Safety and guidelines

Sirmilik National Park

Sirmilik offers spectacular scenery, wildlife, and opportunities to experience Inuit culture and learn about northern places. But there are a host of dangers associated with travel in this northern wilderness. The remoteness of this area and limited rescue capabilities increase the risk of the challenging natural hazards. All visitors must be prepared to deal with extreme and rapidly changing weather, unpredictable river crossings, high winds, and travel in polar bear country. You must be self-reliant and responsible for your own safety.

 

Important bulletins

Area closures, restricted activities and other important information that may affect visitors to Sirmilik National Park.

Visitor guidelines

Sirmilik National Park regulations, prohibited activities, registration information, environmental conservation practices and more.

Emergencies and rescue capability

Emergency services, search and rescue, and how to prepare for medical, wildlife and weather-related emergencies in Sirmilik.

Communications

Connect to emergency services from Sirmilik using a satellite phone, InReach device or personal locator beacon.

Camping safety

What equipment to bring, how to choose a safe campsite, and food management tips for safe camping in Sirmilik.

Terrain hazards

How to avoid and prepare for rockfall, avalanches, glaciers and other terrain hazards in Sirmilik National Park.

Boat and kayak safety

Find out what skills and equipment you need to travel safely in Sirmilik National Park by boat or sea kayak.

Polar bear safety

How to avoid and manage polar bear encounters in Sirmilik, where to camp, and information on deterrents and warning systems.

Wildlife safety

Safety tips to avoid and manage encounters with polar bears, foxes, wolves, and other wildlife in Sirmilik National Park.

River crossings

River crossings in Sirmilik can be dangerous. Pack the right gear, plan ahead and follow safe crossing techniques.

Snowmobile and qamutik safety

Snowmobile and qamutik travel across snow and ice can be dangerous. Learn how to avoid accidents and injuries.

Travel

Important information on emergency medical travel in Nunavut and travelling to Sirmilik with dangerous goods.

Weather, hypothermia and frostbite

Protect yourself in Sirmilik’s arctic climate. Bring the right equipment and be prepared for hazardous weather conditions.

Safety is everyone's responsibility. At Parks Canada, we do our part to make sure you can have a safe visit by assessing the risks, managing hazards, and making sure that safety information is freely available to everyone. You can do your part as visitors by making sure you seek out the information you need to stay safe and make well-informed decisions while enjoying these special places. Visit our websites and stop at a visitor center to speak with our employees for the most up to date information. Make sure you are fully prepared for whatever activities you choose to participate in so you can have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable visit.

For general information on how to stay safe and a list of the 10 essential items you should bring when enjoying the outdoors visit adventuresmart.ca

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