Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge Land Tour

Description

800 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, home to polar bears, muskoxen, Arctic foxes, and a world-class beluga whale nursery, Arctic Watch is an unparalleled destination for the adventurous.
From wildlife photography to biking, hiking on the frozen Arctic ocean and tundra, or sea kayaking alongside beluga whales, we offer fully guided excursions in Canada’s far north.
Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge is situated on the historic Northwest Passage and is the most northerly fly-in lodge in the world. Gourmet meals and comfortable accommodation at 74° North makes Arctic Watch a unique adventure for those seeking an experience of a lifetime.
In the wild and unpredictable Arctic, weather patterns and wildlife can disrupt even the best-laid plans. All of our itineraries are “suggested”—we strive to ensure your visit to Arctic Watch is a trip of a lifetime and showcases the variety of activities and sights Arctic Watch has to offer. Each day’s activities take into consideration the dynamic environment we operate within and may not always reflect the suggested itinerary outlined.
Arrival Instructions Guests arrive independently in Yellowknife and proceed directly to the Explorer Hotel. Guests arrive in Yellowknife the day before the private charter departs for Arctic Watch.

Trip Name

Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge Land Tour

Days

Overview

Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge is located on Somerset Island, Nunavut. It is an off-the-grid basecamp built to withstand Arctic weather and protect the fragile environment, all while providing guests with a high standard for accommodation and comfort. In addition to the main lodge’s common area, dining room, and showers, there are sixteen private guest cabins with en-suite marine toilets and sinks. Amenities: Sixteen private cabins, each with en-suite marine toilet and sink Common area, dining room, espresso bar, and archaeological centre Lodge Cabins: Sixteen private guest cabins welcome adventurers who visit the Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge. With a small group focus and an average of 1 to 1.5 staff to guest ratio, the lodge provides an intimate environment. Thick duvets are provided atop queen beds and each cabin has a private wash facility equipped with a marine toilet and sink. Due to the extremely sensitive natural environment, private showers are located in the main complex. A generator provides electricity to the cabins from early morning until 11:00 p.m. There’s no electricity at night, not that you need it under the midnight sun. Food: Our talented chefs bake breads and make yogurts, ice creams, and other delights to satisfy you at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Experience gourmet fare inspired by every Canadian province, from locally sourced Arctic char, Alberta Organic Beef, Okanagan Valley wines, and more. Food sensitivities, special diets, and personal choices can be accommodated with advance notice.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1: Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada - The Adventure Begins

Fly to Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories, and spend the night at the Explorer Hotel.

Day 2 - Day 2: Somerset Island, Nunavut - Catch Your First Glimpse of the Northwest Passage

After breakfast, depart Yellowknife on a private charter for the three-hour flight to Arctic Watch. You will land in the Arctic later that afternoon. After an introduction to the lodge and the surrounding landscape by the Arctic Watch team, you will have time to settle into your cabins. Before dinner is served, a short hike up to the local mountain is offered, featuring breathtaking views of the Northwest Passage and ice formations on the Arctic ocean. Lunch and dinner included.

Day 3 - Day 3: Somerset Island - ATV to Cunningham Beluga Estuary

ATVs are our most practical form of transportation to cover long distances on the tundra. Attend a hands-on introduction to all-terrain vehicles followed by a short drive to the Cunningham Estuary to watch beluga whales. Archaeological sites and artefacts dating to Viking contact can be seen along Somerset’s coastline. Enjoy a delicious lunch buffet back at the lodge before departing for a short afternoon hike to the Triple Waterfalls. This short five kilometre roundtrip hike gives you an introduction to the plants and animals that live in the area. Encounters with muskox are common. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 4 - Day 4: Somerset Island - Fish for Arctic Char at Inukshuk Lake

Travel by ATV across the Cunningham River delta to Muskox Ridge. This scenic trail provides spectacular views of the area and is a great vantage point from which to see muskoxen and Arctic foxes. From the high ridge, hike down into one of the many depressions where muskoxen often spend the summer months foraging. After a picnic lunch at Inukshuk Lake, fishing gear will be supplied to catch and release Arctic char. Head back to the lodge along the River Trail keeping an eye out for birds such as snowy owls, jaegers, rough-legged hawks, and more. Instead of ATV, a human-powered option is also offered for guests—use electric bikes to explore the tundra with your guide. After dinner, an informal lecture by Richard Weber on his North Pole expeditions—highlighting his historic (and unrepeated) 1995 unassisted journey—will be offered. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 5 - Day 5: Somerset Island - Sea Kayak through Cunningham Inlet

Sea kayak the gin-clear water of Cunningham Inlet while enjoying views of Gifford Point in the distance. Watch for beluga whales passing by your boat as they travel between the open water of the Northwest Passage and the mouth of the Cunningham River. Hop out on the other side of the inlet at Kayak Falls with stunning views of the Northwest Passage, and (with luck!) spot polar bear. After dinner, an informal lecture by Nansen Weber on wildlife photography will be offered. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 6 - Day 6: Somerset Island - Hike Spectacular Canyons

Travel by Mercedes Unimog to the east side of Cunningham Inlet where several unnamed canyons offer great hiking opportunities. The afternoon will be spent at the estuary to watch the beluga whales play in the freshwater as it spills into the Arctic Ocean. Packing into the turquoise waters of the sheltered bay, they can be seen splashing and gurgling as they rub themselves on the river stones. This particular spot is renowned because of the density of the whale population and their proximity to the shore. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 7 - Day 7: Somerset Island - Drive to Thule Archaeological Sites

Enjoy the views of the Northwest Passage from passenger seat of the four-seater all-terrain vehicles. Driving along the west shore of the inlet, stop at historic 1,000-year-old Thule sites situated along the coast and learn more about the rich history of the area. Turning west at Polar Bear Point, look for wildlife as we drive along the Northwest Passage. A short hike to Nansen’s ridge offers incredible views across the passage and showcases the characteristic Arctic landscape. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 8 - Day 8: Somerset Island - Paddle the Cunningham River

Climb into the all-terrain Mercedes Unimog truck and head to the raft put-in on the Cunningham River. Hike the last stretch through the Badlands, a unique landscape with ancient 8,000-year-old bowhead whale skeletons exposed on the tundra. The area is inhabited by muskox, snow geese, and Arctic foxes. Savour a picnic lunch by the river as the team prepares the rafts, kayaks, and/or standup paddleboards for the two to three hour return to Arctic Watch. Leisurely paddle as the river narrows into a towering canyon, eventually opening again into the braided flats in front of the lodge. Upon the return, it is the final dinner of the adventure. In the evening take the polar plunge! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Day 9 - Day 9: Somerset Island - Choose Your Own Adventure

By now, you'll be familiar with the area and can opt to do an activity that you missed during the week or would like to repeat. There is lots of time before the flight departs in the late afternoon. Upon arriving in Yellowknife, you will spend the night at the Explorer Hotel before your return flight home. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 10 - Day 10: Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada - A Fond Farewell

Depart Yellowknife for your return flight home.

Day 11 - Please Note:

Itineraries may be subject to change without notice due to weather, ice, and sea conditions

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Arctic Watch Adventure: Embark on an unforgettable Arctic adventure, flying to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, and then taking a private charter to Somerset Island, Nunavut, to reach Arctic Watch Lodge.
Wildlife Encounters: Experience the thrill of observing beluga whales, muskoxen, Arctic foxes, polar bears, and various bird species in their natural habitats during activities like ATV excursions, sea kayaking, and hiking.
Cultural and Historical Discoveries: Explore 1,000-year-old Thule archaeological sites and learn about the rich history of the area. Visit the Badlands, where ancient 8,000-year-old bowhead whale skeletons are exposed on the tundra.
Unique Activities: Enjoy outdoor adventures such as fishing for Arctic char, paddling the Cunningham River on rafts, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards, and taking part in the famous polar plunge.