Auyuittuq National Park
Nunavut
•Est. 2001
Area
19,089 km² (7,370 sq mi)
Natural Region
Northern Davis Region
Annual Visitors
256
Established
2001
About the Park
Auyuittuq National Park, located on Baffin Island in Nunavut, is a vast Arctic wilderness characterized by towering granite peaks, deep fjords, expansive glaciers, and the Penny Ice Cap. Its name means 'the land that never melts' in Inuktitut, reflecting its icy landscapes. The park offers visitors a chance to experience the stark beauty of the Arctic Circle and explore some of the highest peaks of the Canadian Shield.
Park Location
History
Originally established as a national park reserve in 1972, Auyuittuq was designated a full national park in 2000. The area has a rich Inuit heritage, with indigenous peoples having traversed its landscapes for thousands of years. The park's creation aimed to preserve its unique Arctic environment and cultural significance.
Landscapes
The park features dramatic landscapes, including steep-walled fjords, sprawling glaciers, and rugged mountain ranges. Notable landmarks include Mount Asgard and Mount Thor, the latter boasting the world's highest vertical drop. The Akshayuk Pass, a 97-kilometer natural corridor, offers a pathway through the park's stunning terrain.
Wildlife
Despite its harsh environment, Auyuittuq supports a variety of wildlife. Terrestrial mammals include Arctic foxes, lemmings, and occasionally polar bears. Marine mammals such as narwhals and beluga whales inhabit the surrounding waters. Bird species like gyrfalcons, peregrine falcons, and snow buntings can also be spotted.
Activities
Visitors to Auyuittuq can engage in activities such as hiking the Akshayuk Pass, skiing, snowshoeing, and mountaineering. The park's challenging terrain attracts adventurers seeking remote and rugged experiences. Guided tours and local outfitters provide opportunities for cultural interpretation and safe exploration.
Park Features
Natural Beauty
Pristine Wilderness
Wildlife
Native Species
Activities
Outdoor Adventures
Scenic Views
Photo Opportunities
Similar National Parks You Might Enjoy
Discover more natural wonders like Auyuittuq National Park. These parks share similar features, landscapes, or geographical locations that you might find interesting.
Sirmilik National Park
Location
Nunavut
Established
2001
Area
22,200 km² (8,571 sq mi)
Annual Visitors
6
Sirmilik National Park, meaning 'the place of glaciers' in Inuktitut, is located on the northern end of Baffin Island and encompasses most of Bylot Island. The park features diverse landscapes, including rugged mountains, glaciers, and coastal lowlands.
Ukkusiksalik National Park
Location
Nunavut
Established
23 August 2003
Area
20,880 km² (8,062 sq mi)
Ukkusiksalik National Park, named after the Inuit word for soapstone, encompasses a vast expanse of tundra and coastal mudflats surrounding Wager Bay. The park is notable for its rich wildlife, including polar bears, grizzly bears, Arctic wolves, and barren-ground caribou. It also contains over 500 archaeological sites, reflecting the historical presence of the Inuit people.
Qausuittuq National Park
Location
Nunavut
Established
1 September 2015
Area
11,008 km² (4,250 sq mi)
Located on Bathurst Island, the park is adjacent to the Polar Bear Pass National Wildlife Area and protects Peary caribou and muskox habitat.