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Silversea Expeditions: Akpatok Island, Nunavut, Canada

It is day eight on our Silversea Expeditions journey to Akpatok Island, Nunavut, Canada.

Overview of Akpatok Island

Akpatok Island is a remote and uninhabited island situated in Ungava Bay, off the northern coast of Quebec, Canada. It is the largest island in Ungava Bay and is part of the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut. The island is known for its striking limestone cliffs and unique geographical features.

Geography and Geology

Akpatok Island covers an area of approximately 349 square miles and features dramatic limestone cliffs that rise between 490 and 820 feet above the sea. The island’s landscape includes a flat plateau that stretches about 14 miles wide and 28 miles long, creating a stunning natural vista.

Wildlife

Akpatok Island is a haven for wildlife, particularly bird species. It is named after the thick-billed murre, which nests in large colonies on its cliffs. The island is recognized for its importance as a habitat for various migratory birds, including black guillemots and peregrine falcons. The surrounding waters are also home to marine mammals such as polar bears, seals, walruses, and whales, making it a rich ecological area.

Thick-Billed Murre. Silversea Photo

Human History

While currently uninhabited, Akpatok Island has a fascinating human history. Archaeological evidence indicates that the Dorset culture once inhabited the island, with remnants of their settlements found at its southern end. Inuit residents lived on the island until around 1900. In the early 1970s, an exploratory oil well was drilled on the island, leaving behind some abandoned equipment.

Access and Tourism

Due to its remote location, Akpatok Island can only be accessed by air or expedition ship. Its rugged beauty, pristine landscapes, and abundant wildlife make it an appealing destination for adventurous travelers and nature enthusiasts. The island’s unique features and ecological significance contribute to its allure as a part of Canada’s Arctic region.

Carol is not handy with a camera, but the background was so beautiful that I told her to grab the camera and pretend to be a travel photographer. I then snapped her photograph with my iPhone.

This was a stunningly beautiful destination, and as you can see, we also enjoyed a lot of beautiful weather on our journey. For those of you who might wonder, the temperatures were in the mid-40s. Nice. Right?

Stay tuned for more of our exciting adventures as we report experiences from our 14-day Arctic cruise with Silversea Expeditions.

For more information or to book an exciting Silversea Expedition cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here), and we’ll reach out to you.

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This article was written with the aid of Perplexity AI. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an independent affiliate of Cadence and a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40