Qausuittuq National Park

Qausuittuq National Park is a protected area in Canada.

Qausuittuq National Park at a Glance

Location
The Canadian Arctic, Canada, North America
Coordinates
76.115425, -99.835150
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
June to September for wildlife viewing. Polar bear season October to November in Churchill.

Getting to Qausuittuq National Park

Nearest airport: Arctic Watch Lodge Airport, 286 km away.

Weather & Climate in Qausuittuq National Park

The warmest temperatures in Qausuittuq National Park occur in July, averaging 5.6°C (up to 8.6°C). The coolest conditions are in February at -33.8°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 2.6mm. Average humidity: 76.0%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: -31.8°C (rainfall: 5.2mm)
  • February: -33.8°C (rainfall: 2.6mm)
  • March: -29.0°C (rainfall: 9.0mm)
  • April: -19.7°C (rainfall: 12.3mm)
  • May: -8.4°C (rainfall: 12.3mm)
  • June: 0.7°C (rainfall: 19.4mm)
  • July: 5.6°C (rainfall: 33.0mm)
  • August: 2.5°C (rainfall: 35.3mm)
  • September: -2.9°C (rainfall: 27.4mm)
  • October: -10.0°C (rainfall: 27.1mm)
  • November: -23.2°C (rainfall: 13.0mm)
  • December: -27.6°C (rainfall: 9.6mm)

Best Time to Visit Qausuittuq National Park

The best months to visit Qausuittuq National Park are March, April, May, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature -31.83°C, rainfall 5.2mm, sunshine 0 hrs, humidity 76.6%
  • February: Poor, temperature -33.78°C, rainfall 2.6mm, sunshine 1.4 hrs, humidity 76%
  • March: Good, temperature -29.03°C, rainfall 9mm, sunshine 7.3 hrs, humidity 76%
  • April: Good, temperature -19.67°C, rainfall 12.3mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 79%
  • May: Good, temperature -8.37°C, rainfall 12.3mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 84.2%
  • June: Good, temperature 0.73°C, rainfall 19.4mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 90%
  • July: Good, temperature 5.58°C, rainfall 33mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 87.3%
  • August: Poor, temperature 2.48°C, rainfall 35.3mm, sunshine 5 hrs, humidity 88.6%
  • September: Poor, temperature -2.86°C, rainfall 27.4mm, sunshine 1.9 hrs, humidity 88.7%
  • October: Poor, temperature -10.01°C, rainfall 27.1mm, sunshine 0.6 hrs, humidity 87.1%
  • November: Poor, temperature -23.24°C, rainfall 13mm, sunshine 0 hrs, humidity 79.6%
  • December: Poor, temperature -27.63°C, rainfall 9.6mm, sunshine 0 hrs, humidity 77.7%

Wildlife in Qausuittuq National Park

Home to 1 recorded species including 1 predators.

Recommended Packing List for Qausuittuq National Park

Based on average temperature of -14.8°C, typical conditions, humidity 83%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around -15°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - essential for camps without permanent lighting
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Similar Parks in The Canadian Arctic

Visitor Tips - Qausuittuq National Park

While Qausuittuq isn't your typical safari destination, the raw, untamed Arctic landscape offers a profound sense of isolation and wonder. We love the sheer scale of the wilderness and the chance to witness hardy Arctic wildlife in their natural, unforgiving habitat. It’s a place that truly humbles you.

Gate Times

Qausuittuq National Park is a remote wilderness area with no formal gates or visitor centres. Access is primarily via chartered aircraft or expedition ship. Independent travel requires significant planning and permits for backcountry use, especially for longer stays. We recommend booking any necessary permits well in advance, particularly if planning to visit during peak wildlife viewing seasons.

Tipping

Tipping is not a customary practice in Canadian national parks for rangers or park staff. For private guides or expedition crew associated with your travel arrangements, a gratuity of 10-15% of the service cost is generally appreciated for exceptional service, but it is entirely discretionary.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Canada

Travel advisory for Canada

Qausuittuq National Park FAQs

When is the best time to visit Qausuittuq National Park for wildlife viewing and what unique conditions should I prepare for?

The optimal time to visit Qausuittuq National Park is during the brief Arctic summer, from late June to mid-August, when the snow melts and wildlife is most active. Expect continuous daylight (midnight sun), temperatures ranging from near freezing to around 10°C, and the potential for sudden weather changes including fog and strong winds.

What unique wildlife can I hope to see in Qausuittuq National Park, and are there specific viewing tips for this Arctic environment?

Qausuittuq is home to iconic Arctic species such as polar bears, muskoxen, Peary caribou, and arctic foxes, along with various migratory birds. Wildlife viewing often requires patience and keen observation in the vast, open tundra, and it's crucial to maintain safe distances, especially from polar bears, and never disturb the animals.

What are the primary logistical challenges and estimated costs associated with traveling to and exploring Qausuittuq National Park?

Accessing Qausuittuq National Park is a significant undertaking, typically involving chartered flights from Resolute Bay to designated landing strips within the park, making it very expensive. Visitors must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying all supplies and equipment, and often require experienced guides for safety and navigation in this remote wilderness.

Given its remote Arctic location, what are the main safety considerations for visitors to Qausuittuq National Park?

Primary safety concerns in Qausuittuq include polar bear encounters, extreme weather conditions leading to hypothermia, and the challenges of navigation in vast, unmarked terrain. Visitors are strongly advised to travel in groups, carry satellite communication devices, and be proficient in wilderness survival skills and bear safety protocols.

Beyond wildlife viewing, what unique activities or experiences can visitors expect in Qausuittuq National Park's High Arctic landscape?

Qausuittuq offers unparalleled opportunities for remote wilderness hiking, photography of stunning Arctic landscapes, and experiencing the profound solitude of the High Arctic. Visitors can explore ancient Thule archaeological sites, witness the unique flora of the tundra, and immerse themselves in an environment largely untouched by human presence.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.