Quttinirpaaq National Park is Canada’s most-northerly park. Situated on the northern tip of Ellesmere Island, it is less than 500 miles from the North Pole. This is a vast land with fiords, mountains, glaciers, high arctic tundra, glacial streams, and one of the largest and deepest lakes in the Arctic. In places, we hike through fields of wildflowers and lichens. A strange “thermal oasis” at Lake Hazen, in the centre of the park, results in increased vegetation to support a higher density of wildlife. Muskoxen, arctic foxes and wolves, rare Peary caribou, herds of huge, white Arctic hares, and even polar bears, share the route. Humans are so rare that when you encounter the local wildlife they do not react in fear.
Our expedition begins at Tanquary Fiord and ascends wide river valleys – past alpine lakes and into the high mountains to view the spectacular Air Force and Fiala Glaciers. The Ad Astra Trek is one of the most-unique expeditions on earth for the seasoned hiker with a reasonable level of fitness. Please note that it is now mandatory for all participants to purchase trip interruption/cancellation insurance for any trip taking place out of Resolute, NU.
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