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Geological site · Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories
Ibyuk Pingo
Ice-cored hills covered with soil that rise from the tundra near Tuktoyaktuk, protected as a natural landmark; the largest is about 49 meters tall.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Ibyuk Pingo
Pingos are cone-shaped hills that form in areas of frozen ground when a lake dries and the remaining water at the bottom freezes and expands, pushing the soil upward. Inside they have an ice core; on the outside they are covered by soil and tundra vegetation.
The Tuktoyaktuk peninsula has one of the largest concentrations of pingos in the world, with about 1,350. Eight of them, near the community, make up the Pingo Canadian Landmark, a protected area. The largest, Ibyuk, is about 49 meters high and is one of the largest known; it grows a few centimeters per year.
Pingos appear as isolated mounds on the flat landscape and served as landmarks for the Inuvialuit when travelling. The protected area has no trails or facilities; locals offer guided boat or walking tours.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours.
Best time
From July to August, when the tundra is green. Visit with a local guide.
How to get there
About 5 km west of Tuktoyaktuk, visible from the road and the community; to get closer, take a guided boat or walking tour.
Tip
Do not climb on the pingos: the vegetation is fragile and erosion exposes the ice core.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Ibyuk Pingo
What is a pingo?
A hill with an ice core, covered by soil, that forms in frozen ground.
How tall is the largest pingo in Tuktoyaktuk?
Ibyuk is about 49 meters tall.
Can you climb the pingos?
It is not recommended; the vegetation is fragile and the area is protected.