Guided Backpacking on Baffin Island
Auyuittuq National Park Expedition
The ultimate Arctic trekking experience. Baffin Island’s Auyuittuq National Park is one of the most remote and dramatic wilderness destinations on Earth, where rugged granite peaks, sweeping tundra valleys, and glacial rivers define a landscape unlike anywhere else. With Playwest Mountain Experiences, you’ll traverse this legendary Arctic corridor with professional support, deep cultural engagement, and full logistical planning.
Hike Baffin Island with Playwest
Set against the stark beauty of Canada’s Arctic Archipelago, our Baffin Island guided backpacking tour offers an immersive journey through Auyuittuq National Park — a place whose name in Inuktitut means “the land that never melts.” On this expedition, you’ll discover towering peaks such as Mount Thor and Mount Asgard rising above ancient valleys shaped by relentless glacial forces, and experience a terrain that truly tests the spirit.
This is not just a hike, it’s an expedition into remote wilderness. The route across Akshayuk Pass cuts a glacially carved channel through the Baffin Mountains, presenting hikers with long days of varied terrain, breathtaking vistas, and the opportunity to walk trails once navigated by Inuit families for generations.
Expect long, purposeful days on trail through rocky passes, broad tundra, and alongside rivers formed by melting ice. Remote camping beneath Arctic skies emphasizes a deep sense of place and solitude.
Baffin Island
Guided Backpacking Trip
What the Playwest Adventurers Say
Hiking 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 The West Coast TRail
Experience one of the most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes on the planet. This is your opportunity to walk the storied valleys of Auyuittuq National Park — where ancient glaciers meet the vast Arctic sky — supported every step of the way by Playwest’s professional guides.
This trek through Auyuittuq National Park is true Arctic backpacking. Hikers should be comfortable carrying full packs across uneven, rocky terrain and prepared for river crossings, shifting weather, and extended days on the trail.
The Arctic summer can bring a wide range of conditions — from sunshine to wind, rain, and even snow in a single day. Staying warm, dry, and flexible with gear is essential. Playwest provides detailed packing lists and optional gear rentals designed for Arctic conditions.
Auyuittuq National Park is managed by Parks Canada, and entry permits are required. Hiking is typically safest from late June through early September. Playwest handles all necessary park permits, ferry crossings to and from the trailhead, and detailed logistical planning so you can focus on the journey.
Baffin Island supports wildlife adapted to Arctic conditions, including Arctic foxes and barren-ground caribou, with occasional sightings of other species. Guides emphasize safety protocols, wildlife awareness, and Leave No Trace principles throughout the expedition.
Guests begin their journey in the Inuit community of Pangnirtung, Baffin Island’s gateway to Auyuittuq National Park. Travel typically involves connecting flights to Iqaluit and onward service to Pangnirtung. Playwest will assist with travel guidance and coordination.
Your adventure continues beyond the trail. Spend time in Pangnirtung engaging with Inuit culture, artists, and storytellers to deepen context and appreciation for the land and the people who call this region home.
Due to the remoteness of the Arctic environment, comprehensive travel insurance is required. Playwest can recommend reputable providers and ensure you have appropriate coverage for emergency evacuation, medical care, and trip interruption.
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Baffin Island
Remote and awe-inspiring, Auyuittuq National Park on Baffin Island features towering granite peaks, vast glacial valleys, Arctic tundra, and wild river corridors. Our guided expeditions explore this legendary landscape while offering a rare opportunity to experience Canada’s true Arctic wilderness.
