Comer's Midden

Comer's Midden is an archaeological excavation site in North Star Bay containing roughly 26 house ruins with rounded structures measuring between 3 to 5 meters across. The site spreads several hundred meters inland and holds multiple artifact layers from different periods.

Captain George Comer discovered the site in 1916 when his ship became trapped in ice near the Arctic Station of Thule. The area saw continuous habitation from the 14th to 20th centuries, though evidence shows a significant gap during the 17th and 18th centuries.

The rectangular structure among the ruins shows signs of a qassi, a traditional space where people made tools and gathered together.

The site is located in a remote Arctic region requiring proper equipment and preparation for harsh weather conditions. Visitors should come with experienced guides and be ready for limited accessibility during winter months.

Artifacts at the site come from three different cultural traditions: the Dorset culture, Viking-era objects, and local craftsmanship. This rare blend reveals how different peoples encountered each other in the Arctic.

Location: Avannaata

GPS coordinates: 76.56667,-68.83333

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:05