NARWHAL & POLAR BEAR, A FLOE EDGE SAFARI

Highlights

Experience the 24-hour daylight of the Midnight Sun in the early Arctic summer
Take in stunning panoramic views of cliffs and glaciers
Possible viewing opportunities for polar bears, bearded seals, ringed seals, walrus, bowhead whales, and beluga and of course narwhals!
Snorkel and kayak while being surrounded by sea ice
Enjoy tea made of melt-water from hundreds of years old icebergs
And much more!

Narwhal & Polar Bear, A Floe Edge Safari

A FLOE EDGE EXPERIENCE

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.

Trip Details

2025

2026

Price
CAD $31,025* (tax included)
*per person, based on double occupancy. Flight pricing is subject to change
Location

Eclipse Sound, Pond Inlet, Nunavut
Travel Package
Flights/Transfers* from Ottawa, ON (YOW) to Pond Inlet, NU (YIO)
International Gateway
Ottawa, ON (YOW)
Group Size
16
Transportation
Snowmobile & Qamutik
Average Temperature
-2°C to +10°C (+28°F to +50°F)
Daylight
24 hours
Tentative Dates

Departure 1: Mid-May
6 Spaces Left

Departure 2: Late-May
Sold Out

Departure 3: Early-June
Sold Out

Departure 4: Mid-June
12 Spaces Left

Interested in a private trip?

Call for details | 1 (877) 614-9990

Price
CAD $31,025* (2025 rate)
*per person, based on double occupancy. Pricing is subject to change
Location
Baffin Island
Travel Package
Flights and associated transfers to/from Ottawa included
International Gateway
Ottawa, Ontario (YOW)
Group size
up to 16 guests
Transportation
Snowmobile-pulled Qamutik (sled)
Average Temperature
-2°C to +10°C (+28°F to +50°F)
Daylight
24 hours
Tentative Dates

Typically 8 days/7 nights

Departure 1: Mid May
Departure 2: Late May
Departure 3: Early June
Departure 4: Mid June

Early Registration Available

Interested in a private trip?

Call for details | 1 (877) 614-9990

Trip Itinerary

Our Narwhal and Polar Bear - A Floe Edge Safari is the perfect adventure for first-time visitors to the Arctic as well as seasoned Arctic travellers. It is suitable for adults and families, and amateur or professional naturalists and photographers. This Arctic tour offers an excellent opportunity for a chance of viewing narwhal and photographing other Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, seals and a variety of bird species, as well as spectacular landscapes.

The vast expanses, seemingly-endless skies, and tranquillity of the Arctic, and our small group program allows for a serene and unhurried experience of the Arctic. Relax with the freedom to linger and watch or photograph the magnificent Arctic scenes around you or simply discover the beauty and wonder of the Arctic’s floe edge.

Day 1

Upon landing in Pond Inlet, you will be welcomed by your Expedition Leader and transferred to a local hotel, where you will enjoy a hot dinner and trip briefing. Overnight in hotel.

MEALS: Breakfast and snack (in-flight), Dinner

Day 2

After breakfast, participate in an orientation from Parks Canada and 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 and 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.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Day 3-6

During the next few days, our 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.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included

Days 7

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.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

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

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch (in flight)

Accommodations

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.
Central dining/lounge area to dine and relax in with other guests
Shared washrooms with other guests.
Each tent will also have it’s own small pop-up tent with a camp toilet for personal use.

Included

- Round-trip flights Ottawa to Pond Inlet
- Services of Inuit Guides and Arctic Kingdom expedition staff
- Accommodations:
  - 2 nights in a Pond Inlet hotel
  - 5 nights in Tented Safari Camp
- Meals: All meals & snacks while in Pond Inlet and camp
- All transportation for duration of stay in camp & Pond Inlet
- Use of kayaks
- Drysuit, mask, fins, hood, gloves for snorkelling

Not Included

Accommodation & transportation in Ottawa
Tips, gratuities, personal expenses
Travel, medical and evacuation insurance, cancellation insurance. Evacuation insurance is mandatory and Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance is strongly recommended as any additional costs associated with weather and/or layovers in Pond Inlet, Iqaluit or Ottawa are not included
Polar Clothing Rental Package - strongly encouraged