The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Science & Nature›Mountain›Mount Thor
Science & Nature • Mountain

Mount Thor

Mount Thor, officially gazetted as Thor Peak, is a mountain in Auyuittuq National Park on Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mount Thor, officially gazetted as Thor Peak, is a mountain in Auyuittuq National Park on Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada. It is best known for having one of the world’s greatest vertical drops, with a west face that overhangs beyond vertical. The mountain is a notable climbing destination and a well-known Canadian natural landmark.

Geography

Mount Thor is located on Baffin Island in Nunavut, within Auyuittuq National Park. It lies roughly 46 km northeast of Pangnirtung and is part of the Baffin Mountains in the Arctic Cordillera.

Physical characteristics

The mountain’s summit rises to 1,675 m, but its defining feature is the west face’s extreme drop. Sources describe the cliff as around 1,200–1,250 m high and overhanging at about 105 degrees.

Naming

The mountain is officially gazetted as Thor Peak and is commonly called Mount Thor. The name is associated with the Norse god Thor, and Inuktitut names are also used locally and in reference sources.

Climbing significance

Mount Thor is widely known in mountaineering for its steep west face, which attracts climbers despite the remoteness of the area. It is often cited in lists of notable Canadian natural landmarks and climbing objectives.

Key facts

  • Mount Thor is located on Baffin Island in Nunavut, within Auyuittuq National Park.
  • Its summit elevation is 1,675 m (5,495 ft).
  • The west face has a vertical drop of approximately 1,200–1,250 m, often described as the world’s greatest.
  • The cliff overhangs at an average angle of about 105 degrees.
  • Mount Thor is a recognized rock-climbing objective and a notable Canadian natural landmark.
🍁
Canadian context

Mount Thor is one of Canada’s best-known dramatic mountain landmarks and a distinctive feature of Nunavut’s Arctic landscape. It is also part of the cultural and tourism identity of Baffin Island and Auyuittuq National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Mount Thor located?
Mount Thor is in Auyuittuq National Park on Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada.
How high is Mount Thor?
Its summit elevation is 1,675 m (5,495 ft).
Why is Mount Thor famous?
It is famous for its huge west-face drop, described as one of the world’s greatest vertical drops.
Is Mount Thor the same as Thor Peak?
Yes. Thor Peak is the official gazetted name, while Mount Thor is the common name.
How steep is Mount Thor’s cliff face?
Its west face is described as overhanging at about 105 degrees, or about 15 degrees beyond vertical.
Is Mount Thor in a national park?
Yes. It is located in Auyuittuq National Park.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Thor
    Supports: Common name, official name Thor Peak, location in Auyuittuq National Park on Baffin Island, elevation, vertical drop, overhang angle, distance from Pangnirtung.
  2. CBC — https://www.cbc.ca/sevenwonders/wonder_mount_thor.html
    Supports: Location in Auyuittuq National Park on Baffin Island, vertical drop, and overhang angle.
  3. Live Science — https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/geology/mount-thor-the-mountain-with-earths-longest-vertical-drop
    Supports: Location in Nunavut, elevation, and description of the west face as the world’s largest vertical drop.
  4. Mountain Project — https://www.mountainproject.com/area/107712660/mount-thor
    Supports: Official name Thor Peak, location, elevation, vertical drop, distance from Pangnirtung, and mountain range context.