WRECKS OF HMS
Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site
The Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site is the first national historic site to be co-managed by Inuit and Parks Canada.
In 1845, explorer Sir John Franklin set sail from England with two ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, in search of a Northwest Passage across what is now Canada’s Arctic. The ships and crew were last seen by Inuit on King William Island and never returned to England. Their apparent disappearance, prompted a massive search that continued unsuccessfully for nearly 170 years.
In September 2014, an expedition led by Parks Canada discovered the wreck of HMS Erebus in an area that had been identified by Inuit. Two years later the wreck of HMS Terror was located. Historical research, Inuit knowledge and the support of many partners made these discoveries possible. Now Inuit and Parks Canada are working together to jointly manage this fascinating National Historic Site. Public access to the Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site is not yet allowed.
See Superintendent’s Order for details.
THINGS TO DO
Visit the Nattilik Heritage Centre in Gjoa Haven, the community closest to the national historic site, and learn about Inuit culture on King William Island and how Inuit knowledge contributed to the discoveries of the wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. Take part in a community event, such as the annual Umiyaqtutt Festival which celebrates Inuit culture and the role of Inuit knowledge in the discoveries and ongoing understanding of the Franklin Expedition story. Take a short walk around Gjoa Haven’s iconic harbour and visit the plaque and cairn dedicated to Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, who sheltered for two winters here aboard his vessel, Gjøa, on his way through the Northwest Passage in 1903.
All activities
- Hiking
- Nattilik Heritage Centre
- Umiyaqtutt Festival
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Although the Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site is not yet accessible for visitation, the nearest community of Gjoa Haven, Nunavut offers opportunities to learn more about the history of the Franklin Expedition and to experience Inuit culture on King William Island. You can visit the Nattilik Heritage Centre, which presents exhibits about the history and culture of the area, and take part in the annual Umiyaqtutt Festival, an event that celebrates Inuit culture and the role of Inuit knowledge in the finding of the two shipwrecks. Take a short walk around Gjoa Haven’s iconic harbour and visit the plaque and cairn dedicated to Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, who sheltered for two winters here aboard his vessel, Gjøa, on his way through the Northwest Passage in 1903.
LOCATION
Gjoa Haven, King William Island, Nunavut
NATURE AND SCIENCE
In an innovative collaborative effort, Parks Canada and Inuit are working together on a multiyear investigation of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror. Experts anticipate that the thousands of artifacts remaining on the two shipwrecks – which may include written documents – together with Inuit knowledge will help further unravel the mystery of the Franklin Expedition.
SITE MANAGEMENT
The Wrecks of HMS Erebus and HMS Terror National Historic Site is Canada’s newest northern national historic site, and the first to be co-managed by Inuit and Parks Canada. It is divided into two component parts, one protecting each ship wreck. Co-managed by Parks Canada and Inuit, both parties are working together to ensure the site is protected and presented for current and future generations.
The Nunavut community of Gjoa Haven, on King William Island, is the closest community to each wreck, 125 km away from each one.
CONTACT
Iqaluit Office
PO Box 278
Iqaluit, Nunavut X0A 0H0
Phone: 867-975-4673
Fax: 867-975-4674