Drew Nylen grew up in the sunny and rugged South Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada, a landscape dominated by fire-scarred ponderosa pines and prickly pear cactus. He developed an intimate knowledge of the local plant and birdlife from his grandparents, both avid naturalists who lived at the end of an old forestry road in the mountains. In his formative years, Drew traded the rolling hills near his childhood home for the peaks of the Canadian Rockies, working as a ski patroller, guide, avalanche controller and professional skier. This new path took Drew to far-flung places he had only ever dreamed of, guiding in the mountains of Japan, the Arctic Cordillera on Baffin Island and across western North America.

Drew’s love of adventure has led him to bike across Canada twice and ski nearly 200 miles across mountains and sea ice with his partner and dog. He runs, sails, paddles and forages for berries wherever he can. His winter profession is forecasting avalanche hazards from his home in Atlin, BC, and guiding in the St. Elias range. Summers take him abroad to explore the far reaches of the High Arctic. An Expedition Leader on Nat Hab’s East Greenland Arctic Adventure, Drew has a wealth of knowledge and deep passion for the ecology, cultures and landscapes of the north.


Praise from Nat Hab travelers:

J. Laiserin
"Drew was beyond fabulous. I can't say enough about his professionalism, joy of nature and people, and sensitivity to each and every person in the group. What a treat!"

B. Peelle
"Drew was highly experienced and qualified. Safety was always paramount, and with a group of 10 'campers,' we felt he was always available for help and advice. He was also great at connecting personally with each of us." 

A. Hornsby
"I can't say enough positive things about Drew. He is very knowledgable about the Arctic and very thoughtful and insightful. His is also very witty. We laughed a lot on this trip!"

N. Alane
"I really can't say enough about how wonderful Drew was. His knowledge base was out of this world, and his guide skills were impeccable, but above all else, he is just an amazing human being. We were lucky to have him, and he will forever be an inseparable part of our Greenland experience."

C. Robinson
"Drew was very knowledgeable about the area and it seemed like there wasn't a question you could ask that he couldn't answer. He was patient with us, very friendly and had a wonderful sense of humor."

J. Sloan
"Drew is a very hard worker, well informed and fun to be with!"