Exclusive Arctic – Narwhals & Polar Bears

Date: May – June Departures
Travel Style: Set Departure

Experience the classic spring floe edge where you may have the opportunity to view polar bears, narwhal and icebergs under the Midnight Sun. Travel to the northern reaches of Baffin Island where the sea ice meets the open water, and marine mammals and other wildlife congregate at the floe edge – also known as the “line of life”.

Trip Type

Antarctica/Arctic, Hosted Small Groups, Multigenerational
Activities

No Activities
Group size

No size limit
Locations

Arctic , Canada
Trip duration

8 Day(s) 7 Night(s)

Keywords : Arctic , Canada

Trip Code :AR-6003

Date: May – June Departures
Host: Local Expert Guides
Cost: Starting at CA$20,090 per person

Want to go to the best places in the Arctic for narwhal watching with added polar bear viewing? Enjoy an experience with dramatic landscapes and icebergs of Sirmilik National Park. Revel in the stunning landscapes of towering granite cliffs, glaciers and icebergs at a Tented Safari Camp with stunning views of Bylot Island, access to Sirmilik National Park and the world-renowned floe edge of Eclipse Sound.

Guided by Inuit and travelling in small groups, journey to the floe edge for days of discovery, possible narwhal watching with the chance to see a variety of seabirds, polar bears, seals as well as possibly beluga and bowhead whales.

Perfect for families, first-time visitors to the Arctic, and also professional photographers looking for the ultimate floe edge experience, watching narwhal, and chance to see polar bears in the wild.

Highlights

If mother nature cooperates, observe the iconic tusked narwhal as they swim and feed near the floe edge
Possible viewing opportunities for polar bears, bearded seals, ringed seals, walrus, bowhead whales, and beluga
Visit Bylot Island, a migratory bird sanctuary, which attracts more than 200,000 birds annually
Travel by snowmobile and qamutik to traditional Inuit hunting grounds
Snorkel and kayak while being surrounded by sea ice
Experience the 24-hour daylight of the Midnight Sun in the early Arctic summer
Take in stunning panoramic views of cliffs and glaciers
Enjoy hot, gourmet meals at our Tented Safari Camp
Enjoy tea made of melt-water from hundreds of years old icebergs
You may also have a chance to visit evocative ancient Thule sites, where you will see the traditional tent rings and learn about the culture and history of the ancestors of Inuit

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Pond Inlet

Upon landing in Pond Inlet, you will be welcomed by our local Arctic Kingdom representative and transferred to a local hotel. Meet your Expedition Leader for a trip briefing and hot dinner. Overnight in hotel.

Day 2: Travel to the Arctic Safari Camp

After breakfast, an orientation from Parks Canada, meet your guides on the beach in preparation for your departure to our camp on Eclipse Sound. Travelling to our Arctic Safari Camp by qamutik (a traditional Inuit wooden sled with suspension or foam padded seats pulled behind a snowmobile), you will experience the exhilaration of gliding across the ice. The journey’s time will vary depending on ice conditions but will include tea and coffee stops. Our Arctic Safari Camp will be set up a few kilometres back from the floe edge.

Days 3-6: Arctic Wildlife Safaris

During the next few days, our excursions will include trips out to the floe edge to look for wildlife. Enjoy the mild spring weather and engage in a variety of activities at the floe edge. Snorkel and kayak amongst sea ice when conditions permit.

One of the greatest highlights for many guests on this safari is the opportunity to observe a variety of Arctic wildlife in their natural habitat. Migratory birds are also in abundance and with the stillness of the Arctic, you are able to hear the songs of the birds before you even see them. Ice conditions permitting, you may also visit the Bylot Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary, where more than 200,000 birds choose to nest each year. For birders, the earlier departures are best for this activity.

Day 7: Return to Pond Inlet

After breakfast, depart camp by qamutik and snowmobile to Pond Inlet. Enjoy your final night in Pond Inlet with a special Inuit cultural presentation. Overnight in hotel.

Day 8: Departure Day

Depart for Ottawa with the spirit of the Arctic, and a full album of memories and friendships.

Includes:

Round-trip flights Ottawa, ON (YOW) to Pond Inlet, NU (YIO)
Services of Inuit Guides and Arctic Kingdom expedition staff
Accommodations:
- 1 night in an Iqaluit hotel
- 6 nights in Tented Safari Camp on ice
All transportation for duration of stay in camp, Pond Inlet & Iqaluit
Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and snacks, 7 dinners
Use of kayaks
Drysuit, mask, fins, hood, gloves for snorkelling
Currently applicable taxes