Canada’s largest island is home to the steepest cliff in the world

There’s never been a better time to explore Canada’s breathtaking national parks now that the Canada Strong Pass offers free admission and discounted overnight stays through Sept. 2, 2025. And if you’re looking to add a remote yet thrilling location to your bucket list, Nunavut’s Auyuittuq National Park is just the pick.

Situated on Southeastern Baffin Island (Canada’s largest island), the national park consists of an incredible landscape forged by rock and ice. The 97 km Akshayuk Pass is the most popular hiking and skiing destination in the park, offering visitors the chance to pass through a massive natural corridor to a glacial valley.

The world’s steepest cliff

While it’s no beginner trail at an eight-to-12-day journey, you’ll be rewarded with dramatic views of the Overlord, Odin, Thor, and Asgard mountain peaks. Of these, Mount Thor happens to be the world’s steepest cliff, with the largest vertical drop (1,250 metres).

Another reason to brave the pass is the chance to hike, ski, or snowmobile to the Arctic Circle, where the sun remains visible for up to 24 hours during the summer months.

In terms of wildlife and unique formations, Parks Canada notes that snow geese, Arctic foxes, and ancient stone inuksuit (stone figures) are commonly viewed along the Akshayuk Pass.

Those looking for a slightly shorter yet no less rewarding trek can opt for shorter two- to six-day trips. Though you won’t find any campgrounds or services in the park, there are outhouses located at each of the nine emergency shelters spaced out along the pass, each about a day’s travel distance apart.

Visitors of this park should be self-reliant and experienced, according to Parks Canada, as facilities here are limited, and weather conditions can change without warning.

July and August are the best times of year to visit the park, though sudden temperature drops, strong winds, and rain or snow can occur year-round. So, make sure you prepare accordingly with warm layers and reliable gear.

How to get to the park

Iqaluit is the hub for air traffic in Nunavut. Canadian North offers direct flights to Iqaluit from Ottawa, Montreal and Yellowknife.

From Iqaluit, visitors can take a scheduled or chartered flight to Pangnirtung or Qikiqtarjuag to access the park. According to Parks Canada, the best way to reach it is by boat or snowmobile.

Auyuittuq National Park

Where: Baffin Island, Nunavut

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