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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep. 7th 2026 Sep. 7th 2026 | max: 5.3 °C min: 2.5 °C |
25.4 m/s 33.4 m/s |
96.5 % 20.8 m |
95.4 % 1,012 hPa |
06:59:32 21:26:27 |
|
| Sep. 8th 2026 Sep. 8th 2026 | max: 5.1 °C min: 2.7 °C |
20.4 m/s 26.1 m/s |
92.9 % 8.2 m |
98.3 % 1,004 hPa |
07:03:30 21:21:50 |
|
| Sep. 9th 2026 Sep. 9th 2026 | max: 3.3 °C min: 2.1 °C |
47.9 m/s 93.1 m/s |
98.8 % 15.3 m |
95.8 % 1,011 hPa |
07:07:27 21:17:13 |
|
| Sep. 10th 2026 Sep. 10th 2026 | max: 7.4 °C min: 2.4 °C |
49.5 m/s 94.6 m/s |
92.7 % 22.1 m |
84.0 % 1,021 hPa |
07:11:23 21:12:37 |
|
| Sep. 11th 2026 Sep. 11th 2026 | max: 10.2 °C min: 5.6 °C |
29.9 m/s 54.8 m/s |
95.0 % 20.3 m |
78.1 % 1,009 hPa |
07:15:18 21:08:02 |
|
| Sep. 12th 2026 Sep. 12th 2026 | max: 7.8 °C min: 4.1 °C |
35.8 m/s 82.2 m/s |
77.6 % 12.3 m |
84.7 % 1,007 hPa |
07:19:12 21:03:27 |
|
| Sep. 13th 2026 Sep. 13th 2026 | max: 5.3 °C min: 1.8 °C |
27.6 m/s 45.2 m/s |
82.8 % 9.6 m |
85.1 % 1,017 hPa |
07:23:06 20:58:53 |
|
| Sep. 14th 2026 Sep. 14th 2026 | max: 4.4 °C min: 2 °C |
25.9 m/s 27.1 m/s |
89.2 % 19.4 m |
86.0 % 1,022 hPa |
07:26:59 20:54:19 |
|
| Sep. 15th 2026 Sep. 15th 2026 | max: 6.1 °C min: 2.6 °C |
16.6 m/s 15.4 m/s |
66.0 % 17.7 m |
81.1 % 1,016 hPa |
07:30:52 20:49:45 |
|
| Sep. 16th 2026 Sep. 16th 2026 | max: 6.5 °C min: 3.8 °C |
28.0 m/s 56.7 m/s |
72.8 % 14.2 m |
77.5 % 1,012 hPa |
07:34:44 20:45:12 |
|
| Sep. 17th 2026 Sep. 17th 2026 | max: 7.3 °C min: 4.3 °C |
38.9 m/s 63.1 m/s |
78.5 % 24.1 m |
73.0 % 1,015 hPa |
07:38:35 20:40:39 |
|
| Sep. 18th 2026 Sep. 18th 2026 | max: 4.5 °C min: 2.5 °C |
24.4 m/s 33.9 m/s |
76.5 % 24.1 m |
79.4 % 1,019 hPa |
07:42:27 20:36:07 |
|
| Sep. 19th 2026 Sep. 19th 2026 | max: 3.1 °C min: 1.7 °C |
23.2 m/s 46.4 m/s |
77.6 % 21.4 m |
77.0 % 1,016 hPa |
07:46:18 20:31:34 |
|
| Sep. 20th 2026 Sep. 20th 2026 | max: 1.9 °C min: 1.3 °C |
30.6 m/s 36.4 m/s |
79.2 % 16.4 m |
83.4 % 1,012 hPa |
07:50:09 20:27:03 |
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 | Passaengers (min - max) | Arrival | Departure | Details |
|---|
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