Ellesmere Island is the northernmost island in Canada, located in the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut. It is the 10th largest island in the world and the largest island in Canada, covering an area of 196,236 km2. Ellesmere Island is located in the Arctic Ocean, about 500 km from the North Pole, and is surrounded by several smaller islands, including Axel Heiberg Island, Devon Island, and Baffin Island.
The island is mostly covered in glaciers and ice fields, with some areas of tundra and rocky terrain. The highest point is Barbeau Peak, at an elevation of 2,616 m. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including polar bears, muskoxen, Arctic foxes, and Arctic hares.
The first recorded sighting of Ellesmere Island was by the British explorer William Baffin in 1616. In 1875, a British Arctic Expedition led by George Nares explored the island, and in the early 1900s, the island was surveyed by the Canadian government. In the late 1950s, the Canadian government established a research station on the island, which is still in operation today.
In the late 1980s, Ellesmere Island was declared a National Wildlife Area, and in 1993, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island is home to several cultural and historical sites, including the remains of an ancient Thule settlement, which dates back to the 11th century.
Ellesmere Island is a remote and beautiful place, and it is an important part of Canada's history and culture. It is a place of great natural beauty and a reminder of the harshness of the Arctic climate.
Experience Ellesmere 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 Ellesmere 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.
Ellesmere Island in Canada experiences a polar climate, with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. During the winter, temperatures range from -20°C to -40°C, and the area is blanketed in snow for the majority of the season. In the spring, temperatures rise to between 0°C and 10°C, and the snow begins to melt. Summers are short and cool, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C, and long days of sunshine. Autumn brings temperatures between -10°C and 0°C, and the snow begins to fall again.
Our weather forecast for Ellesmere 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. 22nd 2024 Dec. 22nd 2024 | max: -31.1 °C min: -35 °C |
6.8 m/s 6.1 m/s |
88.7 % 3.6 m |
72.1 % 1,015 hPa |
||
| Dec. 23rd 2024 Dec. 23rd 2024 | max: -35.2 °C min: -38.6 °C |
7.6 m/s 6.5 m/s |
44.5 % 18.2 m |
67.9 % 1,007 hPa |
||
| Dec. 24th 2024 Dec. 24th 2024 | max: -35.4 °C min: -39.6 °C |
7.9 m/s 6.5 m/s |
58.9 % 14.3 m |
66.6 % 1,013 hPa |
||
| Dec. 25th 2024 Dec. 25th 2024 | max: -34.4 °C min: -35.5 °C |
10.4 m/s 8.3 m/s |
15.4 % 23.4 m |
67.2 % 1,016 hPa |
||
| Dec. 26th 2024 Dec. 26th 2024 | max: -26.0 °C min: -34.3 °C |
8.0 m/s 6.8 m/s |
47.7 % 21.2 m |
53.1 % 1,019 hPa |
||
| Dec. 27th 2024 Dec. 27th 2024 | max: -21.3 °C min: -27.5 °C |
6.5 m/s 5.3 m/s |
95.8 % 5.7 m |
78.7 % 1,025 hPa |
||
| Dec. 28th 2024 Dec. 28th 2024 | max: -27.1 °C min: -29.1 °C |
8.3 m/s 6.8 m/s |
91.4 % 9.4 m |
75.2 % 1,030 hPa |
||
| Dec. 29th 2024 Dec. 29th 2024 | max: -24.7 °C min: -28.7 °C |
7.9 m/s 6.5 m/s |
25.9 % 24.1 m |
62.2 % 1,026 hPa |
||
| Dec. 30th 2024 Dec. 30th 2024 | max: -21.0 °C min: -26.3 °C |
9.7 m/s 8.3 m/s |
100.0 % 4.1 m |
72.8 % 1,021 hPa |
||
| Dec. 31st 2024 Dec. 31st 2024 | max: -26.6 °C min: -35.6 °C |
11.2 m/s 9.0 m/s |
97.6 % 7.1 m |
70.1 % 1,022 hPa |
||
| Jan. 1st 2025 Jan. 1st 2025 | max: -34.7 °C min: -37.7 °C |
10.6 m/s 9.0 m/s |
63.5 % 13.0 m |
64.9 % 1,022 hPa |
||
| Jan. 2nd 2025 Jan. 2nd 2025 | max: -30.4 °C min: -36.6 °C |
8.6 m/s 7.2 m/s |
89.1 % 14.3 m |
69.2 % 1,014 hPa |
||
| Jan. 3rd 2025 Jan. 3rd 2025 | max: -33.6 °C min: -36 °C |
9.0 m/s 7.9 m/s |
64.5 % 10.2 m |
69.7 % 1,004 hPa |
Would you like to travel to Ellesmere 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 Ellesmere Island.
| Date | Ship | Arrival | Departure | Details |
|---|
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.| Port | Distance |
|---|---|
| Alexandra Fiord in Canada | 61,48 km |
| Smithsund in Canada | 152,37 km |
| Markison Fjord in Canada | 218,50 km |
| Kap Constitution in Greenland | 293,06 km |
