Ellesmere Island, Nunavut
Ellesmere Island, known as ‘Land of Muskoxen’ in Inuktitut or simply ‘Ellesmere Island’ in French, is the farthest north island of Canada and the third biggest globally, covering an area of 196,236 square kilometers, which is slightly smaller than Great Britain. It stretches about 830 kilometers in total length. Located within the Arctic Archipelago, Ellesmere Island is considered part of the Queen Elizabeth Islands. Cape Columbia, positioned at 83°06′41″N 069°57′13″W, marks the northernmost point of land in Canada and one of the most northern points globally.
The island is characterized by its mountainous landscape, mainly formed by the Arctic Cordillera mountain system, making it the most mountainous in the Arctic Archipelago. About one-fifth of the island is protected within Quttinirpaaq National Park, safeguarding its natural beauty and wildlife. Here are the major details as mentioned below.
| Highest Point | Barbeau Peak, 2,616 meters (8,583 feet) |
|---|---|
| Climate | Arctic climate, characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers |
| Wildlife | Home to various Arctic wildlife including polar bears, Arctic foxes, Arctic wolves, muskoxen, and numerous bird species |
| Human Population | Very sparsely populated, with only occasional scientific research stations and small settlements |
| Exploration | Explored by numerous expeditions seeking the Northwest Passage; notable explorers include Robert Peary and Roald Amundsen |
| Geography | Dominated by glaciers, ice caps, and tundra, with rugged mountains in the interior |
| Conservation Status | Parts of Ellesmere Island are protected within Quttinirpaaq National Park |
| Economic Activities | Limited economic activities due to harsh climate and remote location; primarily research and some mining activities |
| Indigenous Peoples | Historically inhabited by Inuit and other Arctic indigenous peoples |
| Notable Features | Mount Barbeau, Lake Hazen, Axel Heiberg Glacier, Eureka Weather Station, and the vicinity of the Magnetic North Pole |
List of Canadian Islands by Area
List of Canadian Islands by Area: The Dominion of Canada has around 52,455 islands in total excluding small islands that are present in the freshwater lakes. Baffin Island is the largest in the country which has an area of 507,451 square kilometers. The island is located between Greenland and the Canadian mainland which is known as Nunavut. The island is the fifth largest island in the world which is present in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Prince Edward Island is the smallest province of Canada that is the smallest island of the country. Below is the list of Canadian Islands by their area.