Herschel Island, also known as Qikiqtaruk, is an island located in the Beaufort Sea in the Canadian Arctic. It is located off the coast of Yukon Territory and is part of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. It is the northernmost point of land in Yukon and the westernmost point of the Arctic Ocean.
Herschel Island is about 4.8 km long and 2.4 km wide, making it the largest island in the Beaufort Sea. It is made up of a low-lying plain, with a few hills, and is covered in tundra vegetation. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including polar bears, muskoxen, Arctic foxes, and birds.
Herschel Island has a long and rich history. It was first discovered in 1771 by the British explorer Samuel Hearne, and was named after his patron, Sir William Herschel. In 1826, the Hudson's Bay Company established a trading post on the island, which remained in operation until the late 19th century. In the early 20th century, the island was used as a base for whaling operations.
In the late 20th century, Herschel Island was designated as a Territorial Park in Yukon. The park protects the island's unique cultural and natural heritage, and is home to a variety of archaeological sites. It is also a popular destination for ecotourism, and visitors can explore the island's tundra landscape and observe its wildlife.
Herschel Island is an important part of Canada's Arctic history and culture, and is a unique and beautiful part of the Canadian landscape.
Experience Herschel 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 Herschel 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.
Herschel Island in Canada has a subarctic climate, with long and cold winters and short and cool summers. Winters are very cold with temperatures averaging between -15 to -30°C and snowfall of up to 2 meters. Spring is cool and wet, with temperatures gradually increasing from April onwards. Summers are short and cool with temperatures averaging around 10°C and days of sunshine. Autumn is also cool and wet, with temperatures gradually decreasing from September onwards.
Our weather forecast for Herschel 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: -17.0 °C min: -26.1 °C |
25.2 m/s 39.2 m/s |
74.6 % 8.7 m |
78.6 % 1,013 hPa |
||
Dec. 23rd 2024 Dec. 23rd 2024 | max: -19.2 °C min: -27.6 °C |
23.8 m/s 37.4 m/s |
95.4 % 4.9 m |
77.5 % 1,013 hPa |
||
Dec. 24th 2024 Dec. 24th 2024 | max: -20.8 °C min: -22.5 °C |
13.0 m/s 16.2 m/s |
100.0 % 0.4 m |
77.0 % 999 hPa |
||
Dec. 25th 2024 Dec. 25th 2024 | max: -20.8 °C min: -21.4 °C |
12.6 m/s 15.8 m/s |
100.0 % 2.6 m |
78.0 % 990 hPa |
||
Dec. 26th 2024 Dec. 26th 2024 | max: -21.7 °C min: -24.6 °C |
36.0 m/s 49.7 m/s |
99.1 % 3.9 m |
74.5 % 991 hPa |
||
Dec. 27th 2024 Dec. 27th 2024 | max: -22.7 °C min: -23.5 °C |
40.7 m/s 53.6 m/s |
99.4 % 2.9 m |
72.4 % 1,005 hPa |
||
Dec. 28th 2024 Dec. 28th 2024 | max: -23.6 °C min: -31.5 °C |
40.6 m/s 57.6 m/s |
58.8 % 15.8 m |
66.5 % 1,027 hPa |
||
Dec. 29th 2024 Dec. 29th 2024 | max: -31.6 °C min: -33.1 °C |
14.8 m/s 22.0 m/s |
14.7 % 23.7 m |
67.5 % 1,039 hPa |
||
Dec. 30th 2024 Dec. 30th 2024 | max: -23.2 °C min: -32.2 °C |
46.4 m/s 71.6 m/s |
57.9 % 17.0 m |
71.1 % 1,035 hPa |
||
Dec. 31st 2024 Dec. 31st 2024 | max: -13.9 °C min: -22.9 °C |
45.2 m/s 69.1 m/s |
96.3 % 24.1 m |
69.5 % 1,012 hPa |
||
Jan. 1st 2025 Jan. 1st 2025 | max: -5.1 °C min: -13.8 °C |
40.7 m/s 68.0 m/s |
96.6 % 22.8 m |
77.4 % 1,019 hPa |
||
Jan. 2nd 2025 Jan. 2nd 2025 | max: -10.7 °C min: -22.4 °C |
27.5 m/s 47.0 m/s |
68.3 % 19.8 m |
80.1 % 1,027 hPa |
||
Jan. 3rd 2025 Jan. 3rd 2025 | max: -16.2 °C min: -18.9 °C |
16.9 m/s 24.5 m/s |
100.0 % 7.6 m |
81.0 % 1,026 hPa |
Would you like to travel to Herschel 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 Herschel Island.
Date | Ship | Arrival | Departure | Details |
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Sep. 11th 2025 Thursday, 11th of Sep. 2025 | Silver Endeavour | 07:00 am | 02:00 pm |
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