Oqummiannguaq Trail
A full day hike around Oqummiannguaq mountain that can be done in summer or winter (with snowshoes or skis)
What you can expect on the trail
A long but fairly easy hike around the isolated mountain that is currently home to Sisimiut’s ski lift. Arctic Circle Trail hikers can choose to follow this route into Sisimiut rather than the final section of ATV track.
Unlike many of Sisimiut’s hiking trails, the route around Oqummiannguaq is fairly gentle, following rivers through lush valleys before joining up with the new ATV track for the descent back into town. A very similar route is graded for cross-country skiing during winter, which makes it a fantastic excursion in both seasons.
In winter, the trail is obvious – simply follow the ski tracks. In summer, the trail is marked with “confidence cairns” and follows either an obvious trail or old ATV tracks for the most part.
Going clockwise (as described below) will give you the most gentle uphill grades. There are a few rivers to cross where you may need to remove your shoes – especially early in the season or after a lot of rain.
Trail Description
The trail begins ~2.5km from the turnoff to dog town but before you get to the sharp left-hand turn and the start of the UFO Trail.
The first part of the trail follows an ATV track down to the river and then follows the western edge of the river for quite some time. The GPX track and markers indicate where it usually possible to cross the river by rock-hopping. Just before and after this crossing point, listen for a powerful waterfall over near the mountain’s base. The trail doesn’t go close to it, but you can catch glimpses.
The trail becomes less clear as it climbs over a small pass, and then flattens out again. There are a few more streams to cross as it tries to avoid the worst of the boggy areas by hugging the base of the hills.
Eventually you enter a broad valley with an obvious ATV track to follow. After another river crossing, climb the hill to find a well-trod hiking track that will take you around the last part of Oqummiannguaq to meet up with the original Arctic Circle Trail, now a built ATV track.
Return to Sisimiut via the ATV track or you can turn around and go back the same way.
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Other resources
Safety Information
- There is no cell phone coverage on parts of the trail. Ideally, you should do this hike with another person, but at least let someone know your plans and when you expect to return.
- Weather can change very quickly. Even on a sunny day, make sure you bring a wind- and waterproof jacket with you as a minimum. If the weather starts to turn, descend immediately.
- Make sure you bring a full water bottle. You can refill your bottle from the river (the water is clean and safe to drink). We also recommend you bring sunscreen, a sun hat, and a mosquito head-net.
- Please minimize your impact on the environment. Follow existing roads and trails, don’t build or alter cairns, and take all your rubbish back to Sisimiut with you.
- If you are hiking early or late in the season, be careful of sections of deep snow and slippery surfaces
Please make sure you are familiar with all our safety recommendations and the 7 Leave No Trace principles before you hike.