Melville Island (Canada) facts for kids

Melville Island is a large island located in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, which is part of Canada. It covers an area of about 42,149 square kilometers (16,274 square miles). No people live permanently on Melville Island, making it a wild and untouched place.

This island is quite significant in size. It ranks as the 33rd largest island in the entire world and is the 8th largest island within Canada. Melville Island is unique because it is shared by two different Canadian territories. The western half of the island belongs to the Northwest Territories, while the eastern half is part of Nunavut. The island is also home to some impressive mountains, especially in the western Canadian Arctic, with some peaks reaching heights of one kilometer.

Discovering Melville Island

The first European to visit Melville Island was a British explorer named Sir William Edward Parry. He arrived at the island in 1819.

Wintering at Winter Harbour

After discovering the island, Parry and his crew faced a challenge. They had to spend the entire winter there, from 1819 until August 1, 1820. The place where they stayed is now known as "Winter Harbour."

How Melville Island Got Its Name

The island was named in honor of Robert Dundas, 2nd Viscount Melville. At the time of the island's discovery, he held an important position as the First Sea Lord. This role meant he was in charge of the British Navy.

Images for kids

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  Satellite image of Melville Island