What is the northernmost point in Canada?

Cape Columbia: Canada’s Arctic Crown

In the vast expanse of the Canadian Arctic, where the icy grip of winter prevails, there lies an unyielding sentinel – Cape Columbia. This remote and desolate headland boasts the distinction of being Canada’s northernmost point. At an astonishing latitude of 83°07′ N, it stands at the very edge of the Great White North.

Cape Columbia is situated on the shores of Ellesmere Island, the northernmost island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. This rugged and unforgiving landscape is home to a myriad of towering icebergs, jagged fjords, and sweeping glaciers. The barren terrain is a testament to the unforgiving conditions that this Arctic outpost endures.

In the early 20th century, Cape Columbia played a pivotal role in the exploration of the Canadian Arctic. It served as the base camp for the ill-fated Crocker Land Expedition of 1913-1917, led by the American explorer Donald Baxter MacMillan. Despite the expedition’s failure to locate Crocker Land, its legacy endures in the scientific observations and discoveries made during its time at Cape Columbia.

Today, Cape Columbia remains a symbol of Canada’s Arctic heritage. It is a reminder of the bravery and tenacity of those who ventured into this unforgiving wilderness in search of knowledge and adventure. Visitors to Cape Columbia can explore the remnants of MacMillan’s expedition, marvel at the stunning Arctic scenery, and experience the raw beauty of Canada’s northernmost point.

While Cape Columbia may be the northernmost point in Canada, it is not the highest. That distinction belongs to Barbeau Peak, which stands at an awe-inspiring elevation of 8,583 feet in the remote peaks of Nunavut. Barbeau Peak is a testament to the geological wonders hidden within the Canadian Arctic, a land of towering summits and immense natural beauty.

Together, Cape Columbia and Barbeau Peak represent the extremes of Canada’s Arctic geography. They are beacons of resilience and beauty, standing as symbols of the nation’s vast and rugged northern frontier.