BANKS ISLAND

westernmost island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, Inuvik region, Northwest Territories; it lies northwest of Victoria Island and is separated from the mainland (south) by Amundsen Gulf. About 250 miles (400 km) long and 110180 miles (180290 km) wide, it has an area of 27,038 square miles (70,028 square km). Its hilly terrain ranges from 1,100-foot (335-metre) cliffs along the north shore to Durham Heights (2,500 feet ) at the southern tip. The island is the habitat of Arctic fox, wolf, caribou, polar bear, and many birds. First sighted by Sir William Parry's expedition in 1820, it was named for Sir Joseph Banks. Vilhjalmur Stefansson explored the interior in 191417. Sachs Harbour on its southwest coast, with air service to Inuvik on the mainland, is a base for trappers (especially of white fox) and for oil exploration.