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Beaufort Sea

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Sea
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Beaufort Sea (Canada)

Weather…

The Beaufort Sea is a marginal sea of the Arctic Ocean, situated north of Alaska and the Canadian territories of Yukon and the Northwest Territories. It is characterized by extreme climatic conditions and remains covered by pack ice for most of the year. The mighty Mackenzie River flows into this sea, creating a vast delta that is a hotspot for Arctic biodiversity. The sea supports significant populations of beluga whales, ringed seals, and polar bears, all of which rely on the sea ice as a critical habitat. Geologically, the region is of immense economic interest due to substantial oil and natural gas reserves located beneath the seabed. Coastal erosion has become a severe issue here, accelerated by climate change and the thawing of permafrost. For the indigenous Inuvialuit people, the Beaufort Sea is a vital source of traditional food and a central pillar of their culture and heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-23-23-22-14-5011-1-7-16-22
Rain mm121012141417294331281512

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Generally reached via remote northern Canadian communities like Tuktoyaktuk, which is connected by the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway, allowing seasonal vehicle access.
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Best season
The brief summer window, usually July and August, is the only practical time when the sea ice thaws enough for coastal access and marginally warmer weather.
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Terrain & paths
The coastline is characterized by harsh tundra, shifting permafrost, and icy shores that are exposed to extreme Arctic weather conditions throughout the year.
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What to bring
Heavy-duty insulated clothing, windproof outer layers, warm gloves, and high-quality waterproof boots are absolutely essential, even during the brief summer months.
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Parking
Parking is available in the coastal settlements, often near the community centers or directly at the edge of the Arctic Ocean in designated visitor areas.
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Safety
Extreme cold, incredibly unpredictable weather changes, and the potential presence of polar bears require constant vigilance and preparation from all visitors.
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Time needed
Visitors typically spend a few hours walking along the shoreline, often as a highlighted part of a much larger journey to explore the remote Canadian Arctic.

Geography

Coordinates
72.00000, -137.00000

Facts

  • The Beaufort Sea covers an area of approximately 476,000 square kilometers.
  • The maximum depth of the sea reaches about 4,683 meters (15,364 feet).
  • The sea was officially named by Sir Francis Beaufort in 1826.
  • Roughly 39,000 beluga whales migrate to the Mackenzie Delta each summer.
  • The maritime boundary between Canada and the US in the sea remains disputed.
  • The pack ice in the Beaufort Sea rotates clockwise in the Beaufort Gyre.

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Beaufort Sea located?
North of the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Alaska, in the Arctic Ocean.
Can you visit the Beaufort Sea?
Yes, via places like Tuktoyaktuk, which is now accessible by a year-round road.
Are there icebergs there?
Large parts of the sea are covered by pack ice for most of the year.
What animals live here?
Beluga whales, ringed seals, and polar bears are native to this Arctic region.
What is the climate like?
Extremely Arctic; winters are severely cold, and even summers remain very cool.
Beaufort Sea: where is it located?
Beaufort Sea is located in Canada.
Beaufort Sea: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Beaufort Sea: why is it worth visiting?
The Beaufort Sea is a marginal sea of the Arctic Ocean, situated north of Alaska and the Canadian territories of Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
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Nature

South Nahanni River — Beaufort Sea (Canada)
South Nahanni River
A wilderness river in the Northwest Territories famous for the spectacular 96-metre Virginia Falls.
Great Slave Lake — Beaufort Sea (Canada)
Great Slave Lake
The deepest lake in North America and the second-largest lake in the Northwest Territories.

More places

Mackenzie Mountains — Beaufort Sea (Canada)
Mackenzie Mountains
A rugged mountain range on the border of Yukon and the Northwest Territories.