The Faces (and Paws) Behind Every Arctic Adventure

At Thornhill Expeditions, every private Arctic tour is rooted in a deep respect for the North — its land, its people, and its wildlife. We're a small, family-run business driven by experience, integrity and a genuine love for the Arctic. Our dedicated team is passionate about creating once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters in the Canadian Arctic.

When you travel with us, you're not just signing up for a trip. You're being welcomed into a community of people who live and breathe this work. Here's a little more about who we are.

Scott – Expedition Lead & Arctic Veteran

Co-founder of Thornhill Expeditions, Scott brings nearly 30 years of experience living and working in the Arctic. He is our lead guide and logistics mastermind. He knows the terrain, the wildlife, the weather, and the land like few others do.

From polar bear tracking to remote navigation, Scott brings quiet confidence and deep knowledge to every expedition. He is also an accomplished wildlife photographer and loves nothing more than ensuring the clients are in the right spot for the perfect shot.

“My job is to keep you safe and comfortable whilst giving you the adventure of a lifetime.”

Victoria – Expedition Guide & Wildlife Photographer

I’m Victoria—wildlife photographer, Arctic guide, and co-founder of Thornhill Expeditions. Over the past 18 years, I’ve travelled the world photographing wildlife, from elephants in Africa to Arctic foxes and polar bears here in Nunavut.

I co-lead every trip, helping guests slow down and truly see the Arctic—from its dramatic landscapes to its rare and remarkable wildlife moments. I’m passionate about being out in nature and capturing those perfect encounters that so few people get to experience— and my goal is to help you see and feel them too.

Whether you’re carrying a phone or a telephoto lens, I’m here to help you get the shot, tell the story, and connect deeply with the wild around you. I’m also the person behind our Instagram and most email replies—so if we’ve chatted already, you’ve probably met me!

Jocelyn

Jocelyn has been with us since the very beginning. She first joined Thornhill Expeditions in a logistical role, helping manage trip planning and operations—but it wasn’t long before she felt called to spend more time out on the land with us and the bears.

She now plays a key role both behind the scenes and in the field, and we’re incredibly grateful for her support, strength, and sense of calm. Not only is she a core part of the Thornhill team—she’s also a member of the Nagiyak family, whom we are honoured and blessed to be connected with as well.

Willow

We are often asked about our dog—so allow us to introduce Willow, our beloved German Shepherd and invaluable expedition teammate. Willow is our early warning system, helping us maintain a safe perimeter around camp— especially during wilderness camping in the summer. Her keen senses often detect wildlife before we do, providing an essential layer of safety and peace of mind when we’re in remote areas.

She’s also endlessly loyal, full of character, and completely in love with her job on the tundra. Despite her working dog role, Willow is incredibly gentle and friendly—she adores people and often wins over guests who thought they weren’t “dog people.”

“She’s our early warning system—and our shadow on every outing.”

The Nagiyak Family

We’d also like to acknowledge the Nagiyak family. Michael Ivu, head of the Nagiyak family was instrumental in introducing Scott to the land around Arviat, generously sharing his knowledge, experience, and deep understanding of life on the tundra. His guidance helped shape how we travel and guide in the North today.

This relationship went on to cement Scott’s place within the family and ultimately led to him adopting his son, Xavier from one of the family members. The Nagiyak family are a tremendous support to us during the expedition season—often helping us out at a moment’s notice, offering advice, and being a steady, grounding presence.

When you hear us talk about ‘the family’, it’s the Nagiyak family we’re referring to —and we are deeply honoured to be considered a part of theirs.