 % 5.5 m |
76.9 % 1,011 hPa |
||
| Jan. 12th 2025 Jan. 12th 2025 | max: -18.5 °C min: -21.7 °C |
16.6 m/s 24.1 m/s |
98.4 % 0.7 m |
80.9 % 1,007 hPa |
||
| Jan. 13th 2025 Jan. 13th 2025 | max: -20.3 °C min: -28.1 °C |
19.4 m/s 29.5 m/s |
60.6 % 10.0 m |
77.4 % 1,004 hPa |
Would you like to travel to Beechey Island 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 Beechey Island.
| Date | Ship | Arrival | Departure | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep. 2nd 2025 Tuesday, 2nd of Sep. 2025 | Silver Endeavour | 03:00 pm | 10:00 pm | |
| Sep. 6th 2025 Saturday, 6th of Sep. 2025 | SH Vega | 12:00 am | 12:00 am |
Photos by cruise fans for cruise fans!
Share your best pictures with the community and discover authentic images from travellers who have already been there.
- There are no photos available for Beechey Island yet.
Share your holiday photos with the community and inspire others to their next adventure!
There are a few basic rules to follow
.| Port | Distance |
|---|---|
| Resolute Bay in Canada | 87,53 km |
| Prince Leopold Island in Canada | 92,16 km |
| Devon Island in Canada | 124,33 km |
| Fury Beach in Canada | 212,56 km |
| Jonessund in Canada | 217,86 km |
| Peel Sound in Canada | 238,45 km |
| Dundas Harbour in Canada | 279,43 km |
