Baffin Island Expedition
Explore Canada’s High Arctic: Baffin Island Expedition
Scott Kress and Angus Murray have spent decades guiding in extreme environments, from the peaks of Everest to the vast Arctic wilderness. Their expertise and passion for exploration have led them to one of the most remote and stunning landscapes on Earth—Baffin Island’s Auyuittuq National Park.
Now, they invite you to join a small group of adventurers on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the legendary Akshayuk Pass, a 100km trek across breathtaking Arctic terrain. From the towering granite cliffs of Mount Thor to the frozen sea ice crossings, this expedition offers an unparalleled experience in one of the world’s most isolated regions.
Guided by Scott and Angus, and supported by local Inuit partners, this adventure is designed for those who seek the raw beauty of the Arctic and the challenge of true wilderness travel.
What it Is
If you yearn for adventure and want to go where few have ventured, this is the expedition for you! Canada’s high Arctic is a place few travel and most people know little about. Join us on this once in a lifetime adventure to explore and to learn.
Auyuittuq National Park on Baffin Island in Canada’s Eastern Arctic has some of the most spectacular alpine scenery on earth. Our objective will be to cross the famous Akshayuk Pass, starting from the East side and traversing all the way across the island to the Overlord shelter over 100km away.
What to Expect
Our adventure will begin in the city of Ottawa where we will gather as a team for orientation and gear checks. From there we will travel to Iqaluit and then to Qikiqtarjuaq, our starting point on the East side of Baffin Island.
Once in Qikiqtarjuaq we will meet with our local Inuit hosts and visit the National Park office for our park orientation and to obtain our permits. Our local Inuit partners will take us by snowmobile across the frozen sea ice to our start location at North Pangnirtung Fiord. From here we will load our sleds and take out first steps West as we enter this enchanted pass between some of the tallest granite spires in the world.
We will pass by and camp in the shadow of Mount Thor rising 1500m above us. Mount Thor is the tallest uninterrupted cliff face in the world and we will feel dwarfed by its immense size.
Soon thereafter we will cross the Arctic Circle and will stop for photos at this geographically unique and significant spot. From here it is not long until we reach the Overlord Shelter where we will be picked up by snowmobile and transported to Pangnirtung.
Once in Pangnirtung we will check in with our Inuit hosts and have some time to explore this famous Arctic hamlet.
If you would like to learn more about this amazing adventure contact Scott Kress.
Meet Your Head Guides
Scott Kress and Angus Murray have been guiding together for decades. Beginning as Outward Bound Instructors, Scott and Angus have explored the world and have led groups to some of the most beautiful and demanding locations on the planet.
Today they specialize in guiding groups across the famous Akshayuk pass in Auyuittuq National Park on Baffin Island in Canada’s high Arctic.
Scott Kress
Scott is one of the few Certified Polar Guides with the International Polar Guides Association. Scott has been leading climbing, mountaineering, hiking, canoe and polar expeditions for 30 + years. Among other accomplishments, Scott is the 51st Canadian to climb Everest, the 11th Canadian to complete the 7 Summits, the 7th Canadian to ski unsupported and unassisted to the South Pole. Scott loves helping people explore new lands and achieve new goals.
Angus Murray
Angus is the 50th Canadian to climb Everest and has completed the 7 Summits. Angus has been a wilderness guide and outdoor instructor for 35+ years. Angus has led groups on adventures around the world and thrives on the challenge of exploring new lands. Angus is eager to help people learn about expedition travel and to help them reach their life goals.
