At the high latitudes (North or South) the magnetic field lines are entering the earth almost vertically. Hence, a compass held horizontally will be pinned down and not pointing in any particular direction. When it is able to point, i.e. when it is far enough away from the magnetic pole, it points to the "Magnetic Pole" and not to the "Geographical Pole." The Magnetic North Pole is in the Canadian Island known as Ellef Ringnes.

The South Magnetic Pole is in the Antarctic Ocean just off the coast of Dumont d'Urville.