Narwhal & Polar Bear Safari Floe Edge

Narwhal and Polar Bear Safari

Eclipse Sound, Pond Inlet, Nunavut, Canada

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Experience the floe edge – also known as the “line of life”
If mother nature cooperates, observe the iconic tusked narwhal as they swim and feed near the floe edge
Possible viewing opportunities for polar bears, bearded seals, ringed seals, walrus, bowhead whales, and beluga
We may visit Bylot Island, a migratory bird sanctuary, which attracts more than 200,000 birds annually**
Travel by snowmobile and qamutik to traditional Inuit hunting grounds*
Snorkel and kayak while being surrounded by sea ice~
Experience the 24-hour daylight of the Midnight Sun in the early Arctic summer
Take in stunning panoramic views of cliffs and glaciers
Enjoy hot, gourmet meals at our Tented Safari Camp
Enjoy tea made of melt-water from hundreds of years old icebergs
You may also have a chance to visit evocative ancient Thule sites, where you will see the traditional tent rings and learn about the culture and history of the ancestors of Inuit
Transfers to camp can offer an opportunity to take in the breathtaking views which is an epic experience unto itself

International flights to Ottawa are available from London Heathrow via Toronto and we have a range of other options from regional airports.

FLIGHTS:

As well as commerical flights we are able to offer VIP Airliners and Private Jet Charters. We have a number of options for any request so please ask us for details.

TENTED SAFARI CAMP ON ICE

While they may appear like a tented camp from the outside, our Tented Safari Camp continues to surprise and delight our guests with its roomy and warm interior. Large and spacious, the specially-designed tents for cold weather are tall enough to stand with ample space for all your cameras and luggage.

FEATURES:

2 m (6’ 9”) tall with an interior of 14 m2 (150 ft2).
All sleep tents contain two twin beds with mattresses, duvets, comforters, and full-size pillows.
Each tent will also have it’s own small pop-up tent with a camp toilet for personal use.
Central dining/lounge area to dine and relax in with other guests.
Shared washrooms with other guests.

LOCATION:

Eclipse Sound, Pond Inlet, Nunavut

LENGTH:

8 days/ 7 nights

AIR PACKAGE:

Flights from Ottawa, ON (YOW) to Pond Inlet, NU (YIO)

INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY:

Ottawa, ON (YOW)

GROUP SIZE:

CAMP CAPACITY: 16

TRANSPORTATION:

Snowmobiles & qamutiks

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE:

-2°C to +10°C (+28°F to +50°F)

DAYLIGHT:

24 hours

DATES:

May 18 – May 25, 2021

May 26 – June 02, 2021

June 03 – June 10, 2021

June 11 – June 18, 2021

Travel by snowmobile

Travel by snowmobile and qamutik (a traditional Inuit sled) to traditional Inuit hunting grounds

Experience the floe edge

Also knows as the 'line of life' where the sea ice meets the open water, and marine mammals and other wildlife congregate

View polar bear in their natural habitat

Excellent chance to see a variety of seabirds, polar bears, seals as well as possibly beluga and bowhead whales

Observe tusked narwhal

With good conditions there’s fantastic narwhal watching. The 'unicorn of the sea' with its iconic, spiralling tusk is a sight to behold

Experience the classic spring floe edge where you may have the opportunity to view polar bears, narwhal and icebergs under the Midnight Sun. Travel to the northern reaches of Baffin Island where the sea ice meets the open water, and marine mammals and other wildlife congregate at the floe edge – also known as the “line of life”.

Want to go to the best places in the Arctic for narwhal watching with added polar bear viewing? Enjoy an experience with dramatic landscapes and icebergs of Sirmilik National Park, and possibly wildlife. Revel in the stunning landscapes of towering granite cliffs, glaciers and icebergs at our Tented Safari Camp with stunning views of Bylot Island, access to Sirmilik National Park and the world-renowned floe edge of Eclipse Sound.

Guided by Inuit and travelling in small groups, journey to the floe edge for days of discovery, with good conditions there’s fantastic narwhal watching with the chance to see a variety of seabirds, polar bears, seals as well as possibly beluga and bowhead whales.

Perfect for families, first-time visitors to the Arctic, and also professional photographers looking for the ultimate floe edge experience, watching narwhal, and chance to see polar bears in the wild.

Day 1 - Iqaluit

When arriving in Iqaluit, you will be required to leave the secured area to board your onward flight. Upon landing in Pond Inlet, you will be welcomed by our local Arctic Kingdom representative and transferred to a local hotel. Meet your Expedition Leader for a trip briefing and hot dinner. Overnight in hotel.

Day 2 - Eclipse Sound

After breakfast, an orientation from Parks Canada, meet your guides on the beach in preparation for your departure to our camp on Eclipse Sound. Travelling to our Arctic Safari Camp by qamutik (a traditional Inuit wooden sled with suspension or foam padded seats pulled behind a snowmobile), you will experience the exhilaration of gliding across the ice. The journey's time will vary depending on ice conditions but will include tea and coffee stops. Our Arctic Safari Camp will be set up a few kilometres back from the floe edge.

Day 3-6 - Eclipse Sound

During the next few days, your excursions will include trips out to the floe edge to look for wildlife. Enjoy the mild spring weather and engage in a variety of activities at the floe edge. Snorkel and kayak amongst sea ice when conditions permit. One of the greatest highlights for many guests on this safari is the opportunity to observe a variety of Arctic wildlife in their natural habitat. Migratory birds are also in abundance, and with the stillness of the Arctic, you are able to hear the songs of the birds before you even see them. Ice conditions permitting, you may also visit the Bylot Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary, where more than 200,000 birds choose to nest each year. For birders, the earlier departures are best for this activity.

Day 7 - Pond Inlet

After breakfast, depart camp by qamutik and snowmobile to Pond Inlet. Enjoy your final night in Pond Inlet with a special Inuit cultural presentation. Overnight in hotel.

Day 8 - Ottawa

Depart for Ottawa with the spirit of the Arctic, and a full album of memories and friendships.

Why we love it

Polar bears

The ultimate floe edge experience, watching narwhal, and chance to see polar bears in the wild.

Narwhal

Observe the iconic tusked narwhal as they swim and feed near the floe edge. The narwhal is famous for its long ivory tusk, which spirals counterclockwise and can reach up to 2.5 metres in length.

Kayaking

Snorkel and kayak while being surrounded by sea ice. Kayaking in the Arctic is an experience in itself, but to add amazing narwhal encounters is truly breathtaking.