Auyuittuq National Park of Canada

Visitor Information

Visitor Safety

• Weather
• Communications Systems
• Rescue Capability
• Polar Bear Safety
• Other Wildlife
• Hypothermia & Frostbite
• Glacier Travel & Avalanches
• River Crossings & Rockfall
• Drinking Water

Planning a safe visit to a national park

Auyuittuq offers spectacular scenery, wildlife, and opportunities to experience Inuit culture and learn about northern places. But there are a host of dangers associated with travel in this northern wilderness. The remoteness of this area and limited rescue capabilities increase the risk of the challenging natural hazards. All visitors must be prepared to deal with extreme and rapidly changing weather, unpredictable river crossings, high winds, and travel in polar bear country. You must be self-reliant and responsible for your own safety.

Psychology of Survival

Survival can be more dependent on the person than the situation. If you become lost or injured, you have a better chance of surviving if you remain patient, calm and confident. Survival under difficult conditions also depends on how well you are prepared for your trip. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

If you are planning a backcountry trip in Auyuittuq, ask yourself these questions:

• Do you have experience in wilderness travel?
• Are you prepared to travel in polar bear country and willing to accept the risk?
• Do you have the first aid and wilderness survival skills required for self-reliance?
• Do you have all the necessary safety equipment?
• If your own experience or training is limited, will you be travelling with others who have adequate experience or training?
• Do you have the mind-set that includes judgement, patience and respect for the arctic environment?
• Are you willing to reassess and possibly change your goals if necessary?
• Do you have time and provisions for unexpected delays such as: waiting out inclement weather or high rivers, boat shuttles held up by rough water and/or tides, delays in scheduled airline flights? Trying to stick to a tight schedule is an invitation for frustration and accidents!

If you are planning a ski-tour, glacier trip or climbing expedition:

• Are you able to navigate by map and GPS in a whiteout?
• Do you have the training, experience and equipment to assess avalanche conditions, make sound route choices and carry out self-rescue procedures?
• Do you have the training, experience and equipment required for safe glacier travel and crevasse rescue?
• If technical climbing, are you prepared for self-rescue? Technical rescue equipment and personnel have to be brought in from outside of Nunavut.

Carefully consider the information provided in the pre-trip planning and contact us if you have any questions.

If you have any doubts about your skill level, consider visiting Auyuittuq National Park with a licensed guide or outfitter. An experienced guide or outfitter knows what it takes to travel safely in this area and will provide an opportunity to learn more about the natural and cultural heritage.