Quttinirpaaq, << koot tee NEER pahk, >> National Park is a protected area on northern Ellesmere Island in Nunavut, Canada. The park, which has an area of 9,334,400 acres (3,777,500 hectares), lies about 500 miles (800 kilometers) south of the North Pole. There is a Canadian military base about 28 miles (45 kilometers) east of the park. Grise Fiord, about 400 miles (640 kilometers) south of the park, is the closest permanent community. The government of Canada established Quttinirpaaq National Park in 1988.
The Grant Land Mountains cover the northern half of Quttinirpaaq National Park. The Hazen Plateau, an upland region that rises to 4,265 feet (1,300 meters) above sea level, stretches across the southern portion. Between the mountains and the uplands lies the Lake Hazen Basin, a lowland region centered around Lake Hazen. Glaciers cover about one-third of Quttinirpaaq National Park, mainly in the mountains. A number of fiords (long, narrow inlets) extend inland from the coast.
The park has a cold, dry climate. During the winter, the temperature can fall as low as –49 °F (–45 °C). In July, the hottest month, the temperature only reaches 32 to 45 °F (0 to 7 °C). The region receives less than 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) of precipitation each year. Lichens, mosses, sedges, and shrub willows grow in Quttinirpaaq’s climate. During the short summer season, Arctic wildflowers bloom.
Animals that live in Quttinirpaaq National Park include Arctic foxes, hares, and wolves; caribou; collared lemmings; ermines; musk oxen; and polar bears. Narwhals, bearded and ringed seals, and walruses swim in the waters near the park. Birds that can be seen in the park include Arctic terns, ringed plovers, rock ptarmigans, and various species of geese, gulls, and sandpipers.
There are no campgrounds or other facilities or services inside the park. Some visitors take part in such activities as back-country camping, hiking, or ski touring. Because of the park’s harsh Arctic conditions, visitors should be experienced at their chosen activity. Park officials discourage visits during the winter because the extremely low temperatures in the park are dangerous.
