Auyuittuq National Park

Located on Baffin Island in Nunavut, Auyuittuq (meaning 'land that never melts') is an Arctic wilderness of glaciers, fjords, and mountains. While not a...

Auyuittuq National Park at a Glance

Location
The Canadian Arctic, Canada, North America
Coordinates
67.352140, -66.020760
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Auyuittuq National Park

Nearest airport: Kivitoo Airport (abandoned), 81 km away.

Weather & Climate in Auyuittuq National Park

The warmest temperatures in Auyuittuq National Park occur in July, averaging 0.1°C (up to 1.8°C). The coolest conditions are in February at -29.3°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 6.3mm. Average humidity: 69.0%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: -27.5°C (rainfall: 14.2mm)
  • February: -29.3°C (rainfall: 6.3mm)
  • March: -23.4°C (rainfall: 8.5mm)
  • April: -16.1°C (rainfall: 13.3mm)
  • May: -11.7°C (rainfall: 34.7mm)
  • June: -5.3°C (rainfall: 40.2mm)
  • July: 0.1°C (rainfall: 49.8mm)
  • August: -1.3°C (rainfall: 75.5mm)
  • September: -7.3°C (rainfall: 45.3mm)
  • October: -11.3°C (rainfall: 47.7mm)
  • November: -20.2°C (rainfall: 28.2mm)
  • December: -22.4°C (rainfall: 19.7mm)

Best Time to Visit Auyuittuq National Park

The best months to visit Auyuittuq National Park are April, January, February, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature -27.53°C, rainfall 14.2mm, sunshine 1.4 hrs, humidity 69%
  • February: Good, temperature -29.28°C, rainfall 6.3mm, sunshine 5.6 hrs, humidity 69%
  • March: Good, temperature -23.42°C, rainfall 8.5mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 65.7%
  • April: Great, temperature -16.08°C, rainfall 13.3mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 67.2%
  • May: Good, temperature -11.7°C, rainfall 34.7mm, sunshine 13.4 hrs, humidity 69.8%
  • June: Good, temperature -5.34°C, rainfall 40.2mm, sunshine 12.3 hrs, humidity 82.4%
  • July: Good, temperature 0.14°C, rainfall 49.8mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 87.9%
  • August: Poor, temperature -1.33°C, rainfall 75.5mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 88.8%
  • September: Good, temperature -7.31°C, rainfall 45.3mm, sunshine 7.2 hrs, humidity 73.9%
  • October: Poor, temperature -11.29°C, rainfall 47.7mm, sunshine 3.9 hrs, humidity 73.6%
  • November: Poor, temperature -20.2°C, rainfall 28.2mm, sunshine 2.3 hrs, humidity 71.2%
  • December: Good, temperature -22.37°C, rainfall 19.7mm, sunshine 0 hrs, humidity 69.7%

Wildlife in Auyuittuq National Park

Home to 1 recorded species including 1 predators.

Recommended Packing List for Auyuittuq National Park

Based on average temperature of -14.6°C, typical conditions, humidity 74%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around -15°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Auyuittuq National Park

5 safari lodges available.

ultra-luxury

Other

Similar Parks in The Canadian Arctic

Visitor Tips - Auyuittuq National Park

Auyuittuq is not just a park; it's an expedition into one of Earth's last true wildernesses, a place where the scale of nature truly humbles you. We love the raw, untamed beauty of its fjords and glaciers, offering an unparalleled experience for serious adventurers. The silence here is profound, broken only by the wind or the distant roar of a calving glacier, making every moment deeply sensory and unforgettable.

Gate Times

Access to Auyuittuq National Park is not via traditional gates but through chartered flights or boat trips from Pangnirtung or Qikiqtarjuaq. We recommend securing your park permit well in advance through Parks Canada, as visitor numbers are carefully managed to preserve this pristine wilderness. There are no set opening or closing times in the conventional sense, but travel is highly seasonal, primarily from late June to early September when conditions are most favorable for hiking and climbing.

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated for local guides and outfitters who facilitate your journey into Auyuittuq. We suggest C$15-C$25 per person per day for a lead guide and C$10-C$15 for support staff, such as boat operators or camp assistants, if you are on an organized expedition. Always tip in Canadian dollars and present it discreetly at the end of your trip.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Canada

Travel advisory for Canada

Auyuittuq National Park FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Auyuittuq National Park for both weather and wildlife viewing?

The best time to visit Auyuittuq is typically during the short Arctic summer, from late June to mid-August, when the weather is milder and daylight is almost continuous. This period allows for easier access to hiking routes and offers prime opportunities to spot marine mammals in the fjords and terrestrial wildlife like caribou and Arctic foxes.

What kind of unique 'safari' experience should I expect in Auyuittuq, given it's an Arctic wilderness and not a traditional African safari?

Auyuittuq offers an unparalleled Arctic expedition, focusing on self-sufficient wilderness travel amidst dramatic glaciers, fjords, and mountains, rather than vehicle-based game drives. Expect challenging hikes, potential for sea kayaking, and the thrill of spotting iconic Arctic wildlife like polar bears and seals in their natural, untouched habitat.

What are the typical costs associated with a trip to Auyuittuq National Park, considering its remote Arctic location?

A trip to Auyuittuq is a significant investment due to its extreme remoteness, requiring flights to Iqaluit and then Pangnirtung or Qikiqtarjuaq, followed by boat or snowmobile charters into the park. Expect costs to range from CAD $5,000 to $15,000+ per person for a multi-day expedition, including permits, specialized gear, and guided services.

What are the primary safety considerations for visitors to Auyuittuq National Park, especially regarding polar bears and the harsh Arctic environment?

Safety in Auyuittuq is paramount, primarily due to the presence of polar bears and unpredictable Arctic weather. Visitors must carry bear deterrents, know how to use them, and practice safe food storage, while also being prepared for rapid weather changes, hypothermia risks, and challenging terrain. Parks Canada requires visitors to register and be self-sufficient, often recommending experienced guides.

Beyond polar bears, what other unique wildlife can I hope to encounter in Auyuittuq, and are there any specific health precautions for this Arctic environment?

In addition to polar bears, you might spot caribou, Arctic foxes, Arctic hares, and various bird species, while marine mammals like seals and whales are common in the fjords. Regarding health, malaria is not a concern in the Canadian Arctic; however, visitors should be prepared for cold weather, potential for frostbite, and ensure they have adequate emergency communication devices.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.