Ward Hunt Ice Shelf

The Ward Hunt Ice Shelf is a vast expanse of floating ice attached to the northern coast of Ellesmere Island in Canada's Arctic. It presents a flat, white landscape where ice meets ocean, forming a distinctive feature visible from far across the frozen terrain.

British explorers first documented this ice formation during their 1875 to 1876 expedition to northwestern Ellesmere Island. In 2002, the shelf fractured dramatically and released massive amounts of freshwater, revealing how quickly Arctic conditions can shift.

Scientists from multiple nations conduct research at the ice shelf, collecting data about climate patterns and geological transformations in the Arctic region.

Reaching this location requires specialized aircraft or helicopters since no roads or harbors exist in the area. Visitors should expect extreme cold, continuous ice, and extended darkness during certain seasons.

When the shelf cracked open in 2002, it revealed a hidden freshwater lake trapped beneath the ice. This discovery surprised researchers because it demonstrated that intricate water systems exist hidden under the frozen surface.

Location: Nunavut

GPS coordinates: 83.04030,-73.26050

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:44