Travel into Canada’s High Arctic and experience its remote wonders during a lodge stay
Located 800 km inside the Arctic Circle, right on the Northwest Passage, the Arctic Circle Wilderness Lodge qualifies as the world’s northernmost safari resort. This pristine tract of wilderness – replete with riverways, canyons and waterfalls – are incredibly scenic in themselves, but it’s the flora and fauna here that are the real highlight. Beluga whales romp about in the waters, polar bears and musk ox plod about the land and gulls, falcons and snow geese scour the skies. In between outings and lectures dedicated to the wildlife, there are opportunities to careen around in an all-terrain vehicle, kayak among icebergs, hike through canyons and whitewater raft down the swiftly flowing Cunningham River. If it’s a mix of animals and activity you’re after, look no further.
Hike out to the Triple Waterfalls and watch water cascade down five stories
Spot beluga whales splashing about in the Cunningham River Delta
Get closer to this amazing environment while paddling a kayak around floating icebergs in Cunningham Inlet
Uncover the Arctic’s huge range of wildlife – see gulls and peregrine falcons soaring around Gull Canyon
Wander through the gigantic skeletal structures of bowhead whales in the Badlands
Even transport on Somerset Island is an adventure – whiz about in the snow in an all-terrain vehicle
As you’d expect, temperatures in the Arctic are very cold. A warm parka will be provided along with waterproof boots and unlimited hot drinks, but you should also bring base layers and lots of warm clothing. Please see the trip notes for further important information about what to bring.
Weather depending, you will be making regular excursions in a Zodiac boat to explore the local area and look for wildlife. It can get very cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you are dressed appropriately and that you keep your camera safe and dry. Sturdy sea legs are needed as you make wet and dry landings from the boat, and on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. Some ships have a lot of stairs, so please hold on to the handrails if seas are rough.
The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned for. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially to such a remote area.
This trip takes places during the time of year that Spitsbergen enjoys 24-hour daylight. Just one of the benefits of this is that incredible wildlife can be seen at any time of the day – be prepared to be woken at any time so as to not miss out on exciting animal sightings.
Polar bears are one of the most incredible and appealing animals on the planet, but they are also powerful predators with little fear of humans. Therefore it’s necessary to be aware of the guidelines surrounding any contact with Polar bears. Follow your leader’s instructions and do not stray from your group – your leader carries equipment to protect you.
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There are currently no scheduled departures on our Arctic Watch Lodge trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
Arctic and Antarctic bookings have an increased deposit requirement of 20% of the full cost (before any discount). The balance is due 120 days before departure.
If a booking is cancelled 120 days or more before departure - the cancellation fee is the full loss of the deposit paid.
If a booking is cancelled between 119 days and departure - the cancellation fee is 100% of the total price of the voyage.
Other fees may apply for air tickets and other arrangements booked in conjunction with a Polar voyage.
Your voyage is operated by our sister company, Quark Expeditions. All accommodation and transfer arrangements as listed in the itinerary are also operated by Quark Expeditions or their local representatives.