Join a journey onto and beyond the ice floe edge concentrating on two giants of the Arctic: walrus and Bowhead whales. This is a journey of amazing panoramas. Whether you’re facing 100 walrus, reflecting on the beauty of an absolutely mirror-calm ocean, staring up mountains of ice, or watching for animals along the tundra, there are countless unforgettable scenes. Some are so lucky as to connect with the animals and peer into the eye of a passing Bowhead or directly into the eyes of a polar bear swimming by your boat.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Depart Ottawa for Iqaluit, capital of Nunavut and the gateway to Nunavut. From there take another flight to Igloolik, the oldest Inuit settlement in Canada. Meet for an orientation talk and equipment check. Depart on a 30 min to 1 hour trip to camp via snowmobiles and qamuitk, a traditional Inuit wooden sled. After unloading your equipment, settle into your tents and meet for a hot meal. Your Expedition Leader will explain the itinerary for the following day.
The next five days vary completely based upon weather, interests and animal movements. For example, one day may include traveling by boat far out into the Foxe Basin where you may come upon bowhead whales or large floating islands of ice covered with walrus as well as harp, bearded, and ring seals. Quietly watch these enormous animals and take photographs from both the ice and boat. Be on the lookout for polar bears swimming in the waters, hunting for seals or walrus, or lounging on the ice pans. Enjoy picnics on the floating ice and excursions on the land and ice closer to camp, taking time to visit nearby Dorset and Thule ruins and learn about traditional and modern-day Inuit life. Admire the vibrant Arctic wildflowers and wide variety of birds that migrate to the islands during the summer months.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $2200, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.