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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr. 29th 2024 Apr. 29th 2024 | max: -7.2 °C min: -16.3 °C |
12.2 m/s 31.3 m/s |
83.3 % 1.3 m |
90.8 % 1,013 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| Apr. 30th 2024 Apr. 30th 2024 | max: -12.2 °C min: -19.7 °C |
5.8 m/s 5.4 m/s |
93.3 % 1.8 m |
85.2 % 1,024 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| May. 1st 2024 May. 1st 2024 | max: -15.6 °C min: -21.7 °C |
6.5 m/s 6.1 m/s |
79.4 % 10.5 m |
83.6 % 1,038 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| May. 2nd 2024 May. 2nd 2024 | max: -14.1 °C min: -22.7 °C |
6.8 m/s 6.1 m/s |
78.3 % 15.6 m |
78.1 % 1,040 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| May. 3rd 2024 May. 3rd 2024 | max: -14.2 °C min: -22 °C |
5.8 m/s 5.0 m/s |
65.1 % 19.3 m |
72.4 % 1,040 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| May. 4th 2024 May. 4th 2024 | max: -16.6 °C min: -22.9 °C |
4.7 m/s 4.3 m/s |
31.4 % 17.0 m |
80.1 % 1,038 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| May. 5th 2024 May. 5th 2024 | max: -14.6 °C min: -22.6 °C |
5.4 m/s 5.4 m/s |
37.5 % 24.1 m |
73.0 % 1,030 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| May. 6th 2024 May. 6th 2024 | max: -11.9 °C min: -20.3 °C |
5.0 m/s 4.7 m/s |
13.7 % 24.1 m |
74.9 % 1,022 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| May. 7th 2024 May. 7th 2024 | max: -13.1 °C min: -19.2 °C |
8.3 m/s 7.9 m/s |
53.7 % 18.9 m |
79.8 % 1,017 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| May. 8th 2024 May. 8th 2024 | max: -10.7 °C min: -20.3 °C |
7.9 m/s 10.4 m/s |
97.5 % 14.1 m |
81.6 % 1,012 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| May. 9th 2024 May. 9th 2024 | max: -9.6 °C min: -14.8 °C |
8.6 m/s 10.1 m/s |
96.5 % 2.3 m |
89.2 % 1,016 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| May. 10th 2024 May. 10th 2024 | max: -7.8 °C min: -15.7 °C |
5.5 m/s 5.0 m/s |
68.0 % 12.8 m |
89.3 % 1,022 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| May. 11th 2024 May. 11th 2024 | max: -4.6 °C min: -12.5 °C |
7.2 m/s 6.8 m/s |
30.5 % 24.1 m |
80.3 % 1,014 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| May. 12th 2024 May. 12th 2024 | max: -4.9 °C min: -12.7 °C |
9.0 m/s 8.3 m/s |
30.8 % 24.1 m |
76.1 % 1,008 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
|
| May. 13th 2024 May. 13th 2024 | max: -5.5 °C min: -13.2 °C |
8.3 m/s 7.1 m/s |
19.8 % 24.1 m |
78.1 % 1,017 hPa |
00:00:00 00:00:00 |
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 |
|---|
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 Ellesmere 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 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
