In the Shadow of Thor: An Akshayuk Pass Trek
- July to September
- 5-6 days
- Pangnirtung - Mt Thor (return)
- Difficulty: Intermediate/Difficult
Overview:
For those who are not prepared to commit to the full Akshayuk Pass traverse, but still want to experience the towering massifs of South Baffin, we offer this challenging 5-6 day short trekking expedition - perfect for individuals seeking an authentic Arctic experience. The trek starts and ends in Pangnirtung, a small hamlet approximately 300km northeast of the hub city of Iqaluit in the Territory of Nunavut. Guests travel to Iqaluit via Ottawa or Montreal with Canadian North Airlines, then connect on to Pangnirtung. Upon arrival in Pang, you will be met by your guide and transported to your hotel or B&B, and after settling in, you will meet with your group and trip leader(s) to discuss the itinerary and any contingency plans that may be needed in the event of poor weather. Your guide will also request a final gear check to ensure that you are appropriately prepared for the trip. We will also attend a mandatory Parks Canada safety briefing in the afternoon or early evening, depending on staff availability. After dinner we will say goodnight and rest for the trip to the trailhead early the next morning. Our boat Captain is a local Inuit guide, who will transport us by boat to Overlord, the official entrance to the park. En route to Overlord, our Captain will likely divert the boat, on occasion, to show guests the many natural attractions of the area – such as icebergs, or resident marine and terrestrial wildlife. It is not uncommon to see Bowhead whales, marine birds, and even polar bears on the ride to the drop off point. Once at our destination, we will disembark and begin the trek north into the Akshayuk Pass towards Thor.
After unloading our gear at Overlord, our mission is to make as much distance into the River Valley as possible, before making camp for the evening. Each day of this adventure, we will begin with an early wakeup call followed by a nutritious, high calorie breakfast prior to setting off. Our journey begins at sea level, but we will gradually gain altitude until we top out at the base of the massive peak that is Mount Thor. The effects of glacial activity are profound in this section of the Akshayuk Pass, and you will encounter erratic boulder fields, moraines, sky-scraping mountain peaks and Nunataqs. The ancient Penny Ice Cap is frequently visible, extending its tongue down into the river valley from the plateau above.
Whats included:
- Hotel Accommodation (based on double occupancy in Pang for two nights. one night beginning and one night end of trek).
- Return boat charter from Pangnirtung to Auyuittuq NP
- Trail food (breakfast, lunch & dinner and all snacks/hot drinks during expedition). Dinner in Pang (last day)
- Professional polar guide
- Group equipment (satellite phone, inReach®, expedition quality tents, fuel, MSR stoves, camp kitchen, medical kit, repair kit, etc.)
- Parks Canada permit
What’s NOT included:
- Return flights from your home to Pangnirtung, NU.
- Hotel/accommodation outside of those in your itinerary Meals and accommodations outside of those specified in your itinerary
- Travel/evacuation insurance (mandatory)
- Personal camping gear (sleeping bag, camp mattress, personal hiking gear/clothing, medication/toiletries)
- Accommodations in Nunavut required due to weather or other travel delays, flight cancellations, boat charter delays/cancellations, or other events outside of our control
Trip Dates:
July 26 - 31, 2027
August 10 - 15, 2027
August 30 - September 4, 2027
Guide to Client Ratio:
1 : 6
To Book:
Early bird rate: $6095 + GST (5%) until September 30, 2026
Standard rate: $6595 + GST (5%) effective October 1, 2026. 50% deposit required on booking. Balance due 120-days prior to trip start
About A Wilder Experience:
A Wilder Experience is licensed to guide tours in Auyuittuq National Park, and we are also licensed with the Government of Nunavut as a professional outfitter. A Wilder Experience is a member of the Travel Industry Association of Canada, as well as Travel Nunavut. Feel free to check out our Google, Facebook or TripAdvisor review pages to see what other clients have been saying about our passion for the outdoors. We have been operating in the park for more than 10 years and have established close ties with our local partners
