The canoes
A unique experience on the Arctic Circle Trail is the opportunity to canoe for part of the route. This is possible between the Katiffik Hut and the Canoe Centre along the ACT’s longest lake – Amitsorsuaq.
The canoes are available on a first-ready-to-leave basis. They cannot be “reserved” by placing your personal belongings in them.
If you are lucky, there will be a canoe at your start point. However, this is not guaranteed. Since most people hike Kangerlussuaq -> Sisimiut, you are more likely to find a free canoe at the Canoe Centre than at Katiffik.
If there is not one available, keep an eye out along the way as you may come across one that another hiker had to unexpectedly abandon due to bad weather.
Alternatively, you could go for a paddle once you reach the hut as a way to relax or if you are taking a zero day.
Each canoe has a maximum capacity of 3 people and 365kg. Please do not overload them as they will become unstable.
Note: You use the canoes at your own risk. The municipality and Destination Arctic Circle take no responsibility for anything that occurs when using the canoes.
Canoe Use
The canoes should be picked up and left at one of the two huts.
DO NOT paddle beyond the Canoe Centre as the lake becomes very shallow and rocky and damage to the canoe is likely.
The canoes are available on a first-ready-to-leave basis. They cannot be “reserved” by placing your personal belongings in them.
Only start paddling if you are fairly confident that you can make it to the other hut (20km) given the weather conditions. Canoes should only be abandoned mid-way if there is an unforseen change in the weather.
Paddles and life vests should be taken into the huts once you arrive (there is a storage section next to the entrance to Katiffik). This way, they will last longer than if they are left outside.
If you need to abandon the canoe mid-way due to a change in weather, please:
- Make your way to the southern shoreline and try to find a sandy landing spot so the canoe will not be damaged. This is so others who are hiking the trail can find the canoe and make use of it.
- Lift the canoe (don’t drag it) and place it as far as possible up the bank. Try to make sure it is visible from the trail.
- Turn it over so it is upside down.
- Tie or secure as well as possible the life vests and paddles underneath the overturned canoe to stop them blowing away.
We ask that you look after the equipment as if it were your own. That way future hikers will also be able to enjoy this unique aspect of the ACT for many years to come.
