Minto Islands facts for kids
 Minto Islands
Location in Nunavut
Minto Islands
Location in Canada
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Northern Canada |
| Coordinates | 68°34′N 105°15′W / 68.567°N 105.250°W |
| Archipelago | Canadian Arctic Archipelago |
| Area | 2 km2 (0.77 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
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Canada
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| Territory | Nunavut |
| Region | Kitikmeot |
The Minto Islands are a small group of islands in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. These islands are part of the Nunavut Territory in northern Canada. They are very small, covering an area of only 2 square kilometers (about 0.77 square miles).
Contents
Where Are the Minto Islands?
The Minto Islands are found in the western part of the Queen Maud Gulf. This gulf is a large body of water in the Canadian Arctic. The islands are located between the Kent Peninsula on the mainland of Nunavut and Melbourne Island. Another large island, Victoria Island, is about 47.9 kilometers (29.8 miles) to the north.
Why Are These Islands Important?
The Minto Islands play a special role for caribou. In the early spring, these islands become a key path for caribou. The caribou migrate, or travel, from the mainland of Canada northward to Victoria Island. This journey is important for their survival and finding food.
How Did the Minto Islands Get Their Name?
The Minto Islands were named after a person called Gilbert Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound, 2nd Earl of Minto. He was an important leader in the British government. From 1835 to 1841, he held the position of the First Lord of the Admiralty. This meant he was in charge of the British Navy. The islands were named during an expedition led by Sir John Henry Pelly. Sir Pelly was the governor of the Hudson's Bay Company, a very old and famous trading company in Canada.
Early Explorers
Another explorer, Sir George Back, also explored this region. He visited the area around the Minto Islands in July 1839.
