Experience the Adventure of a Lifetime

Explore the raw, unspoiled beauty of Baffin Island’s Auyuittuq National Park on a multi-night backpacking expedition through Akshayuk Pass. Witness the dramatic landscapes of the Arctic wilderness, from towering granite peaks to vast glaciers and glacially carved U-shaped valleys. This trek is perfect for experienced backpackers ready to challenge themselves in one of the planet’s most remote and breathtaking regions.

Tentative Trip Overview

• Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights
• Distance: Approximately 97 km (60 miles)
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Group Size: Maximum 10 participants, including expert guides
• Season: Late July to mid-August (optimal for Arctic conditions)

Sample Day-by-Day Itinerary

All subject to conditions,” we’ve been honing our itinerary, outlined below. Like most wilderness trails, expect rolling terrain rather than steep ascents or descents. Over our 13-day itinerary – including two travel days and a layover – we’re targeting an average of 10 km per day (switching to metric for Canada!).

Starting with 10 km per day while carrying heavy packs will set us up for success, allowing for longer days later. It will also help us time our crossings and earn extra opportunities for side hikes with light packs.

The distances and elevations only tell part of the story. The real challenges lie in the boggy sections, numerous water crossings, and tricky footing over moraines, where route-finding will be key.

“All subject to conditions”—here’s our day-by-day route plan:

Day 0: Arrive and overnight in Ottawa. Evening team dinner, and pack check.

Day 1: Arrive in Qikiktarjuaq, van ride to hotel. Welcome dinner with guides at Hotel. Evening walk around town.

Day 2: Breakfast at Hotel. Check out and pack up. Pack up small items for shipping to Pang in Black Feather duffels.  Hike to Park Briefing at Park Office. Hike to boat launch.  Boat trip to North Pang Fjord (2+ hour boat ride in good conditions).  Unload on shore of Baffin Island, begin hiking inland.

Days 3-4: Scenic ascent of the Owl River Valley, often staying close to the Owl River. Many small and some larger stream crossings that serve as good training for the more challenging morainal stream crossings ahead. 

Days 5-7: With luck Mt. Asgard will begin to beckon us from atop the Penny Icecap at we cross the Owl River and begin the technical section near Akshayuk Pass and the Summit Lake area. The enormous Highway moraine is the first navigational and route finding challenge, followed by several challenging stream crossings. A notably tricky crossing is at the highly changeable Turner moraine. 

Days 8-11: We will descend the spectacular Weasel River Valley under the dramatic walls of Mt. Thor and Mt. Odin. A little more of a trail will appear and we feel a little closer to the mountains. We manage a few more challenging stream crossings including the notably steep Half-Hour Creek, and enjoy some of the most scenic camps on the trip.

Day 12: Hike to the ocean and get picked up and taken by boat to the scenic Hamlet of Pangnirtung. Celebration dinner in the Hotel.  Explore Pangnirtung.

Day 13: Explore Pangnirtung, visit the artists cooperative, flights home Via Iqaluit and Ottawa.