Rates of net methane and carbon dioxide evolution from four subarctic fens over one summer ranged from 0 to 7 mmol CH4 m−2 d−1 and from 2 to 29 mmol CO2 m2 d−1. Average molar ratios of carbon dioxide to methane ranged from 3 to 10. Partially because of the high spatial variability in evolution rates, the temperature dependence of carbon dioxide was weak, but stronger for methane, with significant (P < 0.05) positive correlations at two sites, especially with peat temperatures. Annual flux of methane is estimated to be 0.1–0.6 g C m−2 which, although low compared to other wetlands, becomes a substantial atmospheric contribution when the large area occupied by subarctic peatlands is taken into account. Key words: Methane, carbon dioxide, peatlands, fens