Akshayuk Pass Trail

You can read all our Terms & Conditions here.

BOOKING.

Amarok Adventures ehf will provide the traveler with instructions on how to proceed with the trip booking process. To confirm a booking, the following requirements must be met:

• The traveler must fill out the online form with their personal information.
• The traveler must sign the travel agreement, which will be provided by Amarok Adventures ehf .*
• The traveler must make a payment of, at least, 30% of the total trip cost through our website booking system or through a partner’s booking system. The remaining 70% balance of the total cost must be paid no later than 5 months prior to the trip start date.**

*If the client declines to sign the travel agreement, we interpret this as the traveler not accepting the general and specific terms and conditions of the trip. As a result, Amarok Adventures ehf will be entitled to cancel the reservation at the client’s own risk and expense.

** Bookings made within 5 months prior to the start date of the trip will require a 100% payment at the time of the booking.

You can read all our Terms & Conditions here.

CANCELLATION & CHANGE FEES FOR EXPEDITIONS.
Amarok Adventures ehf reserves the right to keep the below fee to cover costs in all of our tours. If clients formally cancel their participation:

• If canceled within 48 hours of booking: 100% of the total tour price is refundable (including the deposit).
• If cancelled before confirmation of the group: 100% of the total tour price is refundable (including the deposit).

• If cancelled 150 days or more prior to the departure date: 50% of the total tour price is refundable.
• If cancelled 120-149 days prior to the departure date: 25% of the total tour price is refundable.
• If cancelled 0-119 days prior to the departure date: 0% of the total tour price is refundable.

This multi-day tour can be changed free of charge up to 150 days before departure date if there is availability on a different date.

Please be aware that the adventure trip you are about to embark on requires certain abilities to fully enjoy the experience. To ensure your participation, please consider the following criteria:

• You should have the capability to hike distances exceeding 20 kilometers (13 miles) for multiple consecutive days.
• You should possess the endurance to tackle elevation gains of over 1.000 meters (3,280 feet).
• Given the variable weather conditions, it is strongly advised to bring high-quality waterproof mountain gear.
• You should be physically capable of carrying your own backpack throughout the entirety of the 12-day hiking trip. Luggage transportation & logistics support are not provided.
• You should feel comfortable spending the night in tents in the wilderness.

You can see the updated packing list for this trip here.
There you will see detailed information regarding the essential hiking gear you’d need to bring. If the participant lacks the required equipment, the guide may limit their participation in the entire trip to ensure their safety.

There is no need for you to bring any additional technical mountain gear.
Given the weather conditions in Baffin Island, it is highly recommended to bring good-quality waterproof & warm mountain gear to stay dry, warm, and comfortable. Merino wool is highly recommended.

While the guide will have a first-aid kit, each traveler is responsible for carrying any personal items they deem necessary based on their own medical conditions, requirements, risks, etc. It is crucial to communicate such information to Amarok Adventures during the trip booking process.

To fully enjoy an expedition tour in Baffin Island (Canadian Arctic), the traveler should possess a certain level of fitness. This trip involves hiking distances exceeding 15- 20 kilometers per day for several consecutive days, as well as tackling elevation gains of over 900 meters (2950 feet). It is essential to have the endurance to endure these physical challenges as well as a significant amount of self-determination.

The journey may present various challenges, both physically and mentally, and having a strong sense of determination is crucial to overcome obstacles and push through difficult moments. It is essential to maintain a positive mindset, stay motivated, embrace the spirit of adventure & be willing to work as a team.

Additionally, as the weather in Baffin Island can be unpredictable, it is highly recommended to bring good waterproof mountain gear to stay dry and comfortable. Furthermore, each traveler is expected to carry their own fully-loaded backpack throughout the entire 12-day excursion.

During the first night & the last night the group will overnight in twin rooms (2 people capacity) in Qikiqtarjuaq & Pangnirtung. Single room requests cannot be accommodated due to limited availability.

Throughout the hiking days, accommodations will be in expedition tents.
Participants have to bring their own 3-season tents. Expedition tents need to be light and have to be tested before at home to make sure that they are in perfect conditions. Participants are required to bring their own sleeping bag, sleeping pad & tent fixing kit.

There are 9 emergency shelters located along the Akshayuk Pass, approximately every 20km. The shelters are maintained for safety in case of extreme weather or polar bear threats and they are to be used in emergency situations only.

The emergency shelters along the Akshayuk Pass in Auyuittuq National Park are critical lifelines for hikers traversing this remote and rugged terrain. These simple, utilitarian structures are strategically placed along the route to provide protection from the park’s often harsh and unpredictable weather. With little infrastructure available in this backcountry wilderness, the shelters offer a safe haven in case of
emergencies or sudden changes in conditions, such as fierce winds, heavy snowfall, or plunging temperatures.

Each shelter is equipped with basic amenities designed to ensure safety rather than comfort. Inside, you’ll find space to rest and recover, particularly during severe weather when continuing on the trail could be dangerous. However, they are not intended for overnight camping or long stays. The shelters are primarily meant to provide short-term refuge until conditions improve or help arrives in the event of an emergency.

Due to the remote nature of the Akshayuk Pass, these shelters are vital for hikers who may face delays or need a place to take shelter from hypothermia-inducing rain, cold, or even polar bear encounters. However, it’s important to remember that these shelters are not staffed, and help is far away, often requiring days for rescue teams to reach you. For this reason, visitors must still be self-sufficient, carrying the necessary gear and supplies to survive in the backcountry, even with the existence of these shelters. While they are a crucial safety net, your safety ultimately depends on being healthy and free from pre-existing injuries or illnesses, along with solid preparation, awareness, and responsible use of these limited resources.

We strongly recommend arriving in Iqaluit at least one or two days before the official start of the expedition.

Weather in the Arctic can be unpredictable, and flight delays or cancellations are not uncommon. Arriving early gives you a comfortable buffer in case of unexpected changes, ensures your luggage arrives with you, and allows you to rest before we head into the wilderness.

Those extra days in Iqaluit aren’t just for logistics — they’re a chance to connect with life in the North. You can visit the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum to learn about Inuit culture and art, or stop by local galleries and craft shops where artists sell carvings, prints, and handmade jewelry. A short walk through Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park offers a first glimpse of tundra landscapes, Arctic flora, and perhaps even a few curious foxes.

If you feel like stretching your legs, explore the coastal trails near Apex or along Frobisher Bay, where the tides, light, and ice shift constantly — a good reminder of how alive this environment is.
For something more immersive, join a local-guided boat tour or wildlife excursion, visit the Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre for current events, or simply enjoy a quiet evening tasting Arctic char at one of the local restaurants.

Arriving early also gives you time to check and organize your gear, repack for the weight limit, and make any last-minute adjustments before we fly out.

Spending a day or two in Iqaluit helps you slow down, adapt to the rhythm of the Arctic, and start the expedition rested, prepared, and already connected to the land and its people.

To reach the start of the Akshayuk Pass, we’ll take a charter Twin Otter flight from Iqaluit to Qikiqtarjuaq, and later return from Pangnirtung to Iqaluit on another charter.

Each participant has a maximum luggage allowance of 18 kg (around 40 lbs). This includes all personal gear, clothing, food, tents & cooking gear—so packing light is essential.

We choose to charter our own aircraft instead of relying on regular commercial flights because weather-related cancellations are quite common in the Arctic. When that happens with scheduled flights, passengers are rebooked only when there are available seats for the entire group, which can take days or weeks.
Having a dedicated charter gives us greater flexibility. Our pilot can adjust flight times based on daily weather windows and flight hour limits, allowing us to move more efficiently and minimize delays.

In July & August, Baffin Island typically experiences relatively mild weather compared to other months of the year. The average temperature during this time ranges from about 5 to 15 degrees Celsius (41 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit). However, temperatures can vary widely depending on factors such as location, elevation, and proximity to the coast.

July & August are considered the warmer months on Baffin Island, with longer daylight hours and milder conditions. It’s not uncommon to experience occasional rain showers or fog, especially along the coast. It’s essential to come prepared for variable weather conditions and to dress in layers to accommodate temperature fluctuations throughout the day.

Yes. You will encounter glacial-fed rivers several day of the trip during this 11-day full backpacking adventure. Some rivers will be wider & very gentle, while others will be deep and/or have stronger currents, making them very challenging. Some days, you may need to cross multiple rivers along the whole day or during a small section of the whole day.

Depending on the river’s size and the strength of its current, you’ll need to either navigate the crossing on your own or team up with your travel companions. It’s essential to follow your guide’s instructions closely to ensure a safe passage.

If the river swells significantly, your guide will assess whether it’s safe to cross or if an alternate route is necessary (if available) to ensure a safe arrival at your destination, even if it means extending the day’s hiking distance.

The included meals of the trip are conceived as a full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from day 2 to day 10. Breakfast on day 11 is also included. The trip does not include any kind of drinks other than coffee, tea & herbal tea.

During the expedition hiking trip, meals will be thoughtfully prepared using dehydrated food for breakfast and dinners, while lunches will consist of energizing snacks to fuel your midday.

This is a self-sufficient adventure, meaning that participants will need to carry all food supplies for the duration of the trail, ensuring sustenance throughout the journey. For breakfast and dinner, gather at the expedition campsite where our guides will expertly prepare and serve delicious meals. Embrace the camaraderie of fellow adventurers as you enjoy hearty breakfasts and satisfying dinners, prepared amidst the rugged beauty of the wilderness.

Yes.

Enjoying the great outdoors is safer and more fulfilling when you ensure you Leave No Trace of your visit. A helpful guideline is to leave “no trace on the land” and “no trace on others’ experiences.” All waste must be packed out—this includes garbage, food scraps, and even toilet paper. Proper food management is crucial, especially when camping in areas with wildlife such as birds, foxes, and polar bears. Avoid bringing strong-smelling foods or those that generate excess waste.

Filter food scraps from dishwater and pack them out along with your trash. Dispose of dishwater and any excess cooking water in a shallow sump hole, far away from your campsite and any water sources.
When it comes to human waste, it’s important to keep the environment clean and safe. Feces should be deposited at least 100 meters from campsites, trails, and water sources. Be sure to pack out toilet paper to maintain the pristine conditions of the area and avoid impacting wildlife or fellow hikers. Practicing these simple habits ensures that your adventure leaves nothing but footprints behind, preserving the natural beauty for others to enjoy.

If you have any allergies or intolerances, it is vital to inform Amarok Adventures in advance during the trip booking process or, if not possible, before reaching the destination.

Please be aware that Amarok Adventures needs to order the dehydrated meals more than 2 months prior to the start of the trip. Requests made after this period may not be available.

Travelers who require vegetarian menus throughout the entirety of the trip must notify the agency. Gluten-free or vegan menus are not available. Amarok Adventures will make efforts to accommodate the dietary needs of the traveler. However, if it is not possible to fully meet the requirements, the agency will communicate the limitations accordingly. Open communication regarding dietary restrictions ensures a safe and enjoyable trip for all participants.

The gluten-free & vegan products in Baffin Island are very limited & might be impossible sometimes to get all the needed supplies.

Polar bears are magnificent creatures and an iconic symbol of the Arctic. While they generally avoid human contact, encounters with polar bears can potentially occur during the trip. It’s important to understand that polar bears are apex predators and, in certain situations, they can pose a threat to human safety. However, the guides leading the trip have been trained under the standards of the Polar Tourism Guides Association to safely handle encounters and prioritize the safety of their passengers and the safety of the polar bear.

Before embarking on an expedition in Baffin Island, our guides have receive comprehensive training, non-lethal training & firearm handling training that equips them with the knowledge and skills to navigate polar bear encounters effectively. This training often includes understanding polar bear behavior, identifying signs of their presence, and implementing precautionary measures to minimize the risk of incidents.

During the mandatory safety briefing with the rangers, the group will also be provided with a polar bear deterrent box to support the implementation of appropriate safety measures throughout the expedition. The rangers & the guides will explain its purpose, proper handling, and the relevant safety protocols to ensure that participants understand how it fits into the overall polar bear safety plan. The deterrent equipment complements the guides’ training and expertise and forms part of a broader approach to minimizing risks while prioritizing the safety of both participants and polar bears.

Guides have been trained to maintain a vigilant watch for polar bears while backpacking and to identify potential danger zones, such as areas where bears may be feeding or resting. They are well-versed in the guidelines and regulations set by local authorities regarding polar bear encounters.

In the event of a polar bear sighting, guides will take appropriate action to ensure the safety of everyone. This may include altering the hiking route, maintaining a safe distance from the bear, and closely monitoring its behaviour. In situations where the polar bear approaches the group, campsite or displays aggressive behaviour, guides are trained in various non-lethal deterrent techniques to discourage the bear from approaching further.

These techniques include measures designed to deter the bear while avoiding harm to both humans and the bear itself. In extreme cases where a polar bear poses an immediate threat to the safety of the expedition members, guides may decide to change the route for the safety of the group, including returning to the origin point.

It’s important to note that the goal of trained guides is always to prioritize the safety of both humans and polar bears. Encounters with these magnificent creatures are typically managed in a manner that ensures minimal disruption to their natural behavior and habitat. By following the guidance of your experienced guides and adhering to safety protocols, participants in this expedition can enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Baffin Island & the Canadian Arctic while minimizing any potential risks associated with polar bear encounters.