Herschel Island

Welcome to Herschel Island

Herschel Island extends 16 kilometres from east to west, 13 kilometres from north to south, and measures 182 metres at its highest point. This treeless, wind-swept island is surprisingly rich in biological resources. The surrounding waters have an abundance of aquatic mammals and fish and many types of large mammals can be seen on the nearby mainland. As well, over 50 species of birds have been sighted, and nearly 100 varieties of Arctic vegetation grow here.

Despite its remote location and small size, Herschel Island has played a large part in Yukon history. Since prehistoric times, coastal natives have used its sheltered southeast bay for seasonal hunting and fishing camps. Sir John Franklin was the first European to visit the area and named the island in July 1826 for the English astronomer and chemist Sir John Frederick William Herschel. After being charted in 1837, the island was left undisturbed for half a century until American ships of the Pacific Steam Whaling Company wintered here in order to get an early start on the short Arctic whaling season. The whalers later brought materials to build warehouses and living quarters; and for the next 10 years, Herschel Island had a winter colony at Pauline Cove of up to 15 ships and 500 people.

This had a severe impact on the Inuit who came to barter furs and fresh meat for modern trade goods. Alcohol and disease reduced the native population of the region from 2,000 before the whalers' arrival, to a few hundred by the time they left. Responding to reports of the illegal liquor trade, Anglican missionary Reverend I.O. Stringer first visited the island in 1893, then later returned to establish a mission and school.

Government recognition of the area occurred in 1903 when the North-west Mounted Police came to enforce Canadian laws among the mostly American whalers. By that time, however, Herschel's heyday was nearly over. The whalers were moving east, after better hunting, and in 1907 the market for whalebone plummeted.

Despite the slump in whaling, the fur trade continued to be important and in 1915, the Hudson's Bay Company opened its most northern post here. Herschel Island continued to be an important stop for various explorers and scientists who came to obtain supplies and send mail. As well, Herschel was the Royal Canadian Mounted Police administrative centre for the western Arctic for more than 20 years. But when most residents moved to the Mackenzie Delta in the 1930s, they were followed by the church, the police and the traders. The Mounted Police detachment did not officially close until 1964.

Modern communications and transportation have made Herschel Island much more accessible than in the days of R.C.M.P. dog team patrols and long whaling voyages. There is a resurgence of interest in this little island, not only for its potential resource wealth, but also for its fascinating ecology and colourful history.

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