Description
A uniquely wild safari giving you the opportunity to spot polar bears in their natural habitat as well as beluga, narwhal and bowhead whales in Arctic Canada.
Overview
Experience the High Arctic by spending time at the floe edge - 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 watch as marine mammals and other wildlife congregate at the floe edge – also known as the “line of life”.Guided by Inuit and travelling in small groups of just 8 – 16 travellers, journey to the floe edge for days of discovery, possible narwhal watching and the chance to see a variety of seabirds, polar bears, seals and possibly beluga and bowhead whales. If you are lucky enough to encounter narwhal, they may appear in pods from one to hundreds as they rest and feed just metres from the floe edge.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.
- This is a specialist-led small group departure with a group size of 8 -16.
- Charter flights from Ottawa to Pond Inlet are included in the price of the safari.
- Please note – we recommend arriving into Ottawa the day before if you are renting a polar clothing package to ensure you can try everything on and make sure it fits.
- An optional Polar Clothing Package is also available for purchase (approximately £455).
What makes this trip extraordinary?
- Explore the Arctic wilderness by snowmobile and qamutik
- Watch hunting polar bears, seals, walrus and beluga
- Observe the tusked narwhal as they swim and feed near the floe edge
- Camp just a few kilometres from the floe edge.
- Witness the 24-hour daylight of the Midnight Sun in the early Arctic summer
Itinerary
Ottawa - Pond Inlet
Once you have landed in Pond Inlet (flight times to be determined) you will be greeted by your local representative before being transferred to your hotel. Once settled, join your Expedition Leader for your trip briefing and enjoy a hot dinner.
Pond Inlet - Eclipse Sound
After breakfast, meet your guides on the beach for your departure to the camp on Eclipse Sound. Travelling by qamutik, a traditional Inuit wooden sled pulled behind a snowmobile, the journey time will vary depending on the ice and weather conditions. During this unique journey into the wilderness, experience the exhilaration of gliding across the ice, and be sure to take in your beautiful surroundings whilst stopping for hot drinks on the way! Continue on to the Arctic Safari Camp which will be pitched a few kilometres back from the floe edge.
Floe Edge
During your time in the High Arctic, you will have the opportunity to go on excursions to the floe edge in search of wildlife. You will travel in small groups, either by snowmobile and/or qamutik, and engage in a variety of activities both on land and sea. For those that are willing to brave the cold waters there is the possibility to sea kayak amongst the sea ice, weather permitting. If you are lucky enough you may even encounter whales in the water with you. For many guests, the greatest highlight of this safari is the opportunity to observe a variety of Arctic wildlife in their natural habitat. Sightings may include narwhal, beluga and bowhead whales, seals, and polar bears. Additionally, migratory birds are also in abundance in the area and if the weather conditions are right you may get the chance to visit Bylot Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary, where over 200,000 birds choose to nest each year. If you are a keen birder then we recommend the earlier departure dates! Please be sensitive to the local culture here and understand that some hunting practices you may not be used to are still common here.
Overnight: Tented Safari Camp
(B, L, D)
Eclipse Sound - Pond Inlet
Today you will depart camp via snowmobile and qamutik and travel back to Pond Inlet. Enjoy your final evening with a special Inuit cultural presentation.
Pond Inlet - Ottawa
It’s time to bid farewell to the Arctic this morning. Wake up in time for breakfast, then check out of your hotel. You will have a chance to experience the local highlights before your transfer to the airport for your flights to Ottawa. We recommend you arrange your international flight for the next day in case of weather delays – this is the Arctic after all!
Accommodation
- Arctic Haven Wilderness Lodge
- Arctic Safari Camp
- Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge
- Arviat Polar Bear Cabins
- Dymond Lake Lodge
- Seal River Heritage Lodge
Cancellation Policy
Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and it is our endeavor to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation, and ration in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the program. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below,
- Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the event: Full refund as cash.
- Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 % refund as cash.
- Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.
- Cancellations will be accepted only by email.
Note: We reserve the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.
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