Spend 9 days exploring the Canadian Arctic at this unique wilderness lodge and world-class beluga whale observation site on Somerset Island in Nunavut, Canada, just a 3.5-hour scenic flight from Yellowknife. Situated 500 miles north of the Arctic Circle, the lodge offers guests a daily selection from fully guided opportunities for diverse adventure activities including hiking and kayaking, and extraordinary polar photography thanks to 24 hours of daylight. Search for the elusive muskox, polar bear, ringed seals, bird cliffs, fox dens and much more iconic Arctic wildlife in their natural habitat.
Highlights may include rafting the Cunningham River, sea kayaking with hundreds of beluga whales, hiking and trail running the tundra, spotting polar bears roaming the Northwest Passage and fishing for Arctic char. See the tundra via ATV and e-bike excursions to explore areas farther away, including Red Valley, Muskox Ridge Trail, Cape Anne and Thule Inuit sites with ancient stone and whale bone houses.
Added-cost activities extend the opportunities for engaging Arctic exploration. A flightseeing excursion over the Northwest Passage and Beechey island (with a possible landing) offers stunning aerial views and the possibility to spot seals, polar bears, narwhal, bowhead and beluga whales; plus historic markers such as the graves of famous explorer John Franklin and his men. A charter flight to nearby Creswell Bay provides access to one of the top locations to fish for arctic char during their bi-annual migration.
Staying at the Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge offers comfortable accommodations and superb food along with ATVs, a Mercedes Unimog, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, fat bikes, rafts and fishing equipment for exploring the region. This active Arctic journey is sure to be an adventure of a lifetime.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic tours, Arctic trips and Canada adventure travel.