OVERVIEW
Ultimate scenic and wildlife splendour
A wildly exclusive Arctic Safari to see the most exceptional animals the Arctic has to offer – the mystical Narwhal.
An intensely private small group adventure of up to 14 persons consisting of high end Safari-style ice camping deep in polar bear country to primarily observe the natural wonders of the annual spring migration of beluga and the mystical narwhal.
Escorted by a staff leader and private Inuit guides, you can kayak amongst pack ice, see glaciers, climb icebergs and become mesmerized by the immense mountain surroundings. This is a complete immersion of all your senses to absorb the essence of the Arctic – an ultimate life experience.
The ice floe edge of Lancaster Sound bordering the Northwest Passage is world-renowned amongst filmmakers as one of the most prolific areas of wildlife in the Arctic. Much of the best arctic wildlife footage is captured in this region. It is one of the few places where all of the arctic marine animals co-mingle. Never before has access to this remote and largely inaccessible area been possible for all but the most dedicated and sponsored expeditions. Arctic Kingdom is proud to offer a privileged few — virtual arctic pioneers — access to this pristine Arctic jewel.
Having never been to the Arctic before, I really did not know what to expect… but after just a few days, I am totally hooked on the place not just because of the incredible beauty of the scenery, but of the friendly people…you are likely to be seeing me again!
NC, – U.K
As winter transitions to spring, and spring transitions to summer, the frozen expanses of sea ice begin to crack, and break away to float serenely out into the Davis Strait. The floe edge — where sea ice meets open water — is one of the most ecologically diverse areas of the Arctic. Each spring, the waters at the ice edge become rich with life, and for thousands of years the Inuit of northern Canada hunted here. Thousands of Belugas and Narwhals gather in Lancaster Sound waiting for the ice to clear. Snorkeling with the whales in the comfort and safety of a dry suit is possible without any prior experience, and encounters may be extended and exceedingly playful. A Bowhead may occasionally pass by flanked by dozens of Narwhals and Belugas. Pods of male Narwhal with their long famous ivory tusks may be seen in pool sized openings in the ice.
Getting there is part of the adventure as we travel with our seasoned elder Inuit guides over the sea ice, past spectacular towering cliffs and the never-ending rows of snowcapped mountains that line the passageway out to the Northwest Passage We will navigate around fantastic ice formations, past glacier-filled valleys and immense icebergs that protrude up from the frozen sea before reaching our eco-friendly, zero footprint base camp far out on the sea ice in the middle of one of the Arctic’s most ecologically diverse regions.
On this arctic trip you will see a sight few people have: the migration of Beluga and the rarely seen Narwhal to their summer feeding grounds. From the ice floe edge, you will see the whales lingering sometimes almost within arm’s length. On a windless, sunny spring day, you will be able to see Narwhal playfully jousting in the glassy smooth surface of the water. The Beluga, in a flash of milky white, crest the surface and take a breath in a large exhale before diving under the ice to continue their feeding. We provide dry suits or even dive equipment so that the adventurous can enter the water and watch as the inquisitive whales swim up to investigate, darting under the snorkeler or diver, only meters away. The connection felt looking eye to eye with these wild and elusive creatures is an indescribable feeling of elation.
“The Beluga and Narwhal are possibly the most curious creatures I have ever encountered. The amazing thing is that they come to you. Snorkeling meant we could spend as long as we liked with them. They dive into your path and then under you, blowing up bubbles that catch on your face and middle. Sometimes the whale song was so loud you could feel it reverberate down your neck and drive around your ears.”
-Nell Battye
For the more adventurous, a snorkeling option is available to attempt to swim with the narwhal. These inquisitive whales often curiously approach snorkelers, swimming to within 3 meters underneath, while on their backs – take a quick look – almost saying ‘hello’ and circling below and away. It is a moment of joy and exhileration none shall soon forget. (Note: Snorkeling with whales is not guaranteed but if conditions present themselves we will provide the expertise and dry suits for guests to try).
Highlights
- Witness the beauty of life at the ice floe edge, where frozen ice meets open water — from crystaline ice bergs, electric blue pack ice formations, hundreds of birds diving and weaving and of course, the migrating pods of whales
- Experience Inuit lifestyle high above the Arctic Circle
- Capture stunning photographs of pods of narwhal as they rest on the surface, cross tusks in playful sword fighting, and exhale plumes of mist
- Snorkel or dive along the ice floe edge, and exhilarate in the moment A the narwhal and beluga swim inquisitively beneath you
- Listen the the chirps and whistles of the whale songs while underwater, or from the surface through a hydrophone
- Experience all aspects of the High Arctic, from Inuit culture to spectacular landscapes of Baffin, Bylot and Devon island
- Travel over sea ice by snowmobile and traditional Inuit qamutik, an adventure unto itself as we cross leads, cracks, hug shorelines and navigate around icebergs
- Live on the ice close to the floe edge in our Eco-friendly, zero footprint, comfortable base camp on almost 8 feet of solid sea ice
- Visit ancient Thule sites
- Hike the solitude of beautiful Navy Board Inlet on the north coast of Baffin Island
- Catch a glimpse of Polar Bear hunting for seals
- Bask in the warm glow of the midnight sun during the Arctic’s brief period of 24-hour daylight
- See the transition of the Arctic from winter to spring, from frozen tundra to melting rivers and blossoming arctic flowers
Itinerary Brief
Day 1 – Arrival in high arctic gateway community 0f Arctic Bay
Day 2 – Gateway Community to upscale base camp
Day 3-7- Daily Sorties to the ice floe edge, hiking, photography, iceberg exploring
Day 8 – Depart Arctic Bay for early morning flight to Ottawa
Polar Bear approaches photographers
Polar Bear Hunting Seal
Trip Destination – Arctic Bay
