Ellesmere Island Expedition: Quttinirpaaq Basecamp

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 expedition You’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.