Description
Canada’s coastline is the longest in the world and two-thirds of it lies in the Arctic. Most of this coastline wraps around the many islands that lie near the top of the world, such as Baffin Island and the Queen Elizabeth Islands. Nowhere is the connection between land and sea more evident than along our vast northern coast, where life follows the seasonal cycle of sea ice—a critical habitat for polar bears, seals and more. As represented on our second This Is Canada: Wondrous Waters coin, the Arctic coast is teeming with hidden wonders and endless beauty—from iconic wildlife to the tundra landscape that comes alive each summer, and the cultural ways that have left a deep imprint on Canada’s northern identity. GST/HST exempt.
Coin #1: This is our Pacific coast.
Coin #2: This is our Artic coast. This is Canada
Coin #3: This is our Atlantic coast. (Launch: August 2024)
Coin #4: These are our Great Lakes. (Launch: November 2024)
The coin’s reverse presents an artistic representation of Canada’s Arctic coast. Designed by Inuvialuit artist Myrna Pokiak and inspired by the artist’s experiences, the moonlit scene features a berry picker to represent traditional foods and harvest activities on land, where the flat tundra is punctuated by a pingo. A snowy owl has taken flight and the tail of a beluga whale appears in the water that lines the shore, which is marked by caribou tracks and those of a polar bear. The beach is also lined with driftwood carried to the Arctic coast by rivers and ocean currents, making it a symbol of interconnectedness. Compass elements form a frame that contains the word “CANADA” and a face value of “20 DOLLARS”. The obverse features the effigy of His Majesty King Charles III by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.
