Exclusive Arctic – Narwhals & Polar Bears

Date: May – June Departures
Host: Local Expert Guides
Cost: Starting at CA$20,090 per person
Trip Type: Antarctic/Arctic, Hosted Small Groups, Family Experiences

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

© Images courtesy of Arctic Kingdom

Itinerary

Day 1
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
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
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
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
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

Excludes:

• Accommodation in Ottawa
• Tips, gratuities, personal expenses
• Travel, medical and evacuation insurance, cancellation insurance
• Polar Clothing Rental Package – strongly encouraged

Learn more about this Arctic adventure:

Departure Dates

• May 18 – 25, 2021
• May 26 – June 02, 2021
• June 03 – 10, 2021
• June 11 – 18, 2021

Cost

Starting/Ending Ottawa

Price starting at CA$20,090 per person, based on double occupancy