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What makes Kangaatsiaq special?
With no developed tourism infrastructure, Kangaatsiaq is virtually unknown internationally and perfect for those seeking authentic experiences with a more traditional Greenlandic community. You must be prepared to chart your own course and make local friends in order to experience the abundant wildlife and beautiful backcountry that only Kangaatsiaq’s hunters know well. However, the effort will be well rewarded by the resulting unique adventures made possible through these connections.
How to get to Kangaatsiaq
Kangaatsiaq is located at the tip of a mainland peninsula amidst the thousands of small islands that lie scattered to the south of Aasiaat. International visitors must first get themselves to Aasiaat (via Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk, or Ilulissat) and then take a helicopter transfer (winter only) or Diskoline boat transfer to the town.
The best times to visit are
- June – September (hiking, kayaking, sailing)
- February – April (dog sledding, snowmobiling)
- October – April (Northern Lights).
How to get around Kangaatsiaq
Kangaatsiaq is a small town where walking is the only option. There are no taxis. For excursions in the area, the most common way to get around is with a boat, on foot or by kayak (summer), and on dog sled, snowmobile, or with you own skis or snowshoes (winter).
There’s not tourist information in Kangaatsiaq
Useful phone numbers
- Police(+299) 70 14 24
- Hospital (+299) 89 43 00 / (+299) 89 22 11 after 16:00
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What to do in Kangaatsiaq
East of Kangaatsiaq, a 150 km long fjord system contains countless islands, inlets, and bays. These protected waters are perfect to explore by boat or sea kayak, while the interconnecting landmasses offer extraordinary off-trail hiking opportunities. Long-distance trekkers can undertake the more than 60km route from Kangaatsiaq to Niaqornaarsuk, and local hunters can suggest other great hiking locations for shorter trips.
Whether on the water or on land, keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife that occupies the area. Reindeer, Arctic fox, Arctic hare, and many different species of birds can be found in the hinterland that stretches away from Kangaatsiaq. While the waterways that wind their way through the broken coastline are filled with a wide range of seals and whales, including the joyous humpbacks during the summer.
Winter is the time for dog sledding in Kangaatsiaq, as is evidenced by the sleds stacked around the town and the many howling dogs. Hunters can provide a brief introduction to this ancient form of transportation in a short tour of a few hours, or can arrange multi-day excursions that allow you to fully appreciate the life of a Greenlandic hunter and the strong bond that exists between him and his dogs. These overnight trips into the wilderness also provide the best views of the colourful Northern Lights, though they can also be seen from the middle of Kangaatsiaq itself due to its small size.
Good to know
- Kangaatsiaq is Greenland’s newest town – designated as such in 1986 (previously it was a settlement)
- Local residents are mostly fishermen and seal hunters. Kangaatsiaq has a fish factory that produces dried fish and shrimp
- Kangaatsiaq means “rather small promontory” in the Greenlandic language.
- Kangaatsiaq has one Pilersuisoq supermarket that stocks a little of everything as well as a few smaller kiosks. You should aim to bring all your outdoor equipment with you and you should try the kiosks for souvenirs