Qaummaarviit Territorial Park
Nunavut
Qaummaarviit Territorial Park, located 12 km west of Iqaluit in Nunavut, Canada, is a small island of about 0.25 square kilometers that was inhabited by the Thule people starting in the early 13th century. The island provided a diverse wildlife environment that supported a stable lifestyle beyond marine mammal hunting, with remains indicating seal, whale, caribou, walrus, bird, fox, wolf, and dog hunting. Archaeological excavations have uncovered over 3,000 tools and 20,000 bones, reflecting a community that likely never exceeded 25 inhabitants at a time. The island features the remains of at least 11 sod houses, stone rings, tent remains, and well-preserved floors of dwellings, illustrating year-round habitation. Additional features include stone boxes for food storage, meat caches, and stone traps used for catching animals. The park was declared a historic site in 1985 by the Government of the Northwest Territories. Visitors can reach the island by boat in summer or by snowmobile, dog sled, or skis in winter, though camping is prohibited to protect its archaeological significance.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to visit during summer months when the island is accessible by boat, or winter using snowmobiles, dog sleds, or skis. Due to the site's historic and archaeological importance, camping is not allowed. It is recommended to check local conditions and park regulations before visiting and to respect preservation rules by not disturbing the remains.
Interesting facts
- •Over 3,000 tools and 20,000 bones have been uncovered on the island, indicating extensive hunting and tool use.
- •The island supported a population that never exceeded 25 people at a time, highlighting a small, tight-knit community.
- •The presence of umiaks and qajaq is inferred from the large number of seal and whale bones found.
- •At least 11 sod houses have been identified, with some dwelling floors well preserved.
- •Stone boxes for food storage and stone traps for catching animals like foxes and wolves are visible archaeological features.
History
The island was inhabited by the Thule people from the early 13th century until approximately the end of the 18th century.
It served as a stable settlement due to its abundant wildlife, offering alternative food sources beyond marine mammals.
In 1860, explorer Charles Francis Hall noted the area's rich food resources as harvested by Inuit guides.
The site was recognized for its cultural and historical significance and declared a historic park in 1985 by the Government of the Northwest Territories.
Place Guide
Sod Houses13th century onwards
Remains of at least 11 sod houses show the Thule people's year-round habitation, with some floors well preserved, providing insight into their living conditions and architectural skills.
Stone Food Storage Boxes13th century onwards
Stone boxes used for storing food demonstrate advanced preservation techniques to protect meat from scavengers and harsh weather.
Stone Animal Traps13th century onwards
Stone traps constructed to catch foxes and wolves reveal the inhabitants' hunting strategies beyond marine mammals.
Contact
Phone: (867) 975-7700
