Location Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Project Details Parks Canada would like to offer this hike on an on-going, indeterminate basis. Over the next five years, we expect a maximum of 20 visitors to hike the trail per year. The hike would be accessible when boat travel from begins to be safe (mid- to late July) until about the Labour Day weekend in September, after which the weather renders the terrain unsuitable for hiking.

The proposed project consists of promoting a multi-day hiking route on Bylot Island as a new visitor experience offer for (similar idea as Akshayuk Pass in ). The route starts on Inuit Owned Land next to Aktinek Creek, continues along Aktineq , weaves in and out of Inuit Owned Land and Sirmilik National Park towards Fountain Glacier, and ends at Sirmilik Glacier (see included map). The total length of the hike is approximately 45km and takes about 4-5 days to complete, with the possibility of extending the visit and hiking some small spur routes. Please note that we have included more than one route option for increased trail diversity and to mitigate potentially unsafe stream crossings and weather conditions. The time on Inuit Owned Land will vary slightly from group to group. We anticipate the timing of the trail's use to be approximately mid-July to mid-September. Over the next five years, we expect a maximum of 20 visitors to hike the trail per year.

Please see the attached environmental impacts and mitigations documents for more detailed information on environmental impacts and mitigations, waste disposal, and preventing wildlife encounters.

Although visitors hiking this trail won’t be able to carry firearms on this trail, guides may apply for a firearms permit in order to take a firearm while hiking with clients.

Transportation Visitors will be transported to and from Bylot Island by boat from Pond Inlet. They will be picked up and dropped off below the high tide line.

Consultation In January 2019, we consulted with the Sirmilik National Park Joint Park Management Committee (JPMC). We received official approval and support from the JPMC.

In 2018, we consulted with the Asungasungaat Area Co-management Committee and received a letter of suport from that committee as well.