Prince Leopold Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Bird sanctuary in Qikiqtaaluk Region, Canada

Prince Leopold Island is a flat, rocky island in Lancaster Sound, at the junction of Prince Regent Inlet and Barrow Strait, with vertical exposed sedimentary rock cliffs nearly all the way around. The Akpaqarvik Migratory Bird Sanctuary, established in 1992, covers 30,600 ha, including 24,000 ha of marine habitat.

The sanctuary was established in 1992 on Prince Leopold Island in Lancaster Sound, at the junction of Prince Regent Inlet and Barrow Strait. It covers 30,600 hectares, of which 24,000 hectares are marine habitat, and the IUCN classifies it as Category IV. The island also holds designation NU Site 15 as a Key Migratory Bird Terrestrial Habitat site and is Canadian Important Bird Area #NU006, with the sanctuary lying inside that area.

The island is named after Prince Leopold, a member of the British royal family, reflecting the colonial history of the Arctic. Today it stands as a symbol of Arctic conservation and partnership between wildlife authorities and the Inuit communities of Resolute Bay.

The island is difficult to reach and visitation is restricted, requiring special permission and appropriate equipment. Visitors should contact local authorities in Resolute Bay beforehand to arrange access and learn about current site conditions.

The sanctuary was renamed Akpaqarvik Migratory Bird Sanctuary, an Inuktitut name, replacing the former Prince Leopold Island designation. It also holds two overlapping conservation labels: Key Migratory Bird Terrestrial Habitat site NU Site 15 and Canadian Important Bird Area #NU006, with the sanctuary lying inside the IBA.