Discover Ulu Peak

*Please note that the outfitter reserves the right to cancel trips if the weather is not suitable or the minimum passenger count (2) is not met.

On the morning of departure, arrive at the Auyuittuq National Park Visitor Centre in Pangnirtung at 8:30 am. Parks Canada staff will lead participants through the park orientation and registration, and will accompany the group for the duration of the trip.

Depart from Pangnirtung at 9 am and travel by motorized boat through the spectacular Pangnirtung Fiord. This takes approximately 1 hour. Near the park, the boat operator will pull up to the shore for passengers to disembark. Disembarking can be tricky as tides and wind affect where the boat can come to shore. Passengers should be prepared for a wet landing and a scramble as there is often a height difference from the boat nose to shore of 3 feet or more.

Once ashore, participants will hike along uneven backcountry terrain. The footing is not overly challenging, but you may need to walk through water, sand, mud, spongy tundra, and over slippery rocks. The group will have plenty of time to take photos and explore the landscape.

Participants can expect to be back at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre in Pangnirtung by 5 pm.

Park entrance fee: $16.00 per person
Pay by cash, debit, Visa, or MasterCard. Valid Northern Park Backcountry Camping and Excursion annual passes are also accepted.

Outfitter transportation fees vary depending on the number of participants:
For 2 people: $300 per person
For 3 or more people: $250 per person
*Please note that the outfitter only accepts cash or e-transfer.

Be prepared for variability. Temperatures can range from 0°C to +15°C at this time of year. Dress in layers and be sure to bring extra layers in a backpack, including an outer waterproof layer. Winds can reach high speeds on the boat and in the park, so ensure you have a warm, windproof outer layer that can be cinched in tight to the body to stop drafts. When your core is cold, your body pulls blood away from your extremities, making your fingers and toes cold.

Bring well-insulated, water-resistant boots with good grip and ankle support. Consider bringing hiking poles for extra support. It is also a good idea to have a pair of light mittens or gloves with a water-resistant covering to keep your hands warm and dry.

Protecting your head and face
In Auyuittuq, the sun and wind can be damaging to your skin. We encourage visitors to wear sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, and to bring a hat and buff for sun and wind protection.

You are responsible for bringing your own food and drinks.

Bring plenty of snacks to keep your energy up while exploring the park. Crackers, nuts, chocolate and dried fruits are good choices. Fatty foods like nuts and chocolate burn slowly and help to keep you warm.

Make sure to bring plenty of water. A thermos with hot liquid is also recommended. A hot drink will help to keep you hydrated and your core and extremities warm.

Avoid alcohol. Pangnirtung is a “dry” community and alcohol is prohibited. In addition, consuming alcohol drops your core temperature, making it much harder to stay warm.

There is one outhouse along the route, but participants should be prepared to relieve themselves on the land. We recommend bringing toilet paper in a plastic bag with an additional bag for used toilet paper to be disposed of at the outhouse or back in the community.

There is no road access to Pangnirtung. Canadian North offers scheduled flights to Pangnirtung via Iqaluit from Montreal, Ottawa and Yellowknife.

Weather conditions in Nunavut may impact your travel schedule. Be prepared for flight delays or cancellations and allow plenty of time in your travel schedule.

Learn more about travelling to Pangnirtung.

Find a hotel, bed and breakfast, campground or other accommodations in Pangnirtung.

Make the most of your trip and experience all that Pangnirtung has to offer!

Auyuittuq National Park Visitor Centre
A great place to start! Here you will find exhibits that interpret the natural and cultural history of Auyuittuq National Park and other national parks and historic sites in Nunavut. The Parks Canada administrative office is in the same building.

Angmarlik Interpretative Centre
Located next to the Auyuittuq National Park Visitor Centre, this community museum, library and Elders centre displays representations of traditional Inuit and whaling life in Cumberland Sound. Elders meet three times a week in the afternoon to play cards, knit, play games or chat with each other.

Pangnirtung community history and sites
Between the Pangnirtung Hamlet Office and the Angmarlik Centre is a small yellow house that was the home of the community’s first doctor. It was moved from its old location and used as the first visitor centre for the community.

Behind the Northern Store are the former Hudson’s Bay Company buildings. On the high rock near the shore is a small black cannon that was fired whenever the ships arrived.

On the beach, near the Auyuittuq Lodge, are the old whale blubber station buildings which were in operation by the Hudson’s Bay Company until 1964.

The Ukuma Trail skirts the Duval River and heads toward Kingnait Fiord. The trail found on the far side of the river. It follows an easy route onto Mount Duval where you can see the spectacular scenery around Pangnirtung.

Kekerten Territorial Park
Located about 50 km from Pangnirtung, Kekerten Territorial Park represents the history of the British and American Whaling Station from the late 1800s. A 3-hour boat ride from Pangnirtung will take you to Kekerten Island where you will see and learn more about this bygone era by signage along an interpretive trail. You will also see many features on the site, including three storehouse foundations, large cast iron pots once used for rendering whale oil, blubber-hauling pins and the remains of a whaleboat ship.

Shopping for artwork
There are many artisans in Pangnirtung producing beautiful tapestries, carvings, prints, clothing, and much more. Visit the well-known Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts and Crafts or buy directly from local artists you meet in the community. It’s a good idea to have cash on hand to purchase directly from an artist. Local stores including the Northern Store and the Arctic Inuit Co-op also sell arts and crafts.