Baffin Island

Qikiqtaq

Canada's largest island and a major Nunavut landmass, Baffin Island features dramatic fjords, glaciers, and the iconic Auyuittuq National Park with towering peaks and pristine wilderness. It's prime territory for mountaineering, hiking, and experiencing untamed Arctic landscapes.

Things to do

• Auyuittuq National Park Hiking — Trek through dramatic Arctic valleys, past glaciers and granite peaks in Canada's northernmost national park accessible by road.
• Mount Thor Rock Climbing — Attempt one of the world's greatest vertical rock faces with a 1,250-meter drop located in Auyuittuq National Park.
• Iqaluit Urban Exploration — Visit Nunavut's capital city to experience modern Inuit culture, local museums, and Arctic coastal scenery.
• Arctic Wildlife Viewing — Spot caribou, musk oxen, Arctic foxes, and polar bears in their natural habitat across Baffin's tundra landscape.
• Pangnirtung Inlet Kayaking — Paddle through glacial fjords surrounded by towering cliffs and calving glacier faces near the artistic hamlet of Pangnirtung.
• Northern Lights Viewing — Experience the Aurora Borealis dancing across Arctic skies during long dark winters from September through March.

Food to try

• Arctic Char — Fresh-caught freshwater fish, a staple of Inuit diet often grilled or smoked, with delicate pink flesh and rich flavor.
• Musk Ox Meat (Qiviut Stew) — Traditional slow-cooked stew made from harvested musk ox, tender and lean with a distinctive Arctic taste served in local establishments.
• Country Food Platters — Mixed plates of seal meat, whale (muktaaq), fish, and berries representing authentic Inuit subsistence hunting traditions.
• Bannock Bread — Fried dough bread, a cultural staple across Inuit communities, often served warm with butter or as an accompaniment to meals.
• Cloudberries and Crowberries — Foraged Arctic berries collected during brief summer months, eaten fresh or preserved and valued for their medicinal properties.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Inuit Language and Names — Acknowledge that Inuktitut is widely spoken; the island itself is called Qikiqtaq, and many place names carry cultural significance worth learning.
• Understand Seasonal Extreme Light — Prepare for 24-hour daylight in summer and extended darkness in winter; plan activities and sleep schedules accordingly.
• Observe Wildlife Hunting Traditions — Respect that hunting is both a cultural practice and economic necessity for local communities; avoid disrupting hunting areas or seasons.
• Connect with Local Communities First — Most of Baffin Island requires outfitter services or local guides; building relationships with community members enhances authenticity and safety.