Baffin Island Expedition: Akshayuk Pass Traverse

The expedition begins in Ottawa.

We meet as a group in the afternoon or evening, depending on arrival times. This first day is about settling in, meeting the team, and stepping into the mindset of the expedition ahead.

We’ll run through a full briefing, check gear together, and make sure everything is dialed before heading North. It’s a relaxed start, but an important one — this is where the expedition starts to feel real.

We stay in private accommodation in Ottawa, with space to lay out gear, go through final preparations, and get to know the team.

There’s no better way to kick things off than sharing a first meal together — the kind of moment where it all starts to sink in that something big is about to begin.

We leave Ottawa early and start heading north.

Flights take us through Iqaluit and onward to Pangnirtung — a small Arctic community set between mountains and the sea.

You’ll notice it pretty quickly: no more trees, bigger landscapes, and everything feels a bit more remote.

By the time we land, it’s clear — we’re in the Arctic now.

We head to camp, sort gear, and take some time to settle in. Nothing too rushed, just getting organized and used to the environment.

First night out here, first proper feel of what’s coming.

We spend the day getting a better feel for Pangnirtung and the environment we’re about to head into.

We connect with a local partner and head out for a fishing experience on the fjord. It’s a different way to experience the landscape, and a chance to learn more about life in the North before heading into the backcountry.

And yes — this is also where we find out who in the group actually knows how to fish.

The rest of the day is kept flexible. Time to organize gear, move at a slower pace, and settle into the rhythm up here.

Tomorrow we get the legs moving.

Today we head out for our first proper day hike, making our way up Mount Duval.

The route covers approximately 8.5 km with around 695 m of elevation gain — a solid effort and a good way to get the legs moving before the expedition begins.

As we gain height, views open up over Pangnirtung Fiord and the surrounding mountains. It’s a strong first introduction to the scale of the landscape we’re about to enter.

No heavy packs yet — just moving, getting comfortable on the terrain, and enjoying being out there.

Back at camp, we go through final preparations, organize gear, and pack everything down for the next day.

Tomorrow, we leave town behind.

We leave Pangnirtung by boat and are dropped off at the edge of Auyuittuq National Park.

From here, the traverse begins.

Over the next 12 days, we move on foot through the Akshayuk Pass, carrying everything we need and establishing camp along the way.

There are no marked trails. Travel follows natural lines through the landscape — across tundra, glacial outwash plains, and braided river systems. Progress depends on terrain, river levels, and weather.

Days are steady and consistent. Some longer, some shorter, depending on conditions. We move as a team, finding a rhythm that works for the group and adapting as needed.

Along the way, we pass landmarks like Crater Lake, cross the Arctic Circle, and move through sections of the valley marked by massive granite walls and powerful waterfalls, including Schwarzenbach Falls. Peaks like Mount Thor and Mount Asgard rise around us — not as objectives, but as part of the landscape we move through.

Life becomes simple out here. Walk, eat, set up camp, repeat.

And yes — at some point, everyone starts questioning at least one item they decided to bring.

By the end of the traverse, the routine feels natural, and the group has settled into it completely.

We reach the end of the traverse and make our way out of the valley, stepping back toward the coast after days deep in the backcountry.

From there, we jump on a boat and head to Qikiqtarjuaq — a small Arctic community right on the ocean, surrounded by wild coastline, floating ice, and big open space.

After days of carrying everything on our backs, this feels like a proper reset. A roof overhead, a shower, and that first moment where you realize: yeah… we actually just did that.

We stay here for the night, with a built-in buffer day in place.

This is part of the expedition. Boats, weather, Arctic logistics — they don’t run on tight timelines, and we don’t try to force them. The extra day gives us room to move without pressure.

And honestly, after 12 days out there, no one’s in a rush.

We make our way back to Pangnirtung.

Back at camp, we unpack, dry gear, and get everything ready for the journey south the next day, while slowly settling back into town after nearly two weeks out in the valley.

That evening, we head out for a proper restaurant dinner, where real food, full plates, and a relaxed setting feel like a pretty solid reward after what we’ve just done.

No camp stove, no rationing, no freeze-dried meals — just sitting down together, taking it in, and enjoying a well-earned night out.

And after 12 days out there, ordering more than you need suddenly feels completely reasonable.

We leave Pangnirtung and begin the journey back south.

Flights take us through Iqaluit and onward to Ottawa, gradually moving from Arctic landscapes back into more familiar surroundings.

It’s a long travel day, but an easy one. Packs are lighter, legs get a break, and there’s time to look back on everything we’ve just been part of.

Back in Ottawa, we spend one final night together as a group — a relaxed evening to unwind, share a few more stories, and close out the expedition properly.

Departure day from Ottawa.

Flights home, back to normal life — or at least something close to it.

The minimum age to book with YuSquatch Mt. Adventures is 18 years old unless accompanied with a legal guardian on the tour.