Kangerlussuaq

Those with more time usually combine this excursion with a visit to where the inland ice spills down from its high plateau at the Russell Glacier. If you are patient, you are often rewarded with chunks of ice calving off the face of this 60m high wall of jagged ice to fall into the river rapids below.

Hikers on top of the ice sheet near Kangerlussuaq. Photo: Peter Lindstrom

This remote glacier near Kangerlussuaq is also the perfect place to keep a sharp eye out for herds of musk oxen that are found in parts of Greenland and which roam freely in the area. Alternatively, you can join a specific wildlife watching excursion that will take you to the best probable locations for viewing these enormous animals, as well as reindeer (caribou), arctic hare, arctic fox, and several species of birds.

The Russell Glacier is also a popular starting point for an extended Arctic Circle Trail (ACT) hike. The ACT (Greenland’s most famous long-distance trail) runs for 160km between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut, but keen hikers (and fat-bikers or skiers during winter) can add additional kilometres and trek all the way from the ice cap to the sea.

Other summer activities include several short day hikes (Garnet Rock and Sugarloaf Mountain are the most popular), kayaking on Lake Ferguson / Lake Tasersuatsiaq (with dinner at Roklubben restaurant as a reward for the effort), and fishing either in the Kangerlussuaq Fjord or in rivers known for their high concentrations of Arctic Char. Make sure you purchase a fishing license first.

People enjoying a day in the sun by the Russell Glacier. Photo – Mads Pihl

During winter, the backcountry around Kangerlussuaq thunders with the paws of Greenlandic sled dogs as they transport hunters, fishermen, and now, tourists in the same way they’ve done for thousands of years. With more than 1000 excursions each season ranging from a few hours to a few days (you can even dog sled all the way to Sisimiut), Kangerlussuaq is one of the best places in Greenland to experience this ancient mode of winter transportation. Dog sled out to a prime ice fishing spot, or simply take a short tour in the open terrain of Greenland’s most recently listed UNESCO area for an insight into the strong bond that still exists between Greenlanders and their dogs.

You can also go Musk Ox hunting via dog sled during the winter. There are two main hunting seasons during the year (Mar – Apr and Jul – Oct) for those that practice this sport, and although hunting is a way of life in Greenland, it is also well regulated. You must join a registered hunting trip led by a guide who will take you to the best hunting grounds and teach you about ethical and sustainable practices in Greenland.

Back in town, make sure you call by the store “By Heart” to see whether there are talks on working with Musk-ox wool or the traditional kaffemik happening, and join a city tour to learn more about the American (and other) history of this small, inland town.

Hike to the top of any nearby hill for an aerial view over Kangerlussuaq or, for those with more experience, explore the mountains and valleys of the vast backcountry that stretches all the way from the ice sheet to Sisimiut. You are limited only by how much you want to carry and how much energy you want to expend.

For those who are interested in history, make sure you visit the Kangerlussuaq Museum, which focuses on the town’s history as an American base and its subsequent transformation into the key transportation hub for Greenland. It is a great place to learn a little about the town so that you can appreciate much better the style of building and infrastructure you will see around town during your stay.