March 2001

Government of Canada
Parks Canada
Nunavut Field Unit

Auyuittuq, Quttinirpaaq and Sirmilik National Parks

Introduction

The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement requires government and Inuit to conclude an Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA) prior to the establishment of national parks in Nunavut. An IIBA, signed on August 12, 1999, covers Auyuittuq, Quttinirpaaq and Sirmilik together, but there are some sections specific to each park. Some sections are unique to Sirmilik because this Park includes most of the existing Bylot Island Bird Sanctuary within its boundaries. The conservation regime for the Sanctuary will remain in effect with the establishment of the national park.

Auyuittuq National Park

Auyuittuq ("the land that never melts") National Park of Canada is 19,707 km2 in size, and is representative of the Davis Strait Natural Region. Established as Auyuittuq National Park Reserve in 1976, Auyuittuq attained full national park status in 2000. It has been in operation since the early 1970s with approximately 600 visitors a season. Winter "freeze-up" and spring "thaw" seasonally limit travel to and from the Park. Summer season travel is possible July to mid-September, and winter season travel is possible generally late November through May. Visitor use may include hiking, climbing, glacial travel, ski touring and ski mountaineering. Local outfitters currently provide boat transportation, guided trips and dog sledding or snowmobile transportation to the Park for visitors. Park Offices and Visitor Centres are located in Pangnirtung and Qikiqtarjuaq.

Quttinirpaaq National Park

Quttinirpaaq ("top of the world") National Park of Canada is representative of the Eastern High Arctic Natural Region and is Canada’s second largest national park, covering 37,775 km2. Established as Ellesmere Island National Park Reserve in 1988, Quttinirpaaq attained full national park status in 2000. Seasonal from June to August with approximately 150 visitors, staff and visitors travel to Resolute Bay then on to Tanquary Fiord where a base camp/operational centre is located.

Sirmilik National Park

Sirmilik ("the place of glaciers") National Park of Canada, the newest of the three Baffin parks, offers spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing, and is rich in archaeological sites and cultural heritage, benefitting visitors with a rewarding wilderness experience. Sirmilik was established in 2000 and covers approximately 22,200 km2 representing the Eastern Arctic Lowlands Natural Region. A Park office was opened in Pond Inlet next to the Visitor Centre, and staff have been preparing pre-trip information and are, themselves, becoming familiar with the area. The operating season may be similar to that of Auyuittuq, dependent upon temperatures and snow and ice conditions.

During 2000, Joint Park Management Committees were established for Auyuittuq, Quttinirpaaq and Sirmilik. Each Committee is a six-person team; three appointed by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and three by the federal government; and provides advice to the Minister responsible for Parks on all aspects of park planning and management.

Sirmilik National Park of Canada

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