Auyuittuq National Park

National Geographic picked in 2009

Country : Canada

Currency : CA Dollar

Big Mac Index : 5.25

Travel Safety : Low Risk

Auyuittuq National Park is a stunning wilderness area located on Baffin Island in Canada's Arctic territory of Nunavut. The name Auyuittuq means "the land that never melts" in Inuktitut, and the park lives up to its name with its vast glaciers, towering peaks, and pristine Arctic tundra. Auyuittuq is a popular destination for adventurous hikers and mountaineers, as well as wildlife enthusiasts who come to see polar bears, caribou, and Arctic foxes in their natural habitat. Getting there: Getting to Auyuittuq National Park can be a bit of a challenge, as the park is located in a remote part of Canada's Arctic. The nearest major airport is in Iqaluit, Nunavut's capital, which is served by several airlines that offer regular flights from Ottawa and other Canadian cities. From Iqaluit, you can take a small plane to Pangnirtung, a small Inuit community on Baffin Island that serves as the gateway to Auyuittuq National Park. There are also occasional flights to Qikiqtarjuaq, another community on Baffin Island that is closer to the park's western boundary. Once you arrive in Pangnirtung or Qikiqtarjuaq, you can hire a local outfitter or guide to take you on a multi-day trek through the park. Alternatively, you can take a boat from Pangnirtung to the park's coast, but this requires a high level of skill and experience as the waters can be treacherous. Things to see and do: - Hiking and mountaineering: Auyuittuq National Park is renowned for its challenging hiking and mountaineering trails which wind through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Arctic. The park's most famous hike is the Akshayuk Pass, a 97-kilometer trail that takes you from the Baffin Island coast to the Cumberland Sound. This trail can take up to 10 days to complete and requires a high level of fitness and experience, but the rewards are incredible views of glaciers, fjords and towering peaks. - Photography: Auyuittuq National Park is a photographer's paradise with endless opportunities to capture stunning images of Arctic landscapes, wildlife and cultural sites. Some of the most photogenic spots in the park include the glaciers of Penny Ice Cap, the fjords of Cumberland Sound and the Inuit cultural sites of Qikiqtarjuaq and Pangnirtung. - Cultural tours: Auyuittuq National Park is home to several Inuit communities, including Pangnirtung and Qikiqtarjuaq which offer cultural tours and workshops to visitors. These tours provide a unique opportunity to learn about Inuit culture, including traditional hunting and fishing practices, traditional crafts such as carving and sewing and the history and traditions of the Inuit people who have lived in the Arctic for thousands of years. When to visit: The best time to visit Auyuittuq National Park is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is relatively mild and the park is accessible. During this time, the park experiences almost 24 hours of daylight, which means visitors can maximize their time exploring the stunning Arctic wilderness. However, it's important to note that the weather in the Arctic can be unpredictable and visitors should come prepared for all types of weather conditions, including rain, wind and even snow. Tips: - Hire a guide: Auyuittuq National Park is a challenging and remote wilderness area, and visitors may benefit from hiring a local guide or outfitter to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. These guides can provide expertise, equipment and local knowledge to help visitors navigate the park's trails and terrain. - Come prepared: The weather in the Arctic can be unpredictable, so visitors should come prepared with warm clothing, waterproof gear, and sturdy footwear. It's also important to bring plenty of food, water and other supplies, as there are no stores or facilities within the park.

Photo - Unsplash: Isaac Demeester