Does Canada Have a Border With Denmark? The Surprising Story of a Shared Island

When people think of borders, they usually imagine fences, rivers, or long stretches of land dividing two neighboring countries.

But did you know that Canada and Denmark actually share a border, despite being separated by the Atlantic Ocean?

This curious connection lies in the Arctic, where icy landscapes and geopolitics meet. Let’s explore how two nations, worlds apart, came to share a small island and what it means today.

The Arctic Connection Between Canada and Denmark

Denmark doesn’t border Canada in the traditional sense. You won’t find roads or customs checkpoints linking the two.

Instead, their border exists on a tiny, rocky outcrop in the Nares Strait, the narrow waterway that separates Greenland (an autonomous territory of Denmark) from Canada’s Ellesmere Island in Nunavut.

Here, you’ll find Hans Island, a desolate, uninhabited rock only about 1.3 square kilometers in size.

Despite its modest footprint, Hans Island has played host to one of the most unusual international disputes in modern history.

What Island Is Owned by Canada and Denmark?

The answer is Hans Island. For decades, both countries claimed ownership of this barren island. What makes the story so fascinating is not the land itself—it has no resources, no permanent residents, and little strategic importance—but the friendly way the two nations handled the conflict.

In fact, the saga of Hans Island became known as the “Whisky War.”

The Whisky War: A Border Dispute With a Smile

Starting in the 1970s, when boundary lines in the Arctic were being drawn, it wasn’t entirely clear who owned Hans Island.

Both Canada and Denmark planted flags there. But instead of escalating into a serious conflict, the dispute turned into a quirky tradition:

Canadian officials would visit, plant their flag, and leave a bottle of Canadian whisky.
Danish officials would later arrive, replace the flag with the Danish one, and leave a bottle of schnapps.

This symbolic “battle” lasted for decades and became a lighthearted symbol of how friendly relations between countries can play out—even in matters of sovereignty.

The Resolution: A Shared Border in 2022

In June 2022, Canada and Denmark finally reached a historic agreement. They agreed to split Hans Island down the middle, creating the first land border between Canada and Denmark.

This decision was more than symbolic. It demonstrated how disputes over territory can be resolved peacefully, setting an example for international diplomacy – especially in the Arctic, where climate change is opening new shipping lanes and increasing strategic interest.

Today, Hans Island represents not conflict but cooperation. It stands as a reminder that even tiny pieces of land can carry big diplomatic lessons.

Why Does Hans Island Matter?

At first glance, Hans Island looks like little more than a windswept rock. But its significance lies in:

International Law – It shows how countries handle overlapping territorial claims.
Arctic Sovereignty – The Arctic is becoming increasingly important for shipping and resource exploration.
Symbol of Peace – Canada and Denmark turned a potential conflict into a global example of humor, patience, and compromise.

For travelers and history buffs, the story of Hans Island highlights how borders aren’t always about walls or wars. Sometimes, they’re about whisky and friendship.

Denmark’s Arctic Identity

It’s important to remember that Denmark itself doesn’t border Canada – Greenland does.

As the world’s largest island and an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland gives Denmark a unique position in the Arctic.

Greenland’s proximity to North America means Denmark is not only a European power but also an Arctic one. This dual identity plays a key role in Denmark’s international relations and cultural heritage.

To explore more about Denmark’s unique cultural values, take a look at our guide on Master Danish Work Culture.

Canada and Denmark: More in Common Than You Think

Although separated by the Atlantic, Canada and Denmark share more than just Hans Island:

Strong democratic traditions
Cold-climate lifestyles shaped by snow, ice, and the sea
Indigenous communities in both countries with deep connections to the land and Arctic survival skills
Environmental concerns, particularly regarding climate change and melting ice in the north

Both nations also value cooperation and diplomacy, making their Arctic partnership even more natural.

Visiting the Arctic: What Travelers Should Know

While Hans Island itself is not a tourist destination, the regions around it—Greenland and the Canadian Arctic—are among the most extraordinary travel experiences in the world.

In Greenland, you can explore stunning fjords, glaciers, and Inuit culture. VisitDenmark’s official tourism site recommends adventure tours that include dog sledding, iceberg watching, and Northern Lights excursions (Visit Greenland).
In Canada’s Nunavut, travelers can witness polar bears, narwhals, and some of the most pristine wilderness on the planet.

Though remote and expensive to visit, these regions offer a glimpse into life at the top of the world.

The Broader Lesson: Borders Without Barriers

In a world where border disputes often lead to tension, the Canada-Denmark example stands out.

Instead of escalating, the two countries embraced humor and cooperation. By splitting Hans Island, they not only settled a quirky disagreement but also gave the world a hopeful story about diplomacy.

It’s a reminder that borders don’t have to divide people-they can also bring them together.

Internal Links for Further Reading

If you’re interested in diving deeper into Danish culture and travel, check out these articles on our site:

FAQ: Canada and Denmark’s Arctic Border

Does Canada have a border with Denmark?
Yes—since 2022, Canada and Denmark share a land border on Hans Island in the Nares Strait.

What island is owned by Canada and Denmark?
Hans Island is jointly owned, with the border running through its center.

Why did Canada and Denmark dispute Hans Island?
The island lies between Greenland and Ellesmere Island, creating overlapping territorial claims.

What was the “Whisky War”?
A decades-long tradition where Canadian and Danish officials planted flags and left bottles of whisky or schnapps on the island.

Can tourists visit Hans Island?
Not easily. The island is remote, uninhabited, and has no facilities. However, Greenland and Nunavut offer breathtaking Arctic travel experiences.