Dewey Soper Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Dewey Soper Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a protected area along the western coast of Baffin Island featuring marshland, tidal flats, and shallow circular lakes. These wetlands and open waters create diverse habitats across a vast landscape.

The sanctuary was established in 1957 as the first protected bird area in Canada's Arctic region. This early designation marked an important commitment to preserving northern wildlife.

The sanctuary is managed under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, which weaves traditional Indigenous knowledge into how wildlife is protected and monitored. Visitors can see how local communities remain connected to the land and its birds.

The site is accessible only by air, as it sits in a remote location far from regular transportation routes. You will need a permit from Environment and Climate Change Canada before you can visit.

The sanctuary hosts one of the world's largest goose colonies, drawing a major share of Canada's breeding population. This concentration of birds makes it an extraordinary place to witness migration on a massive scale.

Location: Qikiqtaaluk Region

Inception: June 20, 1957

Website: https://canada.ca/fr/environnement-changement-climatique/services/refuges-oiseaux-migrateurs/ensemble/dewey-soper.html

GPS coordinates: 66.16670,-74.00000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:21