Akshayuk Pass Ski Expedition

Summary

Duration: 12 days total (10 in the field, 2 in hotel/B&B) 

April 9-20, 2024: Ski Qikiqtarjuaq to Pangnirtung

Clients meet in Iqaluit, travel to Qikiqtarjuaq as group. Snowmachine transfer to/from trailhead.

Background:

The Akshayuk Pass is set in the heart of the Baffin Mountains and is surrounded by the Penny Ice Cap. Formerly known as the Pangnirtung Pass, this incredible area is located within the boundaries of Auyuittuq National Park (Inuktitut: the land that never melts). In addition to offering visitors some of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes on the planet, the Pass is rich in history, as it is a traditional corridor for Inuit to travel between the communities of Pangnirtung and Qikiqtarjuaq.

Program overview:

This challenging expedition is perfect for individuals seeking an authentic Arctic experience in a land rich in history and culture. Guests will meet in the Nunavut capital of Iqaluit, and upon arrival at the airport will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Iqaluit is traditionally reached via the hub cities of Ottawa or Montreal. That evening there will be a brief meet and greet in Iqaluit to become acquainted and ensure that you are appropriately geared up for the expedition. This is a perfect opportunity to become acquainted with your team members and chat details regarding the itinerary and trip plan. The following day, the group will fly to Qikiqtarjuaq (Qik), a small Inuit village on the East Coast of Broughton Island. Upon arrival in Qik, you will spend the night at a local hotel preparing for transport to the trailhead the following day. The following day, (day 2) you will travel by snowmobile over the sea ice to the trailhead at North Pang Fiord. Once at our destination, we will offload our gear and begin the 97-kilometer (60 mile) adventure into the Pass. As we pull our pulks (sledges) overland, our goal one the first day is to make distance into the valley before making camp for the evening. For the remaining 10 days of this adventure, we will begin the day with an early wakeup call followed by a nutritious, high calorie, breakfast prior to setting off. Our journey begins at sea level, but we gradually gain altitude until we top out at the aptly named Summit Lake (420masl). 

Travel in the pass in April requires the use of both skis and crampons, as  high winds have removed the snow from the Owl and Weasel Rivers in many sections.  During our journey, we will encounter erratic boulder fields, moraines, sky-scraping mountain peaks and nunataqs. Two of the most well-known peaks in the region are Mount Thor (1675masl) and Mount Asgard (2015masl) – both names derived from Norse mythology. Thor Peak is of particular interest as it has Earth’s highest vertical drop at 1250m (4101ft). The group will camp at Thor Peak and guests will have an opportunity to explore and photograph this incredible mountain. As we continue south, guests will have an opportunity to officially cross the Arctic Circle (66o30’) – a truly memorable experience. Parks Canada has constructed a marker at this point, offering a memorable photo op.  The final stretch takes us to our end point where we will await pickup by snowmobile from another of our local Inuit guide partners. The trip back is stunning and is a great opportunity to relax before heading back to the realities of modern life.

Difficulty rating: Difficult. Camping and winter travel experience required.

Guests should be aware that this trip is difficult, and the expectation is that individuals can pull a sled with a harness while skiing or walking on crampons for 7-8 hours per day (10-15km each day). We’ve designed this as an expeditionary style adventure, therefore all clients will be required to share the load of group equipment, such as fuel, stoves and common cooking gear. This trip is physically and psychologically challenging, as clients are subjected to extreme cold, high winds and variable terrain conditions.

Ratio (client to guide)

6:1

Fee

$8995 + GST (25% deposit due on booking, balance 90 days prior to departure date)

What’s NOT included:

·  Flights to Iqaluit from/to your home. Hotel/accommodation in Iqaluit evening one.

·  Meals and accommodations outside of those specified in your itinerary. 

·  Travel/evacuation insurance (mandatory)

·  Personal camping gear (winter rated sleeping bag*, camp mattress*, personal hiking gear/clothing)

*AWE can assist with rentals

What AWE provides:

·  Air transportation from Iqaluit to Pangnirtung or Qikiqtarjuaq.

·  Hotel Accommodation (based on double occupancy in Pang and Qikiqtarjuaq). 

·  Snowmobile transfers from Pang/Qiqiktarjuaq to Auyuittuq NP.

·  Trail food (breakfast, lunch & dinner during expedition. Dinner in Pang/Qik (last day)

·  Personal pulk (sledge) with harness

·  Trail snacks and hot drinks

·  Professional guide

·  Group equipment (satellite comms, expedition quality tents, fuel, MSR stoves, camp kitchen, med kit)

·  Parks Canada permit

Getting to Nunavut

Guests typically arrive in Nunavut from Montreal or Ottawa – the two major gateways to the Arctic in Eastern Canada*. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel or B&B, where you can relax or set out to discover the bustling city of Iqaluit, population 7500! Despite its small size, Iqaluit is a diverse community with an array of activities and shopping to explore.

*There are also flights to Iqaluit from Winnipeg, Edmonton and Yellowknife that connect through Rankin Inlet

For more information, or to book this adventure reach out to us.

info@awilderexperience.com

709.432.2180