Wanders The World

I’d be lying if I said I previously knew of the incredible Mount Thor — right here in my home country of Canada. The truth is, I learned of it only a couple of weeks ago. Thor Peak, as it is also known, has the world’s highest vertical drop at 1,200 m / 4,100 ft, and has a cliff that overhangs at 105 degrees — 15 degrees past vertical. To give perspective, the world’s tallest building, the Burj Kalifa in Dubai, stands at 828 m / 2716 ft. That is a long way down. According to Live Science, it would take a human a very long 26 seconds to fall from this peak. I think I’ll stay on the ground.

Found in Canada’s north, Thor Peak is on Qikiqtaaluk or Baffin Island, in Canada’s territory of Nunavut. Qikiqtaaluk means “very big island” in the Inuktitut language (and is a rather apt description). A very big peak on a very big island just makes sense, doesn’t it? Despite the remote location, Mount Thor is actually a popular destination for mountain climbers and those wishing to explore lesser visited places. An online search reveals that serious mountain climbers are familiar with the reputation of this incredible solid granite mountain along with the thrills and challenges of reaching its apex. Imagine the view of the Baffin Mountains from the top — barren rock mountains cut with a riverway and valleys as far as the eye can see.

Thor’s Peak is reached via the Akshayuk Pass, a spectacular nature-made corridor spanning 97 km / 60 mi in Baffin Island’s Auyuittuq National Park. Since it is a national park, Parks Canada has information on planning and visiting, logistics and safety, fees, park openings, as well as local outfitters, guides, and more. Some tour companies, particularly those that specialize in polar trips, include this area in their group tour itineraries. And as mentioned previously, mountain-climbing enthusiasts are likely aware of this grand peak and its incredible surrounding area. Would you hike this isolated yet grand area of Canada see Mount Thor?

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