Group Travel
Arctic
14 days / 13 nights
expert
AUYUITTUQ NATIONAL PARK TRAVERSE
Pangnirtung to Summit Lake
Description
Auyuittuq National Park in Canada’s eastern arctic has some of the most beautiful alpine scenery on earth. This backpacking expedition crosses the entire Akshayuk Pass including the rarely seen northern section in the Owl River valley. We meet in Qikitarjuaq, a remote Inuit hamlet on an small island off the north coast of Baffin Island. Local Inuit will take us by motor boat to the end of North Pangnitung Fiord. From here we’ll help each other put on our packs for the first steps south on our 97 KM journey. We begin with the ascent of the Owl River Valley to the top of the pass 500 metres above the sea. As we penetrate the mountains we’ll pass melting glaciers extending from the enormous Penny Ice Cap. Between Glacier and Summit Lakes the magical cylindrical tower of Mount Asgard draws us to the top of the pass. Then we begin the long descent of the Weasel River valley. Mount Thor, 1500 metres above us, is said to have the longest uninterrupted cliff face in the world. We’ll pass Windy Lake before crossing the arctic circle. Then it is on past Crater Lake towards our final destination at Overlord, a majestic peak overlooking thec trailhead on the shore of Cumberland Sound. Joavee Alivakyuk will meet us here and take us by boat to his home village of Pangnirtung. The Auyuittuq Traverse is a suitable expedition for any reasonably fit and adventurous hiker with previous experience on a multi-night hiking trip. We will be carrying full packs and in places the route is challenging, but the efforts of this adventure are profusely rewarded.
This trip is the perfect introduction to the arctic environment and polar expeditions. It’s also a wonderful occasion to learn more about Inuit culture, the people who were their millions years ago. Let’s get captivated by this pristine environment and rugged summit of the Arctic in the heart of a magnificent territory: Nunavut. It will be the trip of a lifetime.
Highlights
- Experience an arctic trip with jaw dropping wilderness landscapes of the Canadian Arctic
- Visit the small Inuit communities of Qikiqtarjuaq and Pangnirtung
- Walk on the heart of the giant, on the foot of Mount Asgard (2015m) and Thor, emblematic mountains of Nunavut!
- A challenging yet rewarding hiking adventure
- Inuit Art and sculptors
- Boat ride to and from Baffin Island
- Explore Iqaluit: Nunavut’s capital city
Itinerary
hotel H in double occupancy.
D
We take a morning flight departing from Ottawa to Iqualuit, Nunavut’s Capital city. First named Frobisher Bay from the explorer who discovers this bay, Iqualuit is now the hub of Nunavut. In the afternoon, we take our next flight to Pangnirtung where we have the chance to see from the air, our traverse of the next days! After meeting our guide at the airport, we get ready for the trip and gear check for the next days boat trip to Baffin Island. Overnight at Auyuittuq Lodge. Dinner. Evening spent relaxing or exploring some of the community.
camping
BLD
In the morning we will board the boat to Overlord in Baffin island (approx.. 80 km). The discovery of Baffin’s coastline could present us with all sorts of surprises such as bowhead whales, polar bears, seals and unique bird life. The afternoon will be spent getting used to the new surroundings which will be our home for the next 12 days. Our first camp will be set up next to a special purpose-built security cabin. There are ten of these emergency shelters constructed along the trail that we will follow. Although we are not supposed to camp inside these shelters, we will use them as our community room, for cooking and relaxing. Sleeping accommodation will be in high quality two-person tents.
camping
BLD
From the park’s entrance on South Pangnirtung Fjord, we will hike to the top of the pass (elevation 500 meters or 1,640 ft) at Summit Lake, a total distance of 70 km.
In the middle of the hike, we cross up to the foot of Mount Thor (1200m vertical cliff).
On our way, if time permits, we might try and tackle some short climbs to some small lakes created by the foot of glaciers (Windy and Crater Lakes).
If conditions are good, the group will continue along the shore of the lake to the Turner Glacier for a view of Mt. Asgard - this adds another 20 km or so to the route. When we are at the Summit Lake, we make go back to Overlord by the Weasel River Valley.
Hotel accomocation, not included in the fee.
BLD
Our last day in the park takes place with a nice breakfast and free time before breaking up camp. Photo opportunities and lunch in Overlord. In early afternoon an Inuit guide will pick-up us up by motorboat and transfer the group to Pangnirtung (1.5 hour transfer). Check into the Auyuittuq Lodge, and hit the well-deserved showers! Discover Panginating on foot and the art gallery. Pangnirtung is known to have some of the best Inuit Art across Nunavut. Diner is included with a local Inuit family with great sampling of country food.
End of morning flight south to Ottawa. End of trip.
No meals
Dates & prices
All our prices are on double occupancy basis. Please contact us regarding the single, triple or quadruple rates.
Privatize this trip write to usInclusive
- Airport transfers in Qikiqtarjuaq and Pagnirtung
- 1 night hotel in Qikiqtarjuaq
- 12 nights camping in Auyuittuq national park
- All meals as mentioned above
- Transfer from Qikiqtarjuaq by motorboat to North Pagnirtung Fjord
- Transfer from Overlord by motorboat to Pagnirtung
- 1 Canadian hiking guide
- Satellite phone for emergencies
Non inclusive
- Flight : Ottawa / Pond Inlet, return *
- Travel insurance
- Expenses due to canceled flights (accommodation and meals)
- Expenses due to canceled flights (accommodation and meals)
- Personal expenses
- Taxes (GST - 5%)
Why travel with us?
Know how
25 years' experience, Offices across North America, we run more than 500 trips / year with dedicated staff and leaders, the overall managing teams experience is worth more than 100 years expertise!
We are adventurers
Across the artic on skis, paddling white water rivers, trekking unmarked and rugged route of Newfoundland, backcountry hiking in Utah’s canyons, we not only sell outdoors experiences, we are passionate about them.
Bang for the buck
Our overall volume from worldwide partners in addition to sisters’ companies just give us the best buying power.
Green and not just saying it
Nature is the heart of our products, from conception to completion, we always think about its protection.