Quttinirpaaq National Park of Canada

Moonrise over Ellesmere.

Quttinirpaaq, which means Top of the World, protects the most remote, fragile, rugged and northern lands in North America on Ellesmere Island.

This arctic park is the second-largest and most northern national park in Canada.

Natural features include high mountains, polar desert and arctic tundra landscape.

Arctic wolves den within the park. Known denning areas have been closed to visitors to protect the wolves.

Quttinirpaaq is a fine place to enjoy backpacking in a wilderness environment. You can trek between Tanquary Fiord and Lake Hazen along several routes. Most routes require that you cross several rivers and at least one glacier while covering the 80 miles.

Historic sites in the park include rock cairns, caches, and camps of European and American arctic explorers. There is also an interesting camp at Fort Conger, but visitors must be accompanied by a Parks Canada staff person.

From Resolute Bay, the only way to reach the park is by charter flight.

Some icebreaking arctic cruise ships make brief visits at the park.

An orientation is required before visitors can enter the park.