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Auyuittuq National Park: Land That Never Melts

Explore Auyuittuq National Park: a land of glaciers, granite peaks, and Inuit culture in the heart of the Canadian Arctic wilderness.

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Auyuittuq National Park, located on Baffin Island in Nunavut, Canada, is a stunning Arctic wilderness characterized by glaciers, fjords, and towering granite peaks. The park, whose name means 'the land that never melts' in Inuktitut, offers a unique landscape and a challenging adventure for experienced travelers.

A brief summary to Auyuittuq National Park

Local tips

  • Register with Parks Canada in Pangnirtung or Qikiqtarjuaq before entering the park for a mandatory safety orientation.
  • Hire a local outfitter in Pangnirtung or Qikiqtarjuaq for boat or snowmobile transport to the park entrance, as there are no roads leading directly to the park.
  • Pack for extreme weather conditions, including waterproof gear, warm layers, and sturdy hiking boots, as the weather in Auyuittuq can change rapidly.
  • Bring all necessary supplies, including food, navigation tools, and emergency equipment, as there are limited facilities within the park.
  • Practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the fragile Arctic environment; pack out all trash and avoid disturbing wildlife.
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Getting There

  • Air Travel

    To reach Auyuittuq National Park, fly to Iqaluit, Nunavut, from major Canadian cities like Ottawa, Montreal, or Yellowknife. From Iqaluit, take a connecting flight to either Pangnirtung or Qikiqtarjuaq. These are the closest communities to the park and serve as your gateway. Expect to pay around $800 - $1200 CAD for a round-trip flight from Iqaluit to either community.

  • Boat

    From Pangnirtung or Qikiqtarjuaq, the final approach to Auyuittuq National Park is typically by boat during the summer months. Arrange transportation with a local outfitter; the boat ride from Pangnirtung to the park boundary is approximately 30 kilometers and takes about 45 minutes. Expect to pay around $200 - $300 CAD per person for a round-trip boat transfer. Note that departure times are tide-dependent.

  • Registration & Orientation

    Upon arrival in Pangnirtung or Qikiqtarjuaq, register at the Parks Canada office and attend a mandatory orientation session. This covers essential safety information, park regulations, and environmental conservation practices. There is no fee for the orientation, but it is a crucial step for ensuring a safe and responsible visit.

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Discover more about Auyuittuq National Park

Auyuittuq National Park, situated on the Cumberland Peninsula of Baffin Island in Nunavut, is a realm of Arctic majesty. Established as a national park in 2001, Auyuittuq, meaning 'the land that never melts' in Inuktitut, protects a landscape sculpted by glaciers and time. The park's terrain is dominated by the Penny Ice Cap, a remnant of the Laurentide Ice Sheet, and boasts towering peaks like Mount Asgard and Mount Thor, popular with mountaineers. Deep fjords carve into the coastline, while the Akshayuk Pass offers a challenging backpacking route through the park's heart. Auyuittuq's history is intertwined with the Inuit, who have inhabited the region for centuries. While Norse explorers visited the area, it was the Thule people, ancestors of the modern Inuit, who established a lasting presence, hunting whales and caribou. Today, the park is co-managed by Parks Canada and the Inuit, reflecting a commitment to preserving both the natural environment and the cultural heritage of the area. Visitors to Auyuittuq can experience the raw beauty of the Arctic through hiking, mountaineering, and skiing. Wildlife is scarce but includes Arctic hares, foxes, and various bird species. The park's remote location and challenging conditions demand careful planning and self-sufficiency, but the rewards are unparalleled for those seeking an authentic Arctic adventure.

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