Summer Arctic Safari: Polar Bears, Bowhead Whales, Glaciers, and Endless Sunsets
Discover the Arctic summer on exhilarating polar bear land tours and specialised boat expeditions to see bowhead whales and giant glaciers
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Save an acre of rainforest each time you travel
Every detail taken care of
What's included
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This trip takes place in August - Land and sea excursions led by specialist Inuit guides and expedition staff
- Spot polar bears and bowhead whales
- Outstanding photography opportunities
- Enjoy spectacular aerial views over the Auyuittuq National Park during the flight to and from Qikiqtarjuaq
- Experience all-night Arctic summer sunsets
- Meet and greet airport service
At a glance
Polar bears prowl for prey, iceberg palaces glide by, and the sun sits just above the horizon in an endless twilight. Summer in the remote and rugged Arctic is hauntingly beautiful.
We begin this thrilling safari with a departure from the small town of Qikiqtarjuaq from where we fly to our safari camp on the south-eastern shores of Baffin Island. Passing high above Auyuittuq National Park, we keep our eyes out for the towering vertical cliffs of Mount Asgard and Mount Thor.
From our comfortable and perfectly equipped camp, we venture out to see polar bears roaming the land, stalking their prey, and by sea to watch bowhead whales leap, spy-hop, and breach amongst glacier ice palaces, mere metres from our boat. We’ll be accompanied by expert Inuit guides all along the way who will take us to visit ancient Thule dwelling sites, rare, bowhead whales moulting spots, and glaciers that we can hike on. Each evening, watch as nature puts on a spectacular display, keeping the sun hovering above the horizon in a seemingly eternal sun set.
Example trip itinerary
Qikiqtarjuaq Island
Arrival into OttawaAs you arrive into Ottawa airport, you will be greeted by our representative and welcomed into Canada. You'll then be helped to check in ahead of your flight on to Qikiqtarjuaq.
Flight
Flight from Ottawa to Qikiqtarjuaq, via Iqaluit
Baffin Island Safari: Day 1On arrival at Qikiqtarjuaq, a small village on the eastern coast of Baffin Island, you'll be brought by boat to the Premium Safari Camp. Qikiqtarjuaq is a small hamlet on Broughton Island with a population of approximately 600. A narrow channel separates the hamlet, which faces the large mountains of Akshakyuk Pass of the Auyuittuq National Park, from the main land of Baffin Island.
Baffin Island Safari: Days 2-6Striking out from the comfortable Arctic Kingdom base camp, you'll spend the next few days taking in the highlights of the area and experiencing the true essence of an Arctic summer. Every day you'll experience something outstanding. See polar bears in their natural habitat as they ring edges of islands, prowling for prey. Watch for bowhead whales as they spy-hop, fin, and slap their flukes mere metres from your boat. Visit the simply stunning Auyuittuq National Park. Hike at the foot of Coronation Fiord where the Penny Ice Cap Glacier ends abruptly in the sea water. Enjoy day trips to Akshakyuk Pass where you can hike at the base of North Pangnirtung Fiord and boat trips to the Penny Ice Cap Glacier for some hiking and exploration. Plunge into the history and culture of Arctic Canda with trips to ancient Thule dwelling sites. Fish for Arctic char and gather fresh blueberries and blackberries in the vicinity of the camp. Watch glaciers sail by during the day and by evening experience the long-lasting Arctic summer sunsets.
Baffin Island Safari: Day 7Early this morning, board the boat to travel back to Qikiqtarjuaq.
Flight
Flight from Qikiqtarjuaq to Ottawa, via Iqaluit
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
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Summer Arctic Safari: Polar Bears, Bowhead Whales, Glaciers, and Endless Sunsets
How we work
Polar bears prowl for prey, iceberg palaces glide by, and the sun sits just above the horizon in an endless twilight. Summer in the remote and rugged Arctic is hauntingly beautiful. We begin this thrilling safari with a departure from the small town of Qikiqtarjuaq from where we fly to our safari camp on the south-eastern shores of Baffin Island. Passing high above Auyuittuq National Park, we keep our eyes out for the towering vertical cliffs of Mount Asgard and Mount Thor. From our comfortable and perfectly equipped camp, we venture out to see polar bears roaming the land, stalking their prey, and by sea to watch bowhead whales leap, spy-hop, and breach amongst glacier ice palaces, mere metres from our boat. We’ll be accompanied by expert Inuit guides all along the way who will take us to visit ancient Thule dwelling sites, rare, bowhead whales moulting spots, and glaciers that we can hike on. Each evening, watch as nature puts on a spectacular display, keeping the sun hovering above the horizon in a seemingly eternal sun set. | Whats included?
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Days 1-7 | Qikiqtarjuaq Island |
| Arrival into Ottawa As you arrive into Ottawa airport, you will be greeted by our representative and welcomed into Canada. You'll then be helped to check in ahead of your flight on to Qikiqtarjuaq. | |
Flights & transfers Flight from Ottawa to Qikiqtarjuaq, via Iqaluit | |
| Baffin Island Safari: Day 1 On arrival at Qikiqtarjuaq, a small village on the eastern coast of Baffin Island, you'll be brought by boat to the Premium Safari Camp. Qikiqtarjuaq is a small hamlet on Broughton Island with a population of approximately 600. A narrow channel separates the hamlet, which faces the large mountains of Akshakyuk Pass of the Auyuittuq National Park, from the main land of Baffin Island. | |
| Baffin Island Safari: Days 2-6 Striking out from the comfortable Arctic Kingdom base camp, you'll spend the next few days taking in the highlights of the area and experiencing the true essence of an Arctic summer. Every day you'll experience something outstanding. See polar bears in their natural habitat as they ring edges of islands, prowling for prey. Watch for bowhead whales as they spy-hop, fin, and slap their flukes mere metres from your boat. Visit the simply stunning Auyuittuq National Park. Hike at the foot of Coronation Fiord where the Penny Ice Cap Glacier ends abruptly in the sea water. Enjoy day trips to Akshakyuk Pass where you can hike at the base of North Pangnirtung Fiord and boat trips to the Penny Ice Cap Glacier for some hiking and exploration. Plunge into the history and culture of Arctic Canda with trips to ancient Thule dwelling sites. Fish for Arctic char and gather fresh blueberries and blackberries in the vicinity of the camp. Watch glaciers sail by during the day and by evening experience the long-lasting Arctic summer sunsets. | |
| Baffin Island Safari: Day 7 Early this morning, board the boat to travel back to Qikiqtarjuaq. | |
| Flight from Qikiqtarjuaq to Ottawa, via Iqaluit |