Katannilik Territorial Park Reserve

Fast facts

• Name: Katannilik means “the place of waterfalls”
• River: the Soper (Kuujjuaq), a Canadian Heritage River, navigable for about 31 miles (50 km)
• Trail: the Itijjagiaq Trail, about 75 miles (120 km) from Frobisher Bay to Kimmirut
• Location: the Meta Incognita Peninsula of Baffin Island
• Gateway: Kimmirut or Iqaluit
• Managed by: Nunavut Parks

The landscape

Katannilik stretches across the Meta Incognita Peninsula from Frobisher Bay to Kimmirut on Hudson Strait. Waterfalls pour down the walls of the Soper River valley, which is sheltered and warmer than the land around it, so willows grow over 6 feet (2 m) tall. Reversing falls at Soper Lake flow uphill at high tide. Caribou trails cross the tundra, and the area has been an Inuit travel route and hunting ground for centuries, with evidence of Dorset people 4,000 years ago.

Best time to go

The Soper River is paddled in July and August, when it is free of ice. Spring, from March to May, brings long days for skiing, dog sledding and snowmobiling on the Itijjagiaq Trail. Weather can turn cold and stormy in any month.

Getting there and around

Visitors fly to Iqaluit, then on to Kimmirut or by charter to the upper Soper River. Paddlers float down the river to Kimmirut, a trip of several days. Skiers and snowmobilers travel the Itijjagiaq Trail from Frobisher Bay across the land to Kimmirut. Everyone registers on the way in and out.

Things to do

The Soper is one of the most accessible Arctic river trips, with mostly gentle water, side hikes to waterfalls and good fishing for Arctic char. Hikers explore the valley, and in spring the Itijjagiaq Trail becomes a classic ski and snowmobile route. Berry picking in late summer is a local tradition.

Staying safe

This is remote Arctic terrain with no services and no cell coverage. Carry a satellite phone or messenger, and bring gear for cold, wet and windy weather in any season. The river water is very cold, so wear a life jacket and dress for immersion. Polar bears can occur near the coast, so learn bear safety and consider hiring a local guide. Emergency cabins stand along the Itijjagiaq Trail.

Know before you go

Registration is mandatory from June to October. This page is a general overview, not a live conditions report, so confirm registration, flights and conditions with Nunavut Parks before you go.

Coordinates

62.9000, -69.8500

Magnetic declination

22.9° W (2026)

Set this declination on your compass, then align it to the map's north lines; it is the angle between true north and magnetic north, refreshed each year.

How declination works, and how to navigate with a map and compass

Best seasons

Summer (July to August), Spring (skiing)

Difficulty

Strenuous (remote Arctic)

Access / trailheads

By air to Iqaluit or Kimmirut. Paddlers usually charter a flight to the upper Soper River; skiers and snowmobilers cross from Frobisher Bay near Iqaluit on the Itijjagiaq Trail.

Water

Plentiful from streams and the Soper River; treat all water.

Cell / satellite coverage

None in the park. A satellite phone or messenger is essential.

Nearest ranger / SAR / emergency

Emergencies: satellite device to 911 or the RCMP in Kimmirut/Iqaluit. Katannilik visitor centre, Kimmirut: 867-939-2416. Emergency cabins along the Itijjagiaq Trail.

Permits & regulations

Registration is mandatory on entering and leaving the park from June to October, through the Katannilik visitor centre in Kimmirut or Nunavut Parks in Iqaluit.

Leave No Trace

Camp on durable surfaces, pack out all waste, leave archaeological sites and gemstones undisturbed, and give wildlife space.