Tides and ice break-up

In the summer, outfitters prefer to travel on the incoming or high tide. Check with your outfitter for the best times for travel to and from the park. Due to the large tides experienced in the Pangnirtung region, outfitters are wary of travelling to the park on a falling tide as this can result in the boat becoming grounded. You can also check the timing of tides on your preferred day of travel through the local tide tables (Pangnirtung for the southern entrance to Akshayuk Pass or Qikiqtarjuaq for the northern entrance to the pass).

During ice break up in June/July (depending on location), you cannot travel to the park by boat or snowmobile. If your plans include travel to the park around these times, please phone the park office to check ice and route conditions. Or, check the Environment Canada sea ice website (Davis Strait for the Auyuittuq National Park area).

While it is possible to travel the 31 kilometres from Pangnirtung to the park by foot along the fiord in summer, this has been likened to a 2-3 day slog and is not recommended. It is much easier during the winter, when travelling on the sea ice. At the north end of the park, it is approximately 82 kilometres from the community of Qikiqtarjuaq to the North Pangnirtung Emergency Shelter.