Booth Island (Nunavut)
Booth Island is an uninhabited island located in the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut, Canada. It lies in Spence Bay (Taloyoak) adjacent to the mainland of the Boothia Peninsula, which is the northernmost point of mainland North America. The island is named after Sir Felix Booth, a distiller who financed the 1829-1833 Arctic expedition led by Sir John Ross.
The island's topography is characterized by rocky terrain and low-lying tundra vegetation, typical of the Arctic landscape. Due to its northerly latitude and harsh climate, Booth Island experiences long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Sea ice surrounds the island for a significant portion of the year, limiting accessibility by sea.
Wildlife on and around Booth Island includes various Arctic species, such as polar bears, seals, walruses, Arctic foxes, and migratory birds. The surrounding waters are home to marine mammals like beluga whales.
Booth Island holds historical significance relating to early Arctic exploration. It served as a landmark for explorers searching for the Northwest Passage. There are no permanent settlements or significant infrastructure on the island, reflecting its remote and challenging environment. The island falls under the jurisdiction of the Government of Nunavut, which manages land use and resource management in the region.