Backpacking on Ellesmere Island in Northern Canada

This two-week backpacking expedition is a strenuous 120-km (80-mi) hike that requires previous multi-day hiking experience. The route includes some challenging stream crossings, walking on rugged terrain, and navigation between glaciers. As we’ll be hiking most of the days, please make sure that you’re reasonably fit and active.

Our meeting point is at Resolute Bay where we’ll spend 2 nights at South Camp Inn. We’ll explore the surroundings and discuss the upcoming adventure.

Next, we’ll catch our flight to Tanquary Fiord where our backpacking adventure begins. The route will take us around Ad Astra Ice Cap with plenty of opportunities to spot diverse Arctic wildlife in the flesh.

We kick start our hike at the picturesque Tanquary Fiord, one of the main access points to Quttinirpaaq National Park. Girded by towering mountains, the fjord will take your breath away. This stunning gorge has been covered in glacier ice for thousands of years and to witness its pristine beauty feels like discovering a lost world.

As we ascend huge river valleys, get your camera ready - as some of the world’s most wild and hauntingly beautiful landscapes will come into view. Dramatic peaks, glaciers of various shapes and forms and tumbling waterfalls reign in the region. We’ll pass glistening Arctic lakes and penetrate the rugged landscape to witness the majestic Air Force and Fiala Glaciers.

Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for muskox, known as the world’s largest goat, fuzzy arctic hares, and Peary caribou, which are the smallest North American caribou and was named after the American explorer who some believe was the first person to reach the North Pole. If we’re lucky, we might even encounter the mysterious arctic wolf!

Our Arctic expedition ends in Resolute Bay where you spend a night at South Camp Inn before catching your flight to Ottawa (can be requested at additional expense).

This base camp tour is the perfect introduction to the extreme High Arctic for those who don’t want to embark on a full backpacking trip. We start our adventure at Tanquary Fiord and set up a base camp there. From there, we’ll be going on daily hikes to explore the surrounding area.

Our meeting point is at Resolute Bay where we’ll spend two nights at South Camp Inn. You’ll have some free time to explore the town of Resolute and the surrounding area.

Next, we catch our flight to Tanquary Fiord. Each day we’ll choose a different photography-oriented route, either along Mcdonald River Valley or along the coastline of the fjord. The park’s landscape is dotted with wide valleys, granite peaks, tumbling glaciers, and ice-capped mountains. Prepare to be awestruck by infinite stillness, punctuated by rare Arctic wildlife.

Spectacular animals such as muskox, arctic wolf, and rare Peary caribou await you here. Bird lovers should always keep their binoculars at hand as various species of birds will cross our paths. Hike through fields of lichen and capture the fleeting beauty of precious Arctic wildflowers.

As Quttinirpaaq National Park is illuminated by the midnight sun at this time of year, you’ll have the most satisfying photography moments. Also, you’ll have plenty of time for journal writing or sketching.

Our base camp & photography tour ends in Resolute Bay where you spend a night at South Camp Inn before catching your flight to Ottawa.

Expect 24 hours of daylight. Be prepared for cold, dry Arctic weather and bring warm outdoor clothing suitable for hiking and camping. 

The full recommended packing list is provided after booking. Rental items such as river crossing booties ($50 CAD), sleeping pads ($50 CAD), solo tents ($50 CAD), and arctic-rated sleeping bags ($75 CAD) are available in limited quantities.  

Cost is based on a minimum of 6 participants.