Arctic Kingdom Blachford Lodge
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May - June

The Floe Edge

A breathtaking phenomenon where sea ice meets open water

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    Overview

    Experience one of the Arctic’s most extraordinary wildlife spectacles. Journey to the floe edge of Admiralty Inlet, known as the 'Line of Life', and witness the annual migration of narwhal in their pristine Arctic habitat on an unforgettable floe edge safari.

    Be among the select few to observe these elusive “unicorns of the sea” as they glide gracefully through icy waters, socialize in pods, and interact with the vast Arctic landscape. Marvel at beluga whales, seals, seabirds, and the occasional polar bear that share this wilderness, while gaining insight into the rich traditions of the local Inuit communities who have lived alongside these animals for generations.

    • 2026
    • 2027
    Accommodations: Expedition Camp
    Location
    Remote Arctic Bay, NU
    Travel Dates
    May-June
    Air Package
    Flights from Ottawa to Iqaluit and Arctic Bay
    Duration
    9 Days | 8 Nights
    Transportation
    Snowmobile, Qamutik
    Guests
    16
    Average Temperature
    -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F)
    Daylight Hours
    24
    Accommodations: Expedition Camp
    Location
    Remote Arctic Bay, NU
    Travel Dates
    May-June
    Air Package
    Flights from Ottawa to Iqaluit and Arctic Bay
    Duration
    9 Days | 8 Nights
    Transportation
    Snowmobile, Qamutik
    Guests
    16
    Average Temperature
    -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F)
    Daylight Hours
    24
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    Expedition Highlights

    • Witness the annual narwhal migration, and possibly spot beluga, seals, and seabirds.
    • Discover Arctic Bay, a community steeped in Inuit culture, tradition, and artistry.
    • Travel by qamutik sled across vast frozen landscapes with expert Inuit guides.
    • Explore breathtaking cliffs, glaciers, and ancient Thule sites that tell stories of the Arctic’s past.
    • Enjoy gourmet meals and cozy comfort in a heated Arctic tent camp under the 24-hour glow of the Midnight Sun.

    Itinerary

    Depart
    Day 1 | Ottawa-Iqaluit-Arctic Bay

    Day 1 | Ottawa -> Iqaluit -> Arctic Bay

    Arrive in Arctic Bay, Nunavut after a brief stop-over in Iqaluit, and transfer to your local accommodations. Once settled, meet your Arctic Kingdom Expedition Leader and get acquainted with your travel companions. Enjoy a hot dinner as you gather for your trip briefing, followed by a special Inuit cultural presentation in the evening, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the region’s rich traditions.
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    Day 2 | Your Adventure Begins

    After breakfast, travel to our Arctic Safari Camp aboard a qamutik, a traditional Inuit sled towed behind a snowmobile. Enjoy tea, coffee and stops along the way as you take in the stunning Arctic scenery. Upon arrival, meet our staff and settle into your camp, your home for the next several days.

     

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    Day 3-7 | In Camp

    Over the next five days, embark on unforgettable excursions to the floe edge, guided by our knowledgeable Inuit guides and staff who will enrich every step of your journey. Immerse yourself in the Arctic spring, enjoying activities such as kayaking and snorkeling among the sea ice, when conditions allow, or basking in the midnight sun. Keep an eye out for elusive polar bears, and marvel at abundant Arctic wildlife, including whales, seals, and migratory birds whose songs often announce their presence. Capture breathtaking landscapes and wildlife with photography opportunities, and participate in cultural experiences that provide insight into local traditions.
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    Day 8 | Return to Iqaluit

    After a final breakfast at your remote sea ice camp, retrace your journey back to Arctic Bay by snowmobile and qamutik. Celebrate your adventure with a hearty meal in the community before boarding your evening flight to Iqaluit, Nunavut’s capital. Spend the night in Iqaluit, relaxing and reflecting on the highlights of your Arctic expedition.
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    Day 9 | Journey Home

    Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your leisure before transferring to the airport for your flight from Iqaluit to Ottawa, arriving by mid-afternoon.
    Return

    Expedition Camp

    Set directly on the sea ice, the Tented Safari Camp offers an authentic Arctic experience with comfort and warmth. Sleeping tents are spacious and cozy, accommodating two guests with room for personal gear. Each tent includes two comfortable twin beds with duvets and pillows, plus seating for resting during the day. Tents are heated and insulated to keep you warm, providing a comfortable retreat after a day of exploring the floe edge.

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    Activities

    Each day at the floe edge offers new adventures. Kayak among sea ice*, snorkel in clear Arctic waters*, capture stunning wildlife moments, and relax beneath the Midnight Sun.

    *ice condition dependant. Cannot be done when wildlife are present.
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    Snorkel

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    Kayak

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    Photography

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    Sun Bask

    Epic Landscapes

    Experience the Arctic’s epic landscapes, where towering ice formations and vast horizons showcase nature’s raw and awe-inspiring beauty.

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    Towering Cliffs

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    Changing Sea Ice

    Arctic Bay by Michelle Valberg (2)

    Vistas

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    Icebergs

    May-June
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    Arctic Bay
    The Floe Edge Expedition
    • 2026
    • 2027
    Accommodations: Floe Edge Base Camp
    CAD
    $35,489.50
    Expedition Package: $27,450.00
    Expedition Tax: $1,372.50
    Travel Package: $5,900.00
    Flight Tax: $767.00
    Accommodations: Floe Edge Base Camp
    CAD
    $36,746.00
    Expedition Package: $29,400.00
    Expedition Tax: $1,470.00
    Travel Package: $5,200.00
    Flight Tax: $676.00
    Book Your Getaway
    Reserve Now

    What's Included

    Meals:

    • 8 Breakfasts | 7 Lunches | 8 Dinners | 2 In-Flight Snacks

    Accommodations:

    • 1 night, Arctic Bay accommodation
    • 6 nights, Floe Edge Base Camp
    • 1 night, hotel in Iqaluit

    SnowmobileVector Qamutik transfers to and from camp

    Flights/Transfers from Ottawa, ON (YOW) to Arctic Bay (YAB)

    Vector Expert Arctic Kingdom team providing exceptional leadership, guidance, hospitality, and safety.

    Not Included

    • International or domestic flights to/from Ottawa, ON (YOW)
    • Tips, gratuities, personal expenses
    • Travel, medical and evacuation insurance
    • Trip cancellation and interruption insurance (strongly recommended)
    • Additional costs associated with weather and/or layovers in Ottawa, Iqaluit, or Arctic Bay

    Rates & Payment

    • Prices listed are per person based on double occupancy and are in CAD

    Payment Terms

    • CAD $2,750 deposit required at time of booking.
    • Second payment of 20% is due 360 days prior to departure
    • Third payment of 30% is due 240 days prior to departure
    • Final payment due 120 days prior to departure date.

    Cancellation Policy

    • All requests for cancellations must be received in writing.
    • Cancellations received up to 360 days prior to departure are refunded in full less an administrative fee of CAD $500 (+tax) per person.
    • If cancellation is received between 359 and 240 days prior to departure, the deposit is forfeited.
    • Cancellations between 239-120 days to departure: All payments are 50% refundable.
    • For cancellations received between 119 days and the departure date, all deposits and payments are forfeited.

    Travel Arrangements

    • Travel arrangements between your point of origin and Ottawa (YOW) are the responsibility of the traveller.
    • We strongly recommend that participants traveling on reduced-fare airline tickets avoid scheduling their journey home on the final day of the trip, as any changes or deviations from the ticketed itinerary may result in penalties, regardless of the reason.

    • We highly recommend avoiding any important meetings or events the day after your trip ends and suggest allowing for ‘buffer time’ to account for any potential travel delays.

    Insurance

    • Due to the nature of this trip, trip cancellation/interruption insurance is highly recommended. It is a condition of joining this expedition that you must be insured against medical and personal accident risks and have medical evacuation coverage for the location to which they are travelling.

    Gallery

    Screenshot 2024-11-03 at 1.51.04 PM "Incredible"..."A trip of a lifetime"..."Indescribable"... "Life-changing".... "It's like the Serengeti of the North"

    "Incredible"..."A trip of a lifetime"..."Indescribable"... "Life-changing".... "It's like the Serengeti of the North" 

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    A truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

    Screenshot 2024-11-03 at 1.04.01 PM "it left me breathless"

    "it left me breathless"

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    Legendary Wildlife

    The Floe Edge: Frequently Asked

    These frequently asked questions and their answers gives you deeper insight into Arctic Kingdom and travelling throughout the Arctic.

    When booking your flights, be sure to book your arrival into Ottawa at least one day before Day 1 of your trip itinerary. If possible, we suggest that you plan to arrive in Ottawa no later than 6 PM on that day before Day 1. It is recommended that you book return flights from Ottawa on the day after Day 9 of your trip itinerary to ensure any delays do not interfere with your fight home.

    Please pick up your clothing rental package at PARS2000 located in the Ottawa airport (open 24-hours a day). PARS2000 is located on the Arrivals level next to the Baggage Carousel 5 and beside the Lost and Found. A map and further details will be sent with your travel documents. Please try on and confirm all rental equipment prior to flying to the Arctic. Please refer to instructions on whom to contact in your rental kit in the event of an issue.

    Please drop off your entire clothing rental package in the duffle bag you received it in at PARS2000 in the Ottawa airport when you return. Please let the staff know that you are dropping this package off for Arctic Kingdom.

     

    There are ATMs available in Ottawa. While most northern communities now accept major credit cards and Interac, it’s still recommended to have cash on hand, as access to banking services can be limited in some areas.

    You may require cash for any incidentals, such as batteries, toiletries, gifts, tips, or any purchases made in the local Arctic communities.

    Yes, you will be able to charge your electronics at the hotel and in camp. Power provided is 120VAC/60Hz using North American standard plug outlets. If your electronics do not have a North American standard plug, please make sure you bring the proper plug adapter.

    Yes, each guest will be provided with a mid-sized quick-dry towel and face cloth. Hairdryers will not be available on this trip. NOTE: soaps, shampoos, or toothpaste should be natural, biodegradable, and fragrance-free.

    Drugs/Alcohol are not permitted. Our camp is located in a dry community meaning that all drugs and alcohol are not permitted. We respect and follow these rules.

    Our team will be monitoring flight statuses and working with Canadian North airline and northern hotels and will handle any changes that are part of your Arctic Kingdom trip. Please be sure to carry full details pertaining to the flights you have booked for yourself to/from Ottawa in case required due to a delay. Your Expedition Leader and Arctic Kingdom will assist you with changes to your onward travel plans should that be necessary.

    Arctic Kingdom Expedition Leaders and Inuit guides are highly trained and experienced in polar bear safety and de-escalation. Follow the instructions of your Expedition Team at all times.

    Tipping is appreciated, although not compulsory. If you had a great experience and wish to express your thanks, a gratuity is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. The amount you tip Arctic Kingdom staff is completely at your discretion; however, a general guideline would be approximately 5-8% of your trip fare, excluding airfare.

    As many of our field staff live in remote areas of the Arctic, it is preferable that tips are paid in cash at the camp in which you are staying. Limited cash is available in the northern communities. Therefore, we recommend obtaining Canadian currency before you depart or in your gateway city. Our Expedition Leader will collect the tips and distribute it amongst the field staff.

    Alternatively, you may provide a cheque or wire transfer for tips if it is more convenient for you, but it may cause delays in-field staff receiving the tips from our head office.

    Cheques should be payable to: Arctic Kingdom Polar Expeditions Inc.

    Wire transfer instructions:

    Beneficiary: Arctic Kingdom IncBeneficiary

    Address: 5045 Orbitor Dr., Bldg. 10 Suite 400, Mississauga, ON L4W 4Y4 Canada

    Bank: Royal Bank of Canada

    BankAddress: Iqaluit Bldg #922. Iqaluit, NU, Canada, X0A 0H0

    Institution#:003

    Transit#09851

    Account #1017698

    SWIFT (BIC) Code: ROYCCAT2

    Sort Code (US ONLY):000309851

    IMPORTANT: Please include client name and trip name. Canada does not use IBAN numbers.

    Ottawa

    • Hotel: Varies by property, approximately $135/night (our preferred partner rate at Days Inn)

    • Meals:

      • Breakfast: $20–$30

      • Lunch: $20–$50

      • Dinner: $50–$80

    Iqaluit

    • Hotel: $340–$450 per night

    • Meals:

      • Breakfast: $20–$40

      • Lunch: $35–$50

      • Dinner: $60–$90

    Arctic Bay

    • Hotel: $460–$500 per night

    • Meals:

      • Breakfast: $30–$40

      • Lunch: $50–$60

      • Dinner: $60–$70

     

    Reserve your Arctic Kingdom Adventure

    With over 25 years of experience, we’re well-equipped to help you plan the perfect Arctic adventure. Thank you for choosing to book your journey with Arctic Kingdom, the leader in Arctic travel and wildlife experiences. Our expeditions bring you to some of the most remote and breathtaking regions of the Canadian Arctic, where extraordinary wildlife encounters and awe-inspiring landscapes await.

    Please complete the form to submit your reservation request. An Arctic Expedition Consultant will contact you shortly to discuss the expedition in more detail before your trip is finalized.

    At Arctic Kingdom, we take pride in creating exceptional, small-group experiences designed to connect you with the wildlife, culture, and beauty of the North. We look forward to welcoming you on an unforgettable adventure.

     

    How to reserve your expedition:
    • Complete the reservation form
    • Give us a call at 1 (888) 737-6818

    Looking for a more exclusive opportunity?

    Plan your private journey with us.