Camping at Auyuittuq National Park

Why carry so much gear?

I know my list of gear for camping at Auyuittuq National Park looks a little excessive but based on where I’m going and the fact that I’m going solo I may just add a few more items before I head out. The Akshayuk Pass in Auyuittuq National Park is no walk in the Park.

A Walk in the Park

Actually camping at Auyuittuq National Park is a walk in the park but can be one of the most perilous walks in the park one might ever take. Odds are a trip to Auyuittuq will be a great hike with fantastic memories to last a lifetime. The glaciers are amazing, the mountains are breathtaking and the sheer size of the landscape is overwhelming leaving one lost for words at times. On the other hand there are risks that must not be taken lightly.

The Perils of Rockfalls

Rockfalls are something to watch for. Some of the rocks that have fallen are the size of a bungalow. Bare, freshly broken rock is a sign of active rockfall, these areas may extend well out from the rock walls and cliffs. In or around steep terrain, choose routes carefully, watch and listen for falling rock and avoid stopping for breaks. Be particularly careful when it is raining and during periods of freeze-melt temperatures as these conditions loosen rock and increase rockfall. Choose campsites in protected areas, away from steep terrain.

Safe River Crossings

Streams and rivers in and around Auyuittuq are mostly glacial fed so the depth and speed change throughout the day. This makes them unpredictable, susceptible to rapid change and challenging to assess for safe crossing. When the sun is at its strongest, the glacial melt increases and so does the amount of water in the rivers and streams. Rivers and streams tend to be at the lowest levels early in the morning between 2 am and 7 am. Rainfall affects the river and stream level and flow rate in two ways: by adding more water directly to the flow and by increasing the glacial melt. Increased water levels and flow rate may be immediate or delayed by several hours.

Here are some tips to make a safe water crossing when camping at Auyuittuq National Park:

• Cross major rivers and streams early in the day between 2 am and 7 am.
• During and after rainfall watch for deep, fast river flow.
• Sections on flat ground with several branches tend to be shallower.
• Use a hiking stick to test water depth and to help with balance while crossing.
• Unfasten the waist and chest straps on your pack when crossing. People have died because they were pinned down by their pack.
• Neoprene boots with good soles will protect your feet from the cold.
• Wait until the water level is lower in a stream or river. It could be a few days!

The polar climate means short, cool summers. Summer brings almost endless daylight. Winds of 15-20 km/hour are common year-round although they tend to be stronger (30-40 km/hr) from late summer to early winter, with extremes to 100 km/hour. The Penny Ice Cap and steep mountain slopes of Akshayuk Pass create conditions for steady winds along the hiking trail. Beware of blowing sand. While camping at Auyuittuq National Park be prepared for snow anytime, anywhere in Auyuittuq. By August new snow is common in the pass and above 2,000 feet elevation it is permanent.

Rescue Capability

Rescue facilities are very limited in Auyuittuq. In the event of injury, weather and travel conditions may delay rescue for many days - or make it entirely impossible. The only first aid available is the expertise you have yourself. You must be prepared for self-rescue. For high-angle technical evacuations, assistance from outside of Nunavut is required. So you must be cautious and think about each step. Satellite phones are the preferred means of making contact for emergencies.

In Auyuittuq, hypothermia is a risk year-round. It can be particularly dangerous in summer when people least expect it. Summer air temperatures can change rapidly from warm (15º C) to cool (0º C or below). Rain or snow can quickly blow in off the ocean. Prolonged exposure to cool, wet, and windy conditions can lead to hypothermia for those who are unprepared.

Exposure to glacial meltwater during river and stream crossings can also lead to hypothermia. Know the signs and symptoms of hypothermia, know how to treat it and take precautions to prevent its onset. If your clothes become wet in the cold, immediately change to dry clothing.

Polar Bears

In Auyuittuq, polar bears are most active in and along the coast of Davis Strait. Be cautious in August when the sea ice is gone and bears are forced ashore. Do not camp on the coast, travel 3-4 hours inland if possible. Polar bears may be encountered at other times of the year and in other areas of the park, even on glaciers.

Report polar bear encounters, sightings, tracks and signs to Parks Staff as soon as possible. Use a radio or satellite phone if possible. If you are nervous about bears, or uncertain of your ability to deal with them, consider hiring a guide from one of the local communities.

Drinking Water

Fresh water in rivers, creeks or melt pools is not tested in Auyuittuq National Park. Human or animal waste may contaminate any water source in the park. Most of the water is only about 3 hours old being as it has been frozen for the 300 million years prior to melting. The water is probably fine but why risk getting ill. Bring and use a water treatment kit or boil your water before drinking it.

These conditions are why I carry so much when camping at Auyuittuq National Park, but the trip is worth the burden and I’m still healthy enough to carry a few extra pounds. See the gear list here.

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