If one were to fall from the summit of Thor, they would have nearly 30 seconds to contemplate their fate before hitting the ground.
The fall from the summit of Thor lasts nearly 30 seconds. (Photo: Marianna Ianovska)
At a height of 1,675 meters, Thor Peak may not seem particularly impressive compared to other mountains in Canada when viewed solely by height. However, what makes Thor Peak special is its status as the world’s highest vertical drop. The cliff face of this mountain, located in Auyuittuq National Park, recedes slightly before plummeting down 1,250 meters, then protrudes outward to “catch” those unfortunate enough to fall.
With an average overhang of 15 degrees from vertical, Thor Peak offers the longest free fall without hitting anything. If someone were to jump and spread their arms, they would experience approximately 26 seconds of free fall, reaching speeds that would allow them to cover a distance of over one kilometer before making contact with the ground.
Among Canada’s many national parks, Auyuittuq stands out as a nearly untouched wilderness. Located in the Arctic Circle on Baffin Island, this park features everything from glaciers and fjords to rugged mountains. The name Auyuittuq can be loosely translated as “a place that never melts”, which helps explain why the park remains relatively pristine. While there are some popular hiking trails winding through the area, the frigid conditions and inaccessibility make it extremely challenging for humans to explore the entire park.
Thor Peak is perhaps the most intriguing feature within Auyuittuq National Park. The mountain has been sculpted over thousands of years by glacial erosion, creating a U-shaped profile similar to other rock formations shaped by glaciers. Interestingly, the granite that forms Thor Peak is also among the oldest rock types on the planet, dating back as much as 3.5 billion years.
Thor Peak is also a magnet for climbing enthusiasts. The first group to summit Thor was a team of four. During their expedition in 1985, they took 33 days to reach the peak, and to this day, it remains an incredibly challenging ascent.
