Baffin Island

Of Nunavut’s three regions — Qikiqtaaluk or Qikiqtani Region (formerly called the Baffin Region), Kitikmeot, and Kivalliq — Baffin Island offers a range of great experiences in one localized, albeit huge, region. Qikiqtani is Nunavut's largest, most populous and popular area, yet flying is the only way to get here and to places outbound. Here, sheer mountain faces line ocean coastlines, sapphire rivers transect a rugged bloom-carpeted tundra and weather prevails over all. Two national parks, Quttinirpaaq and Auyuittuq, showcase diverse wildlife such as seabirds, whales or polar bears; and natural features such as jagged peaks, glaciers or ...

Of Nunavut’s three regions — Qikiqtaaluk or Qikiqtani Region (formerly called the Baffin Region), Kitikmeot, and Kivalliq — Baffin Island offers a range of great experiences in one localized, albeit huge, region. Qikiqtani is Nunavut's largest, most populous and popular area, yet flying is the only way to get here and to places outbound. Here, sheer mountain faces line ocean coastlines, sapphire rivers transect a rugged bloom-carpeted tundra and weather prevails over all. Two national parks, Quttinirpaaq and Auyuittuq, showcase diverse wildlife such as seabirds, whales or polar bears; and natural features such as jagged peaks, glaciers or deep fiords. On Baffin Island's southern reaches perches Iqaluit, Nunavut’s capital, which hosts the legislative building and the largest concentration of accommodation, outfitters and restaurants in the area. It is an anchor point for adventurers heading south to Soper River, or paddlers, hikers and wildlife viewers flying farther north to Pangnirtung and Pond Inlet. While rugged and not set up for mass tourism, Nunavut's eastern reaches offer experienced fit outdoorspeople memorable getaways in a stunning landscape.

About the Expert

Catherine Senecal is the author of Pelicans to Polar Bears, a wildlife viewing guide to Manitoba, and has written about Alberta, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and other places for Michelin Guides, Rand McNally, and Reader’s Digest Atlas.