As a pioneer in Arctic travel, Arctic Kingdom has been designing legendary land-based Arctic getaway tours and adventures for 20 years. Since their inaugural dive trip in 1999, Arctic Kingdom has had the honor of hosting thousands of visitors in the Canadian Arctic.
For many adventurers, the opportunity to experience intimate wildlife encounters and explore pristine wilderness is a dream come true.
Whether observing polar bears on land or by sea during one of Arctic Kingdom's Arctic safaris, or soaring above icebergs in a hot air balloon on a fully-customized private journey, Arctic Kingdom transforms Arctic adventures and dreams into reality.
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WHY TRAVEL WITH ARCTIC KINGDOM?
WHY TRAVEL WITH ARCTIC KINGDOM?
They take people out on the land, in small groups led by local guides for close-up encounters with wildlife. Absolutely unique, it is an experience of a lifetime, beyond imagination.
Passionate explorers and spirited dreamers, Arctic Kingdom possess extensive experience in eco-adventures. As true pioneers of Arctic travel and Arctic safaris, they boast deep local connections, nearly two decades of proven expertise, and unparalleled knowledge of the North.
Committed to excellence, Arctic Kingdom endeavors to delight guests and showcase what they consider to be the most spectacular place on the planet—intimately, authentically, and safely.
SUSTAINABILITY AND VALUES
Working in some of the most pristine and fragile environments on Earth, and alongside people who rely on the land for their livelihoods, Arctic Kingdom demonstrates a deep commitment to promoting sustainable practices throughout all of their eco adventures.
Recognizing the changing climate, Arctic Kingdom's travel approach emphasizes small, land-based groups to minimize their environmental footprint. Following the teachings of the Inuit, they travel in small groups to observe wildlife authentically and non-intrusively, while adhering to the Wildlife Policy of Nunavut, which includes maintaining safe distances from wildlife.
Arctic Kingdom places great importance on community support and collaboration, fostering strong relationships, hiring locally, and seeking development opportunities. They actively contribute to local economies by hiring locally and purchasing food, goods, and materials within the community whenever feasible.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Arctic Kingdom demonstrates strong support for social responsibility by collaborating with communities and cultural advisors, actively seeking opportunities to make positive contributions.
They are committed to minimizing their environmental impact by operating in small groups and ensuring that their camps operate sustainably, including practices such as recycling, waste management, and water conservation.
In compliance with local regulations, Arctic Kingdom strictly prohibits the use of drugs and alcohol. They also adhere to the Wildlife Policy of Nunavut and actively support environmental and archaeological protection efforts.
Arctic Kingdom and its employees take pride in supporting various charitable causes through philanthropic initiatives and volunteerism.
PHILANTHROPY
Arctic Kingdom believes in the importance of giving back and takes pride in supporting charities that contribute to the North through sponsorships and philanthropy. Over the years, they have made contributions to various organizations, including food banks, the Iqaluit Humane Society, arts organizations, and the WWF.
FAQs
Arctic Kingdom socially and environmentally responsible?
The Arctic and Northern Canada are dynamic and changing places. Home and the traditional lands of Inuit and First Nations, they believe respecting and collaborating with local cultures, empowering communities and leaving wildlife untouched is the only way to be able to provide authentic sustainable experiences for years to come. They travel in small groups on land and everything, from the way they plan and operate their arctic tours, to their business practices, is geared toward making a positive impact on the areas they visit and minimize their environmental impact.
To ensure their tours economically benefit the local communities they hire local guides and drivers, purchase food supplies in the community (whenever possible), eat local food, and use local services. By continually reassessing their trips, they ensure that they are socially, economically and environmentally sound.
Arctic Kingdom strictly adheres and supports the Wildlife Policy for the Territory of Nunavut.
Why do you use real fur on your parkas/gear?
Arctic weather conditions can be extreme. Gear is important for the comfort and warmth of their guests, they ensure they provide the highest quality. The jackets they provide are designed for extreme cold temperatures, where skin around the face can freeze in minutes. Fur and down are the best choice for warmth and protection. Fur trim around the hood disrupts airflow and creates warm air to help protect the face from frostbite. Fur remains the warmest option versus synthetic, and is the traditional choice of Inuit.
Are there restrictions on alcohol in the Canadian Arctic?
Restrictions on alcohol vary by community; there are three types of alcohol policies in Nunavut. Only five communities, including Iqaluit, have no alcohol restrictions. This means you can purchase and drink alcohol at licensed establishments. Other communities restrict local purchasing of alcohol, but allow it to be brought in for personal consumption only with a permit endorsed by the local Alcohol Education Committee. The communities visited on Arctic Kingdom with this policy are: Arctic Bay, Igloolik, Pond Inlet, and Qikiqtarjuaq. Some communities have a complete prohibition on alcohol, including Arviat.
How close can I get to polar bears? Why can’t we get closer?
Following the Wildlife Policy of Nunavut, and for the safety of their guests and wildlife, they ensure all participants remain at a minimum distance of 100 meters (approx. 300 feet) from polar bears in the wild. Arctic Kingdom Expeditions Leaders and Inuit guides are trained and experience in polar bear safety and de-escalation.
Are Arctic Kingdom adventures strenuous and/or physically challenging?
They want their guests to enjoy the wonders of the North! The majority of our Arctic adventures have been designed so guests can participate and enjoy regardless of your age or activity level and are perfect for families. Many trips include riding in qamatiks (sleds pulled by snow machines) or riding in boats; and they are pleased to offer comfortable, real beds on safari. While theirarctic tours may include optional activities such as hiking, kayaking, snorkeling or diving, participants can choose how much or how little do to. Their Arctic Travel Advisors are happy to help you choose which experience is right for you if you have any concerns.
Can I join an arctic tour if I have mobility issues?
Travel in the Arctic requires a significant level of mobility to get around. The terrain is rugged and uneven and rides on the qamatiks can be quite bumpy. Bathroom facilities in their mobile camps are set aside from your private tent so you must be able to make your way over to this area unattended, or with the help of a traveling companion. Unfortunately, at this time they do not have the resources to accommodate those in a wheelchair or requiring personalized assistance through the trip. If you have any concerns about your mobility level, their Arctic Travel Advisors are happy to discuss the best options for you including the possibilities of traveling on their less strenuous safaris or lodges including Bathurst Inlet Lodge.
What items/souvenirs am I not allowed to bring into my home country?
Your home country customs officials may prohibit certain items from being imported. Typical items that are prohibited are meat products and traditional items made of whale bone, antler, or seal skin. Please review the rules, regulations, and restrictions directly with your country of origin’s Customs Offices to avoid disappointment.
Can I get mobile phone reception? What about Wifi?
Mobile phone reception and WIFI is not guaranteed in such a remote location. You may be able to get cellphone reception in some of the communities, and Wi-Fi may be available at some hotels at the beginning and end of your trip, but it is not guaranteed. You will not have cell phone reception while in camp. It is best to plan ahead and not need access to the internet once you have begun your trip. Their Expedition Leaders communicate from their remote locations using Iridium satellite phones and InReach satellite communicators for text messaging. These tools can be made available to you in the event of an emergency, but not for casual communication. If you would like to stay in contact with your family and friends during your trip, they have satellite phones or communicators available for rent.
What size of camera lens do you recommend?
Arctic Kingdom's guests use everything from a point and shoot to 500 mm and even the occasional 600mm lens. Our Expedition Leaders use a 85-300 mm without a tele-convertor. We recommend a wide angle lens to try and capture the grandeur of the ice and landscapes.
How do you shoot the Northern Lights?
A tripod, a long (20-30s) exposure, high ISO and extra batteries will get you the shot you wants. Batteries will drain fast in the cold so having a second fully charged one/set is always helpful.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 251 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 251 reviews on
4 days ago
Excellent travel advice and service
This is my second experience working with Adventure Life. I’m sold. Jess Heuermann is an experienced traveler and provides a lot of useful information when planning a trip. These are the questions I like to ask at the outset - What’s it like to go here, there, what would you suggest, what do people report, can we add any additional side trips? Jess took the time to answer my questions and seek additional information to share with me. Petchie Colina is outstanding in helping with travel logistics and final preparations. Adventure Life has excellent guides and offers private guides and small group adventures. We enjoyed the opportunity to talk with the guides and drivers to learn more about their countries, cultures and histories. A highlight was having the guides pick local restaurants where we could share meals together. Highly recommend.
Claire Cordon
5 days ago
Our six-day tour in Iceland went smoothly with one exception. We had asked for two rooms each night. Somehow we were booked with one room with three beds. It could not be fixed at the first hotel in Reykjavik because the hotel was fully booked. Once informed of the problem, however, Adventure Life rebooked for two rooms for the remainder of the trip. As an 85-year-old traveler, I appreciated that one could participate at different physical levels at many of the stops. Iceland is a great place to visit but on the expensive side.
Mary Warren
6 days ago
Jess was very easy going and answered all our questions. It’s not easy dealing with 6 people at once but she did an outstanding job!
Diane Foster
1 week ago
Kassandra and the Adventure Life team have been incredible! Kassandra was very knowledgeable and attentive to our asks while making sure we kept within our budget. This was our first experience with a travel agent and we were blown away by the booking/initial exploration service. We will use Adventure Life again.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Arctic Kingdom demonstrates strong support for social responsibility by collaborating with communities and cultural advisors, actively seeking opportunities to make positive contributions.They are committed to minimizing their environmental impact by operating in small groups and ensuring that their camps operate sustainably, including practices such as recycling, waste management, and water conservation.
In compliance with local regulations, Arctic Kingdom strictly prohibits the use of drugs and alcohol. They also adhere to the Wildlife Policy of Nunavut and actively support environmental and archaeological protection efforts.
Arctic Kingdom and its employees take pride in supporting various charitable causes through philanthropic initiatives and volunteerism.