Arctic · Nunavut
Auyuittuq National Park
The Akshayuk Pass and the granite walls of Baffin Island.
Province
Nunavut
Established
2001
Size
19,089 km²
Coordinates
67.45°, -65.00°
Family friendliness
Hidden gem
Photography
Overview
About Auyuittuq National Park
On Baffin Island's Cumberland Peninsula, 'the land that never melts' is a glaciated playground of fjords and granite spires (Mount Asgard, Mount Thor). The Akshayuk Pass traverse links Pangnirtung and Qikiqtarjuaq across the Arctic Circle.
Why visit
- Akshayuk Pass classic Arctic traverse
- Mount Thor's 1,250 m vertical cliff
- Glaciated fjords
- Inuit-led visitor orientation in Pangnirtung
Things to do
Plan your days.
Akshayuk Pass thru-hike (8–14 days)
hiking
Day boat from Pangnirtung
boating
Glacier base camp expedition
interpretive
Camping
Camping in the park.
- Designated emergency shelters along the pass; otherwise tent camping
Best time to visit
- Spring
- Snow and ice make for sled travel.
- Summer
- Late June to mid-August.
- Fall
- Quick freeze.
- Winter
- Sled-based traverses with operators.
- Peak
- July.
- Shoulder
- Late June or early August.
Wildlife
What you'll see.
Wildlife is sparse inland; richest at the fjord mouths.
Common species
Arctic hare · Snow bunting
Signature species
Polar bear (coastal) · Ringed seal · Narwhal (offshore)
Wildlife safety
River crossings can be life-threatening — check Parks Canada conditions report.
Nearby communities
Where to base yourself.
- Pangnirtung
- Qikiqtarjuaq
- Iqaluit
Nearby attractions
- Sirmilik (north Baffin)
- Iqaluit cultural sites
Suggested itineraries
Pick a length.
7 day
Akshayuk traverse
Eight to fourteen days hut-to-hut across Baffin.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Auyuittuq National Park.
Can I camp in Auyuittuq National Park?+
Yes. Auyuittuq National Park operates Parks Canada campgrounds with a mix of frontcountry sites and, on most loops, oTENTik or backcountry options.
Do I need reservations to visit Auyuittuq National Park?+
Yes — campsite reservations are required during peak season and open via the Parks Canada Reservation Service in mid-winter.
Are dogs allowed?+
Yes — dogs are welcome on a leash (max 3 m) throughout the park, but must be supervised at all times and kept off closed trails and beaches with wildlife restrictions.
Is Auyuittuq National Park family friendly?+
Our family score is 3/10. Better suited to teens and adults — expect remote conditions and limited services.
When is the best time to visit Auyuittuq National Park?+
July. Shoulder seasons reward visitors with fewer crowds and softer light, while winter opens its own set of opportunities (or, in the far north, closes road access entirely).
What wildlife can I see?+
Signature species include polar bears, ringed seals and narwhals offshore. Always keep at least 30 m from large mammals and 100 m from bears; carry bear spray on backcountry trails.
Can I bring an RV?+
RV access is limited or unavailable; this park is best explored by tent, backcountry travel or day trips from nearby communities.
How many days should I spend here?+
Ten to fourteen days.
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