Ellesmere Island Expedition: Quttinirpaaq Basecamp
Ellesmere Island Expedition: Quttinirpaaq Basecamp
Fly deep into the High Arctic and explore one of the most remote landscapes on Earth from a true expedition basecamp
*Displayed in CAD. Approximate USD shown for reference.
21 days | max 6 people
Expedition log
Built on everything we’ve learned guiding in the Arctic and Yukon
Refined through real expedition experience in remote northern terrain.
Departure Date
August 7 to 27, 2027
Book this expeditionYou’ll be redirected to our secure Square checkout to pay the first 20% installment. This confirms your spot on the expedition. A confirmation email with next steps, preparation details, and payment schedule will follow.
Payment Schedule
- 20% due upon booking to confirm your spot.
- 40% due July 1, 2026 to support advance expedition planning, permits, logistics, flights, and preparation.
- Remaining 40% due May 7, 2027 (3 months before departure).
Because this expedition requires significant advance planning, remote Arctic logistics, charter coordination, and preparation, payments follow a custom schedule rather than our standard deposit structure.
At the edge of the world
Far above the Arctic Circle, in the most remote reaches of Canada, lies Quttinirpaaq National Park. A place so isolated that few people will ever set foot here.
We fly deep into the park and establish a remote basecamp on Ellesmere Island, surrounded by glaciers, jagged peaks, and vast polar desert. From here, we explore one of the northernmost landscapes on Earth, moving through terrain shaped by ice, wind, and time.
There are no trails. No infrastructure. No crowds.
Just raw Arctic wilderness in its purest form.
The terrain
Quttinirpaaq means “top of the world” in Inuktitut and it lives up to its name.
This is a land of extremes:
- Towering mountains rising straight from glacial valleys
- Massive ice caps and ancient glaciers
- Stark polar desert stretching for miles
- Endless daylight under the midnight sun
It is one of the driest and coldest regions in Canada, yet incredibly rich in raw, untouched beauty. Every direction feels vast. Every horizon feels distant.
Wildlife in the High Arctic
This is true polar wildlife territory. You may encounter:
- Muskox roaming the tundra
- Arctic fox moving silently across the landscape
- Caribou navigating the valleys
- Polar bears moving through this remote Arctic environment
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but this landscape is very much alive in its own quiet, powerful way.
Polar bear safety
Operating in polar bear territory requires a serious and proactive approach.
Our guides are trained in wildlife safety and carry the necessary deterrents and protection systems. Camps are set up with strict protocols, including food management, camp layout, and continuous awareness of surroundings at all times.
We operate with a high level of respect for the environment we are in, without taking away from the raw and immersive nature of the expedition.
Safety is always the priority, without taking away from the raw and immersive nature of the expedition.
Expedition style: basecamp living
This expedition is built around a fully established remote basecamp.
From the moment we land, we create a functional and comfortable expedition setup, including:
- Personal sleeping tents
- A dedicated expedition kitchen
- A large communal “living room” tent
- A support team member based in camp
This allows us to stay flexible and adapt each day based on weather, energy, and group goals.
From basecamp, we can:
- Head out on long day hikes into surrounding valleys and ridgelines
- Undertake multi-day backpacking missions deeper into the park
- Focus on photography and exploration
- Take rest days when needed
There is no fixed path. The experience evolves with the group and the environment.
- Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Resolute Bay
Day 1 — Arrival in Resolute Bay
Welcome to Resolute Bay — one of the most remote communities in the Canadian Arctic.
As your plane touches down, the scale and isolation of the High Arctic becomes immediately real. There are no trees, no roads leading out, and nothing but vast tundra stretching in every direction. This is where the expedition begins.
A local driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation at the South Camp Inn.
After check-in, we take time to settle in, meet the team, and ease into life in the North. This is your first immersion into the Arctic environment — quiet, exposed, and completely different from anywhere else in Canada.
Depending on arrival times, we may explore the surroundings of Resolute, take a short walk, or simply gather as a group for an informal introduction to the expedition ahead.
Resolute is true polar bear territory, so movement around town is done with awareness and local guidance. Staying close to your accommodation is always a good idea… unless you feel like being a quick snack on day one.
We gather as a group to connect, go over the plan ahead, and ease into expedition mode.
Tomorrow, we prepare to head even deeper into the High Arctic.
Day 2 — Buffer Day & Expedition Preparation
Day 2 — Buffer Day & Expedition Preparation
Today is a built-in buffer day, an essential part of traveling in the High Arctic. Weather and flight schedules in Resolute Bay can be unpredictable, and this extra day ensures we’re all in place and ready to catch our charter flight into the park.
Assuming all arrivals went smoothly, we use this day to prepare for the expedition ahead. We’ll go through a full gear check, make sure everyone is properly equipped, and cover key safety protocols for traveling in a remote Arctic environment.
We’ll also meet with Parks Canada for a pre-trip briefing, where we go over park regulations, safety considerations, and important context for traveling in this protected and remote environment.
We take time to connect as a group and ease further into expedition mode.
A local cultural experience is planned, offering insight into life in the High Arctic and the land we’re about to travel through. It’s a chance to better understand the environment, its history, and the people who call this region home.
By the end of the day, everything is dialed in and ready.
Tomorrow, we fly north.
Day 3 — Fly into Quttinirpaaq & Basecamp Setup
Day 3 — Fly into Quttinirpaaq & Basecamp Setup
Today we leave civilization behind.
We board our charter flight from Resolute Bay and head north toward Quttinirpaaq National Park. The flight itself is an experience — vast glaciers, winding fjords, and endless Arctic landscape stretching far below.
After landing on Ellesmere Island, we unload gear and begin setting up our remote basecamp. This will be our home for the expedition, built to be functional, cozy, and ready for whatever the High Arctic throws at us.
Once camp is established, we complete our registration with Parks Canada and settle into our new environment.
Tents go up, the kitchen comes together, and the expedition “living room” starts to take shape. This is where we shift fully into expedition life — cooking together, sharing space, and adapting to the rhythm of the Arctic.
By the end of the day, we’re set up, dialed in, and officially in one of the most remote national parks on Earth.
Day 4–19 — Exploration from Basecamp
Day 4–19 — Exploration from Basecamp
We spend the next 15 days deep in Tanquary Fiord — one of the most remote and striking regions of the High Arctic.
This is where the expedition truly unfolds.
There is no fixed daily itinerary. Instead, we operate from our established basecamp, adapting each day based on weather, conditions, and the energy of the group. Some days will be long and ambitious, others slower, with time to rest, explore nearby terrain, or simply take in the scale of the landscape.
From basecamp, we head out on a combination of day hikes and multi-day backpacking trips, moving deeper into the surrounding valleys, glaciers, and mountain systems.
Expedition objectives may include:
- Air Force Glacier Expedition
A remote and committing route of approximately 80 km return, crossing braided rivers and following wide Arctic valleys toward the Air Force Glacier. This is a true multi-day journey, typically taking 3 to 5 days. - Rollrock River Valley & Glacier Viewpoint
A stunning route of around 35 km return, leading through the Rollrock River valley toward views of the Rollrock Glacier. This trip can be done over 2 to 4 days. - Mount Bowman Loop
A more alpine objective of approximately 40 km with around 1150 m of elevation gain. This 3 to 5 day route offers expansive views over the surrounding polar desert and glacial systems.
Not every guest needs to join every objective.
This expedition is designed to be flexible. If you prefer to skip a multi-day trip, spend time at basecamp, focus on photography, or explore shorter routes nearby, that’s completely part of the experience. With a dedicated basecamp setup and support in place, there is always a place to return to.
Between longer trips, we reset at camp, share meals, review maps, and adjust plans. The rhythm is shaped by the group and the environment.
This is not about ticking off a fixed itinerary.
It’s about exploring one of the most remote landscapes on Earth, in a way that adapts to the moment.
Day 20 — Return to Resolute Bay
Day 20 — Return to Resolute Bay
After our time deep in Quttinirpaaq National Park, we pack down basecamp and prepare for the flight back south.
We board our charter and fly out over the same vast Arctic landscapes, this time with a completely different perspective. What felt remote and unknown on the way in now feels familiar — a place you’ve lived, explored, and experienced.
Back in Resolute Bay, we return to the South Camp Inn, check back into our rooms, and ease back into a few small luxuries.
A real shower.
A proper bed.
And a moment to process what we’ve just done.
We gather one last time as a group to celebrate the expedition — the landscapes, the miles covered, the shared experience…
…and maybe question why hot showers suddenly feel like the greatest invention of all time.
Day 21 — Departure Day
Day 21 — Departure Day
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Resolute Bay and begin the journey home.
Flights depart throughout the day, depending on individual schedules. After nearly three weeks in the High Arctic, stepping back into the pace of everyday life feels… different.
You leave with more than just photos — a full expedition experience in one of the most remote places on Earth, and a story that few people will ever be able to tell.
Fitness level requirement
Fitness level requirement
Have prior hiking or backpacking experience is needed.
Previous multi-day backpacking experience is recommended, especially for those looking to join the longer overnight routes. At the same time, the basecamp setup allows for a more adaptable experience, with options for shorter days, rest days, or time focused on exploration and photography.
A strong mindset, adaptability, and team awareness are just as important as physical fitness.
Age requirements
Age requirements
The minimum age to book with YuSquatch Mt. Adventures is 18 years old unless accompanied with a legal guardian on the tour.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
This expedition follows a custom payment and cancellation policy due to the extensive advance planning, permits, logistics, transportation coordination, and preparation required for remote Arctic travel.
Cancellation Terms
- The initial 20% booking payment is non-refundable once your spot is confirmed.
- Cancellations made before July 1, 2026:
20% of the total trip cost is non-refundable - Cancellations made after July 1, 2026 and more than 3 months before departure:
60% of the total trip cost is non-refundable - Cancellations made within 3 months of departure:
100% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
Please Note
- This expedition involves remote Arctic logistics, local partners, permits, transport coordination, and significant advance preparation. For this reason, the standard Yusquatch Mountain Adventures cancellation policy does not apply.
- Yusquatch Mountain Adventures reserves the right to modify, delay, reroute, or cancel the expedition when deemed necessary for safety, environmental, weather, operational, transportation, permitting, or logistical reasons.
- Refunds are not guaranteed for itinerary changes, weather events, transportation delays, missed flights, government restrictions, natural disasters, community access limitations, or other circumstances outside of our control.
- If a participant voluntarily leaves the expedition early, no refund will be provided for unused portions of the trip.
- We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance, including:
trip cancellation,
trip interruption,
emergency medical,
evacuation,
and travel delay coverage.
Expedition Notice
This expedition takes place in a very remote Arctic environment where weather and logistics can affect travel timelines. Delays are part of operating in the North.
We strongly recommend allowing flexibility in your plans and not scheduling important commitments for at least a week after the trip.
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What makes this different
- We take care of the entire journey from the moment you arrive in Resolute Bay
- Charter flight access deep into Quttinirpaaq National Park
- All logistics handled in one of the most remote regions on Earth
- Remote basecamp expedition — no daily camp moves
- Flexible exploration: day hikes, multi-day routes, or rest days
- Dedicated basecamp setup with support on site
- Led by ACMG certified guides with extensive Arctic and military expedition experience
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Who this is for
This expedition is designed for those who:
- Have prior hiking or backpacking experience
- Are comfortable spending extended time in a remote expedition environment
- Are open to variable conditions, changing plans, and Arctic weather
- Want to explore one of the most remote regions on Earth in a flexible, immersive way
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Guide to guest ratio
We operate with a 1:3 guide-to-guest ratio.
This allows for a high level of support in the field, flexibility in decision-making, and strong group awareness throughout the expedition.
In a remote environment like this, having multiple experienced guides makes a real difference, both in how the group moves and how decisions are made day to day.
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What's included
- Charter flight to and from Quttinirpaaq National Park
- All camping equipment and full basecamp setup in the park
- Expedition basecamp with communal “living room” tent and kitchen setup
- Dedicated basecamp support team member
- Fully guided expedition led by ACMG certified guides with extensive Arctic and military experience
- All meals throughout the expedition (from arrival in Resolute to departure)
- Comprehensive safety systems and wildlife protocols
- Parks Canada permits and park access
- Pre-trip briefing with Parks Canada
- Local cultural experience in Resolute
- Bonus: your team member snoring besides you like a Muskox
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What's not included
- Flights to and from Resolute Bay
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal gear and clothing (full packing list provided)
- Tips for guides and support staff
- Any additional accommodation required due to delays or early arrival outside of the scheduled itinerary
Support & Safety
This expedition is led by ACMG-certified guides with experience in remote northern environments. Guides hold advanced 80-hour Wilderness First Aid certification, and we travel with satellite communication devices (sat phone and inReach), GPS navigation, and comprehensive first-aid kits to stay connected and prepared throughout the journey.
Travel in Quttinirpaaq National Park is very remote. We operate with clear safety protocols for river crossings, terrain management, and travel in polar bear habitat, including appropriate bear safety equipment.
We work with trusted local partners for transportation into and out of the park, and maintain contact with local operators who can be called upon if needed in case of emergencies.
Daily decisions are made based on conditions, group dynamics, and experience in the field. Weather, terrain, and logistics are all factored into how we move and where we camp.
You’ll receive detailed pre-trip preparation guidance, including gear recommendations and packing support, so you arrive ready for the expedition.
From the first day in Resolut Bay to the final return south, you’re supported every step of the way.