Auyuittuq National Park

Auyuittuq

Located on Baffin Island, Auyuittuq National Park features dramatic mountain peaks, glaciers, and Arctic tundra in one of Canada's most spectacular wilderness areas. Visitors can hike, mountaineer, and experience pristine Arctic nature while encountering Arctic wildlife and musk oxen.

Things to do

• Hike the Owl River Valley — Trek through one of the park's most accessible and scenic valleys, featuring alpine meadows, glacial streams, and views of surrounding peaks.
• Climb Mount Asgard — Ascend this iconic twin-peaked mountain standing 2,011 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the Arctic landscape and requiring mountaineering experience.
• Traverse the Akshayuk Pass — Complete this legendary 97-kilometer backcountry route connecting the park's north and south sections through glacial valleys and mountain passes.
• Kayak Glacier Lake — Paddle among icebergs and glacial meltwater in one of the park's pristine alpine lakes, experiencing the dynamic Arctic environment up close.
• Wildlife Viewing for Musk Oxen — Observe herds of musk oxen grazing on the Arctic tundra, a distinctive experience showcasing the park's mammal populations.
• Explore Pangnirtung Fjord — Visit the coastal gateway to the park where the fjord meets the Arctic Ocean, offering marine views and access to traditional Inuit settlements.

Food to try

• Arctic Char — This cold-water fish native to the region is grilled or smoked and represents a staple protein of Inuit cuisine with delicate, flaky flesh.
• Muskox Meat — Local hunters provide this lean, rich meat that can be prepared as stews or roasts, offering authentic Arctic subsistence food.
• Country Food Preparation — Seek out locally-prepared traditional meals combining hunted game, fish, and berries that reflect centuries of Inuit food practices.
• Seal and Arctic Game — Visitors may encounter traditional preparations of seal meat and other harvested Arctic game at local lodges and community gatherings.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Sacred Inuit Lands — Auyuittuq is deeply connected to Inuit heritage and ongoing subsistence practices; visitors should travel respectfully and follow park guidelines regarding hunting and sacred sites.
• Hire Local Guides — Employ guides from nearby Pangnirtung, a predominantly Inuit community, to enhance your experience while supporting the local economy and gaining authentic cultural knowledge.
• Prepare for Extreme Isolation — The park lacks cell service, formal accommodations, and rescue infrastructure; self-sufficiency and careful planning are essential cultural and practical expectations.
• Acknowledge Arctic Wildlife Risks — Respect the territory of musk oxen, polar bears, and other wildlife by maintaining distance and understanding that you are visitors in their natural habitat.