Banks Island facts for kids
Banks Island is a very large island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. It is located in the Northwest Territories of Canada. This amazing island is surrounded by several important bodies of water and other islands.
To its east, the Prince of Wales Strait separates it from Victoria Island. To the south, the Amundsen Gulf separates it from the mainland. The Beaufort Sea is to its west. In the northeast, the McClure Strait separates Banks Island from Prince Patrick Island and Melville Island.
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Discovering Banks Island
Banks Island was officially named in 1820. It was named by Sir William Parry. He chose the name to honor Sir Joseph Banks, a famous scientist.
Later, during an exploration by Robert McClure between 1850 and 1854, the island was sometimes called "Baring Island" on their maps. But the name Banks Island stuck!
Life on Banks Island
Banks Island is a huge place, but not many people live there. The only permanent community is called Sachs Harbour. It is also known as Ikhuak by the local Inuvialuit people. This small settlement is found on the southwest coast of the island.
Plants and Wildlife
You won't find any tall trees on Banks Island. The tallest plant that grows there is the arctic willow. Even this plant usually stands no taller than 10 centimeters (about 4 inches). Sometimes, it might grow as tall as a person's knee.
Banks Island is an important home for many birds. Two special areas called Migratory Bird Sanctuaries were created here in 1961. These sanctuaries help protect the birds that come to the island.
Size of the Island
Banks Island is truly massive! It covers an area of 70,028 square kilometers (about 27,038 square miles). This makes it the 24th largest island in the world. It is also the fifth largest island in all of Canada.
Images for kids
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A closer look at Banks Island
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The topography (shape of the land) of Banks Island
See also
In Spanish: Isla de Banks para niños
