Devon Island
in Canada

Devon Island

Devon Island is the largest uninhabited island on Earth, located in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago of Nunavut. It is approximately 55,247 km2 (21,331 sq mi) and is the 27th largest island in the world. It is located in the Arctic Ocean, approximately 437 km (272 mi) north of the Arctic Circle and is separated from Baffin Island by the Lancaster Sound.

The island is mainly composed of sedimentary rocks, with some igneous intrusions. The terrain is mostly flat, with some low hills in the north. The highest point is the Devon Ice Cap at 1,920 m (6,300 ft). The island is covered in glaciers, tundra, and barren rock.

The island was first discovered in 1616 by William Baffin and was named after the Earl of Devon, a British nobleman. It was explored extensively by the British in the 19th century. In the 1950s, Devon Island was used as a test site for the Canadian military’s early warning radar system.

Devon Island is home to a variety of wildlife, including polar bears, caribou, muskoxen, Arctic foxes, and lemmings. It is also home to a variety of seabirds, including murres, kittiwakes, and guillemots.

In 1997, Devon Island became the site of the Haughton-Mars Project, a research station dedicated to studying the environment and its potential for human habitation. The project has since been extended to include a Mars Analogue Research Station (MARS), which studies the possibility of human exploration and habitation on Mars.

Devon Island is an important part of Canada’s Arctic history and continues to be studied today. It is a unique environment that is home to a wide variety of wildlife and is an ideal location for research on the Arctic environment.

Experience Devon 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 Devon 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.

The climate in Devon Island

Devon Island in Canada has a cold, arctic climate. In the winter, temperatures average around -20°C and can drop to as low as -30°C, with high winds and snowfall. In the spring, temperatures start to rise and snow begins to melt, but the weather is still very cold. In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 10°C and the days are long and sunny. In the autumn, temperatures drop again and the days become shorter. Overall, the climate in Devon Island is cold and dry, with temperatures ranging from -30°C to 10°C throughout the year.

Cruise weather for Devon Island

Our weather forecast for Devon 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.

Galery: Devon Island

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