The Arctic Circle Road and ATV track
There are currently two different projects designed to provide an overland link between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut in the vicinity of the Arctic Circle Trail.
ATV Track – almost complete
In 2021, a rough, dirt ATV track was built between Kangerlussuaq and the Kangerlusarsuk Tulleq Hut near Sisimiut. It overlaps with the original Arctic Circle Trail between Kangerlusarsuk Tulleq Hut and the Eqalugaarniarfik Hut, which is why we are now developing the Southern ACT route.
This alternate trail has no tread and is not well marked. You must know how to navigate in backcountry wilderness before attempting it. There will be additional development of the southern route during 2023, and we hope to have it ready as a viable alternative to the original route in August 2024.
If you wish to hike the regular route, you will be happy to know there is currently very little traffic along the ATV track. For the most part, you will have silence and the regular ACT hiking experience, just with a wider and more obvious track to follow for part of the trail.
The Arctic Circle Road – not started
This proposed infrastructure project would create a proper car-accessible road linking Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq.
Nothing has been decided about the route and no approvals have yet been granted for the Arctic Circle Road. We suspect it will be at least 2023 before anything is decided for this project, and then a great deal more work needs to occur before there is any construction.