Smoking Hills, Cape Bathurst

Smoking Hills, Cape Bathurst, Northwest Territories

The Smoking Hills in Cape Bathurst, Northwest Territories, Canada, present a unique natural phenomenon, where barren red-striped rocks have been burning continuously for centuries. This smoldering hellscape, named by explorer John Franklin in 1826, results from the autoignition of sulfur-rich lignite deposits. The smoke from the burning hills has acidified the area, creating a different ecosystem with red and orange cliffs. Local indigenous populations have historically gathered coal from the area. The nearest community, Paulatuk, means 'place of soot' in the Inuvialuktun language.

Location

City: Cape Bathurst

Region: Northwest Territories

Country: Canada

Coordinates: 69.517° N, 126.550° W