Backpacking Baffin Island – Part 1: How a Chance Encounter Sparked an Arctic Expedition

"Landing in Pangnirtung: The Journey Begins"

It all started with an impromptu conversation a few years ago at the hot pool. Shannen and I were trying to find the hottest spot in the water, which happened to put us near a group of older folks who were quite chatty. After some pleasant small talk and the usual “What do you do?” questions, one of the gentlemen learned that I was a hiking guide.

He smiled and mentioned that he and his buddies were heading to Baffin Island to backpack through a national park. Perplexed, I thought, “Hiking in Baffin? Wow.” After a little research, it seemed like quite the adventure—but at the time, I didn’t think it fit the Playwest model.

"Mountains? There shouldn’t be mountains around here."

Fast-forward to January 2025. While flying home from a vacation in France, about five hours into the flight, Shannen looked out the window and said, “Mountains.” I looked at her, confused. Mountains? There shouldn’t be mountains around here. I checked the in-flight map, and sure enough, it showed we were flying over Baffin Island. I peered out the window and, to my amazement, there they were—mountains and endless snowfields. After carefully inspecting my photo later, I realized we were flying directly over the pass.

That’s when the ember turned to a flame.

The moment I knew...I we had to explore this mythical place...

Within a few days—and after a bit more research—I messaged my good buddy Trevor:

Me: “Baffin?”

Trevor: "Yes"

Like the adventurer he is, his response was immediate: “Yes.” After a few weeks of humming and hawing and an opening in my schedule, I finally had the flights punched into my computer. I sent Trevor one last message:

Me: “Are you sure? I have the flights lined up...I’m ready to pull the trigger.” (half thinking I'd call his bluff...Trev wasn't bluffing)

Trev: Again, “Yes. Do it!”

The funny thing about this adventure is that most people plan for at least a year, sometimes two or three. Trevor and I? We rolled the dice and planned it in six weeks.

“Get on the boat.”

Our Parks Canada representative, Matthew, was amazing—calm, funny, and full of knowledge. He walked us through the orientation, the route plan, and the sheer scale of what we were about to take on.

Permits done, bags packed, and groceries in hand, we hustled down to the dock. When we arrived, Peter gave us a quick nod and said, “Get on the boat.” He untied the ropes as we threw our bags aboard and pushed off. Usually, when you’re leaving a harbour, there’s a no-wake zone and a slow roll out—but not today. We were pinned to win.

As we ripped out of the harbour, Trevor looked at me and laughed. “I guess we’re in a hurry!”

Trevor: "I really can't believe I'm here right now..."

An hour-long ride up the sound toward the Overlord West drop-off had us grinning ear to ear. We were buzzing—thrilled to finally be here—and with clear skies and calm water, we were already five or six hours ahead of schedule.

As we powered up the fjord toward Auyuittuq, it hit me — this was it. The wild edge of Canada. No roads, no crowds, just us and the North.

Trevor: "I really can't believe I'm here right now..."

Me: "It's so awesome!"

The Magic of Baffin Island

Baffin Island is a place like no other. The raw beauty of its landscapes is breathtaking. Towering cliffs, deep fjords, and vast glaciers create a stunning backdrop for any adventure. Each step you take feels like a journey through a postcard.

The air is crisp and fresh, invigorating your spirit. You can almost hear the whispers of the ancient land as you walk. Every rock and crevice tells a story, and I couldn't help but feel connected to the earth beneath my feet.

Preparing for the Adventure

Preparation is key for any adventure, especially in a place as remote as Baffin Island. We packed our gear meticulously, ensuring we had everything we needed. From sturdy hiking boots to warm layers, every item was chosen with care.

Food was another consideration. We wanted to fuel our bodies with nutritious meals that would keep our energy levels high. Dehydrated meals, energy bars, and plenty of snacks filled our bags. We were ready to take on whatever the wilderness threw at us.

The Thrill of the Unknown

As we set foot on Baffin Island, excitement coursed through my veins. There’s something exhilarating about exploring the unknown. Each day promised new discoveries, from hidden valleys to stunning vistas.

The thrill of the unknown is what draws many of us to adventure. It’s the promise of unexpected beauty and the chance to challenge ourselves. I couldn’t wait to see what lay ahead.

Embracing Nature

Being in nature has a way of grounding us. The sounds of the wind, the rustle of leaves, and the distant calls of wildlife create a symphony that calms the mind. I found myself taking deep breaths, soaking in the beauty around me.

Nature has a unique ability to connect us with ourselves. It strips away the noise of daily life and allows us to reflect. I felt a sense of peace wash over me as I stood amidst the towering peaks.

The Journey Continues

In Part 2: *Into Auyuittuq – Walking Through the Heart of Baffin Island*, I’ll share what it’s really like to trek through glacier-carved valleys and stand beneath some of the tallest granite walls in the country.

Ready to write your own Arctic story? Learn more about our guided Baffin expedition here and join the waitlist to secure your spot on the next journey north.