BACKPACKING BAFFIN: Auyuittuq national park
Canada’s Premier Arctic Trek through Auyuittuq National Park on Vancouver Island
Why Auyuittuq?
For thousands of years, Inuit families have travelled these valleys, navigating by memory and the rhythms of the seasons. The very name Auyuittuq—“the land that never melts”—comes from Inuktitut, a reflection of the glaciers and rock that define this Arctic wilderness.
Here, stone towers like Mount Thor and Mount Asgard rise above tundra that has sustained life for generations. Ancient stories are etched into the landscape, and each step you take follows paths once walked by hunters and elders who knew this land in intimate detail.
To journey through Auyuittuq is to step into both a natural wonder and a cultural landscape—vast, raw, and alive with history. With Playwest, you’ll experience this place with respect, curiosity, and the support to travel it fully prepared.
First carved by glaciers and later traveled by Inuit families for generations, the Akshayuk Pass in Auyuittuq National Park is a living corridor of history and survival in Canada’s Arctic. Towering granite peaks, endless ice, and tundra valleys tell the story of a land that truly never melts.
With Playwest, you’ll journey this legendary route with the safety, support, and insight of professional guides who bring both the landscape and its cultural stories to life.
A hiking experience you won’t forget
Why choose us?
Top-Ranked Hiking Guides
Hikers have spoken! Playwest Mountain Experiences proudly maintains only 5-star reviews on Google. Travellers consistently rank us among the top-rated guided hiking companies in Canada, praising our professionalism, safety, and passion for adventure.
Comprehensive Trip Support
Preparation is key to any Arctic expedition. That’s why every guided Baffin Island backpacking trip includes a detailed gear list, pre-trip training plan, and live Zoom calls with your guides—scheduled three months and two weeks before departure. You’ll be fully equipped, informed, and ready to take on Auyuittuq National Park’s rugged terrain with confidence.
Professional Outdoor Guides
Our team is made up of certified members of the
Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG). and other professional organizations. With years of wilderness experience, our guides combine safety, storytelling, and local insight to bring the Arctic landscape of Auyuittuq National Park to life. Expect to learn about the land, its geology, and its wildlife—alongside the occasional bad joke.
All-Inclusive Hiking Experience
Playwest takes care of every detail so you can focus on the journey. Our all-inclusive Auyuittuq trekking packages cover park permits, national park fees, and thoughtfully prepared on-trail meals that accommodate all dietary needs. Need gear? We’ve got you covered with a full rental fleet of premium backpacking equipment. From start to finish, we make sure you’re supported, nourished, and comfortable in Canada’s far north.
Cultural Engagement
Your adventure doesn’t end when you step off the trail—it deepens. Spend two full days immersed in Inuit culture in the community of Pangnirtung, Nunavut, connecting with local artists, guides, and storytellers. Learn firsthand about the traditions, history, and resilience of the people who call Baffin Island home. These meaningful cultural experiences make this Auyuittuq National Park hiking tour far more than just a trek—it’s an opportunity to engage, listen, and understand the Arctic through those who live it every day.
ACMG-Certified Guide: Professional, knowledgeable, and experienced in remote alpine travel
Training Preparation: 6-week pre-trip training program
Pre-trip Zoom Session: Gear prep, trip planning, and Q&A with your guide/s
All Park Permits and Ferry Fees: We take care of booking and paying for all required park permits and ferry crossings.
Four Nights of Accommodation Pre/Post-Hike: Comfortable lodging in Pangnirtung before your trek.
Community & Cultural Engagement: 2 full days with local community members, elders, story tellers, artists and more!
All Group Safety Gear: Including first aid kits, bear spray, emergency communication device
All on trail meals: Nutritious backcountry meals that the guides prepare for you! You don't have to cook!
Group Equipment: All cooking stoves, fuel, pots/pans and culinary skills
Emergency Support: Satellite communication and a detailed emergency response plan in case of unforeseen situations.
$9488.00
Plus taxes & applicable fees
2026 Dates:
-
AUG. 18-AUG. 29th, 2026
*Trip dates are subject to change until Playwest has sent a "Date Confirmation" email.
Wondering what's included?
Here's what you get!
Words from the Playwest adventurers!
backpacking baffin reviews
Rated 5 stars on Google
"A once-in-a-lifetime adventure.”
The Baffin Island Expedition with Playwest Mountain Experiences was honestly one of the most incredible things I’ve ever done. From the moment we landed in Pangnirtung to our final night back in the community, everything was so well organized and thoughtfully planned.
The landscape in Auyuittuq National Park is hard to describe — massive granite peaks, glaciers, and valleys that feel like another planet. It’s wild, remote, and unbelievably beautiful. The guides were amazing — professional, calm, made me feel safe and were a ton of fun to be around. You could tell they really love what they do and care deeply about the people and the place. The food blew me away (I never expected to eat this well on a trip like this), and the time we spent with the local Inuit community was something I’ll never forget. It gave the whole trip a sense of connection that went way beyond hiking.
This isn’t a “vacation” — it’s an experience that changes how you see the world and yourself. I came home tired, happy, and already thinking about where I could go next with Playwest.
Trevor
Google - 5 Stars
Things to know about
Hiking in the arctic
The West Coast Trail is one of Canada's most iconic multi-day hikes, stretching 75 km along the wild, rugged coastline of Vancouver Island. This bucket-list adventure takes you through dense rainforest, across suspension bridges, up and down ladders, and along remote beaches, offering a challenging and unforgettable backcountry experience.
This is not your average hike. Trekking through Auyuittuq National Park is a true Arctic expedition — a journey across rugged tundra, glacial valleys, and river crossings beneath towering granite peaks. Conditions can be unpredictable, and carrying a full pack over uneven terrain requires both strength and endurance. To help you prepare, Playwest provides a detailed training plan so you can build the fitness and confidence needed to fully enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime northern adventure.
Expect rapidly changing weather in Auyuittuq, even in summer. Sunshine, wind, rain, and even snow can all happen in a single day. Staying warm and dry is key — waterproof layers, quality rain gear, and dry bags are essential. We’ll help you pack the right equipment for Arctic conditions and can provide high-quality rental gear if needed. Before setting out, our guides review detailed weather forecasts and local updates to ensure we’re fully prepared for whatever the North has in store.
Auyuittuq National Park is managed by Parks Canada, and entry permits are required for all visitors. The hiking season typically runs from late June to early September, when river levels are manageable and conditions are safest. No need to worry — Playwest takes care of all required permits and logistics on your behalf. All we ask is that you honour Parks Canada regulations and follow Leave No Trace principles to help protect this pristine Arctic landscape for generations to come.
Auyuittuq is true Arctic wilderness — home to wildlife like Arctic foxes, caribou, and occasionally polar bears. While encounters are rare, respecting wildlife and understanding safety protocols is essential. Before the expedition, we’ll review bear safety and travel practices specific to the North. Throughout the journey, your guides will ensure food is securely stored, camps are set up safely, and all activities follow Leave No Trace principles to protect both you and the environment.
This expedition begins in Pangnirtung, a remote Inuit community on Baffin Island and the gateway to Auyuittuq National Park. Guests typically fly to Iqaluit, then connect to Pangnirtung with Canadian North Airlines. While Playwest does not book airfare, we’ll gladly help direct you to the appropriate flight providers and ensure you have all the details you need to plan your travel smoothly. Your expedition includes ferry transportation to and from the trailhead, operated by local Inuit boat captains who know these Arctic waters best. From arrival in Pangnirtung to the final boat ride back, Playwest takes care of the details so you can focus on the experience.
Travel insurance is a must for all guests joining our Auyuittuq expedition. This journey takes you deep into the Arctic wilderness, where access to medical care or evacuation services can be limited. To ensure your safety and peace of mind, every participant must carry a policy that includes emergency medical coverage, trip interruption or cancellation, and evacuation protection for remote regions of northern Canada. Playwest doesn’t sell insurance, but we’re happy to point you toward reputable providers who specialize in adventure travel coverage. Proof of insurance is required prior to your departure.
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