Discover the majesty of rare Arctic animals and the beauty of polar landscapes while boating through Foxe Basin around the island of Igloolik on this 7-day journey. Foxe Basin makes for a perfect home for huge pods of walrus, endangered bowhead whales, and polar bears. When not in boats observing marine mammals, enjoy hikes around the island, admiring and learning about the local flora as well as the many bird species that visit the area. Enjoy excursions to ancient Dorset and Thule archaeological sites to discover the fascinating history and culture of the Inuit.
Highlights
Encounter northward migrating bowhead whales and walrus in Foxe Basin
Look out for hunting polar bears on the floating pans of ice
Experience the Arctic spring & watch frozen tundra turn into melting rivers
Listen to the chirps and whistles of whale song while snorkeling underwater
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
This safari starts in Igloolik, Nunavut. If you purchase the optional flight package, depart Ottawa for Iqaluit and then connect with your flight to Igloolik, the oldest Inuit settlement in Canada. Upon arrival in Igloolik, meet your expedition leader and group members and transfer to camp. After a brief orientation talk and equipment check, set off on a 30- to 60-minute trip to camp via snowmobiles and qamutik, a traditional Inuit wooden freight sled. After unloading your equipment, settle into your tent and meet for a hot meal followed by an itinerary briefing by your expedition leader.
The next few days vary depending on weather and the movements of Arctic animals. Your first visit to the floe edge allows you to familiarize yourself with this fascinating environment. Enjoy daily boat rides on the Arctic Ocean in search of bowheads and walrus that can be found in this area in countless numbers. You may see the enormous walrus in piles on ice or bowheads spy-hopping as you cruise past. Sit back, relax, and breathe in the fresh air while admiring the awe-inspiring sights or take advantage of excellent photographic opportunities.
As you make your way further into the Foxe Basin across tranquil waters, come upon large floating islands of ice platforms for sunning walrus and a variety of seals – harp, bearded and ring. Be on the lookout for polar bears swimming in the waters or hunting for seals. You may even catch them lounging on ice pans. The bright sun reflecting off the crystal-clear, flat water is an enthralling part of a perfect Arctic summer day.
Enjoy picnics on floating ice pans and potential excursions to ancient Thule and modern-day Inuit settlements. Also have a chance to admire the vibrant arctic wildflowers and the wide variety of birds that migrate to the islands during the summer months.
Day 7: Return to Igloolik | Iqaluit | Ottawa
1 Breakfast
Pack up your gear and return to Igloolik, where the safari ends. If you purchased the optional flight package, transfer to the afternoon flight to Iqaluit and on to Ottawa. Expect to arrive in Ottawa in the early evening.
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.
Notes
Select a Date
Please add 5% sales tax from Igloolik.
Please Note: 2018 Fares are based off of current exchange rates from the Canadian Dollar. Contact us for current rates.
Initial deposit is $2200, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 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
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners
6 Nights Accommodations
7 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Gear Rental: Snorkeling Gear
Services of Inuit guides and expedition staff
All day trips by land or boat
Round-trip Igloolik airport transportation
Return transfers to airport in Igloolik
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
All participants will be required to provide proof of medical insurance while traveling in Canada. Each participant is responsible for any medical expenses and must be covered by their own sickness, accident, and evacuation insurance.
Gratuities at your discretion. A typical gratuity is $100 per Inuit/guide/chef and expedition leader per week.
Gratuities
International Flights
Accommodation in Ottawa
Travel, medical and evacuation insurance coverage
Additional costs associated with weather and/or layovers in Igloolik, Iqaluit or Ottawa
Polar Clothing Rental Package encouraged
Flight Taxes - USD 345.95 for 2017 / CAD 359.45 for 2018
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days 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
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
