The Queen Maud Gulf Migratory Bird Sanctuary is Canada's largest federally owned protected area, encompassing some 61,765 km2 (23,848 sq mi) of the Arctic Circle coastline.

[2] Under the terms of the Ramsar Convention, it was designated as a wetland of international importance in 1982.

[3] The majority of the park is lowlands and countless streams, ponds and shallow lakes.

The geese arrive in late May to moult in lakes and rivers and remain until August or September.

The sanctuary also holds smaller populations of Canada goose, greater white-fronted goose, brant, and tundra swan, as well as other migratory species of waterfowl and water birds.