Canadian Arctic Islands: Complete List Within the Arctic Circle

Canada's Arctic Archipelago contains numerous islands north of the Arctic Circle (66°33′N). These remote lands form part of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, characterized by polar climate, unique ecosystems, and Inuit homeland.

Major Islands (by size)

• Ellesmere Island – 196,236 km² (10th largest globally). Northernmost Canadian island. Quttinirpaaq National Park.
• Victoria Island – 217,291 km² (8th largest). Straddles Nunavut/NWT border. Cambridge Bay and Ulukhaktok communities.
• Banks Island – 70,028 km². Aulavik National Park. Muskoxen populations.
• Devon Island – 55,247 km². Largest uninhabited island globally. Haughton impact crater (Mars analog research).
• Axel Heiberg Island – 43,178 km². Expedition Fiord research station. Fossil forests.
• Melville Island – 42,149 km². Shared Nunavut/NWT. Historic Parry wintering site.

Significant Smaller Islands

• Bathurst Island – 16,042 km². Polar Bear Pass National Wildlife Area.
• Prince Patrick Island – 15,848 km². Westernmost Queen Elizabeth Island.
• Borden Island – 2,794 km². Shared Nunavut/NWT.
• Brock Island – 764 km².
• Cornwallis Island – 6,995 km². Resolute (Qausuittuq) – major research/logistics hub.
• Amund Ringnes Island – 5,255 km².
• Ellef Ringnes Island – 4,645 km².

Geopolitical & Environmental Significance

These islands represent Canadian sovereignty in the High Arctic. Climate change impacts (permafrost thaw, sea ice loss) affect ecosystems and Inuit communities. Resource potential (minerals, hydrocarbons) balanced against environmental protection and Indigenous rights under Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.