Winisk is a remote and historically significant location situated along the Winisk River near the southwestern coast of Hudson Bay in Northern Ontario. Once home to the Weenusk First Nation, the original settlement was devastated by a catastrophic flood in May 1986, caused by an ice jam on the river. This disaster destroyed most of the community and led to the relocation of residents approximately 30 kilometers inland to establish the new community of Peawanuck.

The area surrounding Winisk is characterized by vast subarctic wilderness, including the Winisk River Provincial Park. This non-operating waterway park spans approximately 1,411 square kilometers and offers a pristine environment for experienced wilderness travelers. The park features diverse geological formations such as moraines and drumlin fields, and its remote nature requires visitors to have prior wilderness and whitewater experience.

Further north lies the Polar Bear Provincial Park, Ontario’s largest provincial park, encompassing over 23,500 square kilometers. This remote wilderness area is a critical habitat for polar bears and other Arctic wildlife. Access to the park is limited and typically requires special arrangements, as there are no visitor facilities or services.

The Winisk River itself is a significant waterway stretching approximately 475 kilometers from Wunnummin Lake to Hudson Bay. It is renowned for its challenging whitewater sections and serves as a vital ecological corridor through the region. The river’s name is derived from the Cree word for “groundhog,” reflecting the area’s Indigenous heritage.

Today, the legacy of Winisk endures through the Weenusk First Nation community in Peawanuck, which continues to preserve its cultural heritage and connection to the land.