Auyuittuq National Park re-opens to hikers

All sections of Akshayuk Pass in Auyuittuq National Park that were closed to hikers have re-opened. (PHOTO COURTESY OF PARKS CANADA)

As of today, all sections of Akshayuk Pass that were closed to hikers have been re-opened, said Parks Canada in an Aug. 10 bulletin.

This means that visitors to Auyuittuq National Park can again hike the full length of the Akshayuk Pass, which closed Aug. 1 after heavy rains and erosion made river crossings treacherous.

Parks Canada cautions all hikers that rivers remain “high and extremely dangerous.”

Parks Canada has advised them to avoid taking undue risks when crossing streams and rivers in the pass.

Two Parks Canada patrols started to hike into Auyuittuq National Park during the weekend to assess the condition of rivers and river crossings. They have now completed their assessment, said the bulletin.

Based on their assessments, all areas that were closed a week ago have been re-opened.

All hikers who are planning to visit Auyuittuq National Park for the remainder of this summer can expect that their orientations will include added cautionary information and advice, especially concerning crossings that continue to present a high risk at this time, Parks Canada said.

Auyuittuq National Park staff will remain on 24-hour stand-by and will continue to monitor risks presented by the rivers. Hikers currently in the park have all been provided with updates as Park Patrols met up with them. Those planning to visit the park in the coming days and weeks will be provided the latest information regarding river crossing risks.

Auyuittuq Park staff also will be asking hikers, during the de-registration process upon exiting the Park to provide staff with information and insights.