Baffin Island Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Experience the raw majesty of the Canadian Arctic, from the granite peaks of Auyuittuq National Park to the vibrant Inuit culture of Iqaluit. This is a land of midnight sun, dancing northern lights, and breathtaking glacial landscapes.
Baffin Island is not just a destination; it is a profound encounter with the raw, unpolished edge of the world. As the fifth-largest island on the planet, it serves as the grand stage for the Canadian Arctic, offering a landscape where massive glaciers grind against ancient granite and the tundra stretches into infinity. It is a place where the sun refuses to set in summer and the aurora borealis dances violently across the ink-black skies of winter.
Culturally, this is the heartbeat of Nunavut. The Inuit have thrived on this land for millennia, and their deep connection to the environment is evident in every community. From the bustle of Iqaluit, Canada’s smallest and most unique capital, to the quiet fjords of Pangnirtung, a trip here is an education in resilience, art, and the enduring power of nature.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
The Land of the Inuit
Baffin Island’s history is written in the land and its people. This is Nunavut, ‘Our Land’ in Inuktitut. While the landscape is ancient, the territory of Nunavut is relatively young, established in 1999. Visitors are guests here, and the experience is deeply enriched by engaging with local traditions. The art scene is explosive; stone carvings, intricate tapestries, and prints from Baffin Island are coveted by collectors worldwide.
Beyond the galleries, the culture lives in the ‘country food’ markets, the rhythm of the tides, and the stories told by elders. Whether you are watching a drum dance performance or simply chatting with a local while waiting for the tide to turn, the warmth of the people stands in stark contrast to the chill of the Arctic wind.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Hiking Auyuittuq National Park
Traverse the 'Land That Never Melts' to see the iconic Mount Thor, which features the world's greatest vertical drop. This is a bucket-list destination for serious trekkers.
Inuit Art & Carving Tour
Visit local carving studios and the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum to see world-class soapstone carvings and prints. You can often buy directly from artists.
Dog Sledding on Sea Ice
Experience the traditional Inuit mode of travel by gliding across the frozen Frobisher Bay on a qamutik pulled by a team of Canadian Inuit Dogs.
Taste of the Tundra
Sample traditional country food such as Arctic char, caribou, or maktaaq (whale skin and blubber) at local cultural events or select dining venues.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
Auyuittuq National Park - Known as ‘The Land That Never Melts,’ this park is home to Mount Thor and the Penny Ice Cap. Access is via boat or snowmobile from Pangnirtung (30 km) or Qikiqtarjuaq. Park fees are approx. $120 CAD per person/trip plus outfitter costs.
Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park - Located just 3 km from downtown Iqaluit, this park offers accessible tundra hiking, Thule archaeological sites, and the winding Sylvia Grinnell River. Free entry.
The Legislative Assembly of Nunavut - Located in the heart of Iqaluit, this stunning building integrates Inuit culture into governance. Tours are free and reveal the famous seal-skin legislative seats and narwhal tusk mace.
Qaummaarviit Territorial Park - An island park located 12 km from Iqaluit, accessible by boat or ski-doo. It preserves the remains of a Thule winter settlement with sod houses and artifacts. Boat tours approx. $200-$300 CAD.
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Traveling to Baffin Island requires logistical preparation. There are no roads connecting Nunavut to southern Canada; you must fly, typically from Ottawa or Montreal, on airlines like Canadian North. Once on the island, travel between communities is also exclusively by air. Weather is the boss here, flights are frequently delayed or cancelled due to blizzards or fog, so always build buffer days into your itinerary.
Packing is an art form for the Arctic. Even in July, you need thermal layers, a windproof shell, and sturdy waterproof hiking boots. If visiting in winter, parkas rated for -40°C are not a luxury, but a necessity. Bring all personal medications and specialty camera gear, as supplies in the North are limited and expensive.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Arctic Summer (July - August)
Pros
- 24-hour daylight maximizes sightseeing time
- Accessible hiking trails free of deep snow
- Boat tours to see icebergs and wildlife operate daily
- Warmer temperatures make outdoor exploration safer
Cons
- Highest prices for flights and accommodation
- Mosquitoes can be intense on the tundra
- No chance to see the Northern Lights due to daylight
- Limited availability for popular tours
Shoulder Season: Spring (March - April)
Pros
- Best time for dog sledding and snowmobiling
- Toonik Tyme Festival brings cultural events
- Good balance of daylight and frozen landscapes
- Excellent ice fishing opportunities
Cons
- Temperatures are still severely cold for visitors
- Hiking is limited to snowshoeing
- Boat tours are not running (sea is frozen)
- Weather delays for flights are common
Off-Peak: Dark Season (November - January)
Pros
- Spectacular Northern Lights viewing
- True Arctic winter experience
- Fewer tourists in town
- Cozy cultural experiences indoors
Cons
- Extremely limited daylight (or none)
- Bitterly cold temperatures require specialized gear
- Many outdoor tours do not operate
- High risk of flight cancellations due to blizzards
Baffin Island challenges you, humbles you, and ultimately changes you. Whether you stand in the shadow of Mount Thor or watch the Northern Lights weave over Frobisher Bay, you will leave with a new understanding of what it means to live at the top of the world.
Sample Itineraries
Iqaluit & The Arctic Gateway (4 Days)
A comprehensive introduction to Arctic life, focusing on the capital city of Iqaluit, accessible nature, and Inuit culture without requiring further bush plane travel.
Day 1: Arrival and Arctic Orientation
- Morning: Arrive at Iqaluit Airport (YFB) and pick up your rental car or take a taxi to your hotel; check-in costs roughly $250-$350 CAD per night. Head straight to the Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre to see the wildlife displays and pick up trail maps for the region.
- Afternoon: Walk next door to the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum to view exquisite soapstone carvings and traditional clothing exhibits (Free admission/Donation). Stop for a warming coffee and soup at the Black Heart Cafe ($25 CAD/person).
- Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner at The Granite Room featuring Arctic Char ($60-$80 CAD/person). If it is winter or shoulder season, scan the skies for Northern Lights.
Day 2: Sylvia Grinnell & Cultural Immersion
- Morning: Take a taxi or drive 3 km to Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park; spend the morning hiking the tundra trails along the river and viewing the waterfalls ($0 entry). Ensure you are dressed in windproof layers as the valley channels cold air.
- Afternoon: Return to town for a guided tour of the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut to admire the Inuit art collection and the legislative chamber ($0, check tour times). Visit the Carving Nunavut gallery to shop for authentic souvenirs.
- Evening: Grab a casual dinner and a locally brewed beer at NuBrew Co., the most northerly brewery in Canada ($40 CAD/person). Chat with locals about life in the North.
Day 3: The Frozen Bay or Tundra Trek
- Morning: If visiting in winter/spring, book a half-day dog sledding excursion on the sea ice ($250-$350 CAD/person). If summer, take a boat tour into Frobisher Bay to look for seals and icebergs ($300+ CAD/person).
- Afternoon: Hike the Apex Trail, a historic 5 km route connecting Iqaluit to the original Hudson’s Bay Company post at Apex. Visit the historic buildings on the beach.
- Evening: Dine at The Discovery hotel restaurant for a high-end culinary experience ($100 CAD/person). Try the muskox if available on the menu.
Day 4: Views and Departure
- Morning: Drive or hike to the ‘Road to Nowhere’ for final panoramic views of the vast, treeless tundra. It is a perfect spot for photography before heading home.
- Afternoon: Visit the Northmart store to see the logistics of Arctic grocery shopping and perhaps buy some fresh bannock. Head to the airport for your flight back to Ottawa or Montreal.
- Evening: Depart Iqaluit, enjoying the views of the frozen (or blue) Davis Strait from the window.
Pangnirtung & Auyuittuq Adventure (6 Days)
A rugged adventure for nature lovers, traveling from Iqaluit to the hamlet of Pangnirtung and into the spectacular Auyuittuq National Park.
Day 1: Journey to the ‘Switzerland of the Arctic’
- Morning: Fly from Iqaluit to Pangnirtung (approx. 1 hour flight, $500-$800 CAD/person one-way). Enjoy stunning aerial views of the Cumberland Sound.
- Afternoon: Check into Auyuittuq Lodge ($300 CAD/night) and visit the Parks Canada office for mandatory orientation and registration ($200 CAD park fees). Walk through the hamlet to see the famous Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts & Crafts.
- Evening: Purchase groceries at the Northern Store or Co-op for your park excursion. Dinner at the lodge or a local takeout spot ($40 CAD/person).
Day 2: Into Auyuittuq National Park
- Morning: Meet your outfitter for a boat transfer (summer) or snowmobile transfer (spring) to the park entrance at Overlord ($200-$300 CAD/person). The journey takes about an hour through the fjord.
- Afternoon: Begin hiking into the Akshayuk Pass; the terrain is rocky and dramatic with glaciers visible in the distance. Hike approximately 10-12 km toward Ulysses Peak.
- Evening: Set up camp near the designated emergency shelter or a suitable spot near water. Enjoy a dehydrated meal surrounded by absolute silence and 24-hour daylight (in summer).
Day 3: The Arctic Circle & Mount Thor
- Morning: Continue hiking deeper into the pass, crossing the Arctic Circle marker. The trail follows the Weasel River with relatively flat but rocky terrain.
- Afternoon: Reach the viewpoint for Mount Thor, which boasts the world’s highest vertical drop (1,250m). Spend time photographing this granite giant and the surrounding glaciers.
- Evening: Camp within view of Mount Thor. Temperatures will drop significantly even in summer, so ensure your sleeping bag is rated for -5°C or lower.
Day 4: Return to the Fjord
- Morning: Break camp early and begin the return hike toward the Overlord entrance. The light on the mountains changes constantly, offering new photo opportunities.
- Afternoon: Arrive back at the pick-up point for your scheduled boat or snowmobile transfer back to Pangnirtung. Keep an eye out for seals in the water.
- Evening: Return to Auyuittuq Lodge for a hot shower and a warm meal. Rest after the physical exertion.
Day 5: Pangnirtung Culture
- Morning: Visit the Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts & Crafts to watch weavers creating world-famous tapestries and see printmakers at work. Buy a signature ‘Pang’ hat ($50-$80 CAD).
- Afternoon: Hike the trails around the hamlet or visit the old blubber station to learn about the whaling history of the area. Chat with locals about the history of the community.
- Evening: Enjoy a final quiet evening in the hamlet. If weather permits, walk along the shoreline to watch the tide rush in, which is among the highest in the world.
Day 6: Departure
- Morning: Pack up and head to the small airstrip for your flight back to Iqaluit. Allow buffer time as weather often delays flights.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Iqaluit; if time permits before your connection south, grab a quick lunch at Yummy Shawarma ($25 CAD).
- Evening: Connect to your southbound flight to Ottawa or Montreal, concluding your Arctic expedition.
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