Skip to content

Polar Bears & Glaciers of Baffin Island Safari

Highlights

  • Observe Baffin Island polar bears in their natural habitat, as they roam the islands and swim amongst icebergs
  • Search for bowhead whales in the bays and open channels
  • Visit the bird cliffs, an island with steep cliff faces filled with migratory birds and their nests.
  • Chances to visit cultural sites and learn about the local animals and vegetation
  • Explore the breathtaking Coronation Fiord where the Penny Ice Cap glacier ends abruptly in the seawater
  • Try kayaking on the Arctic Ocean
  • Visit Canada’s stunning Auyuittuq National Park, known for picturesque granite peaked fiords.
  • Admire the breathtaking landscapes, icescapes, and seemingly endless sunsets
  • Enjoy hot, gourmet meals at our Premium Safari Camp on land

Polar Bears & Glaciers of Baffin Island
need-help

    EXPERIENCE THE MAJESTY OF THE CANADIAN ARCTIC SUMMER!

    See majestic Baffin Island polar bears swimming amongst icebergs and possibly even bowhead whales, up-close and in their wild, unspoiled natural habitat. Experience the long, mild days of Arctic summer and seemingly endless sunsets. Since most of the wildlife and accessible Arctic highlights are near shorelines you will spend the day travelling on boats including snacks and hot drinks with chances to get out at planned features and lunchtimes. Explore the coastline by boat and take in the exceptional beauty of Baffin Island’s glacier-capped mountains range, granite lined fiords, and the world-famous Auyuittuq National Park.

    An exclusive opportunity, excellent for a family-friendly holiday, birthdays, adventurers, and photographers who appreciate rare wildlife sightings – found only in the Arctic wilderness!

    Download Trip Planner    Book a Consultation

    Trip Details

    Private Groups Only
    • Price

      Starting at
      $26,920 CAD/person 
      (7 Day/6-Night)

    • Location
      Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut
    • Air Package
      Flights from Ottawa, ON (YOW) to Qikiqtarjuaq, NU (YVM) available
    • Recommended Season

      First 3 weeks of August
      *Additional dates available upon request

      Call for details | 1 (877) 614-9990

    • International Gateway
      Ottawa, ON (YOW) 
    • Group Size

      Maximum of 12 guests

    • Transportation
      Local small boats
    • Average Temperature
      +5°C to +22°C (+40°F to +72°F)
    • Daylight
      18-22 hours

    Trip Itinerary

    The following is the itinerary for 2023. Other years may differ.

    This safari takes you through the rarely visited, spectacular landscapes of eastern Baffin Island. Glacier-capped coastlines, majestic mountain peaks, and dazzling icebergs create the perfect backdrop, while the midnight sun casts a magical glow both day and night.

    This family-friendly expedition provides opportunities to spot polar bears and bowhead whales, taste fresh Arctic char, kayak in Baffin Island's glacier-fed lakes, walk-in Auyuittuq National Park, and pick wild Arctic blueberries.

    Dave Briggs IMG_6451 (1)
    Day 1

    This safari begins in Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut. Depart Ottawa for Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, and connect to your flight to Qikiqtarjuaq.

    On the way to Qikiqtarjuaq, you will fly over Auyuittuq National Park. Keep an eye out for Mount Asgard and Mount Thor, and the world’s tallest uninterrupted vertical cliff – more than 1524 meters (5,000 feet) of sheer rock.

    Upon arrival in Qikiqtarjuaq, meet your Arctic Kingdom expedition leader and group members, and participate in a briefing at Parks Canada. Transfer to a waiting boat for a 45-minute boat ride to our Premium Safari Camp, treading past many islands and floating icebergs. Settle into camp and enjoy a delicious meal while watching the sun dip on the horizon.

     
    Day 2-6

    Take in the highlights of the area from the base camp, located in a sheltered bay.

    Enjoy day trips by boat to Auyuittuq National Park, where you may hike at the base of the Coronation Fiord, as well as a trip to the Penny Ice Cap glacier around Baffin Island. Sampling fresh Arctic char, gathering fresh blueberries and blackberries nearby, and kayaking are also popular pastimes.

    Bowhead whales are known to frequent an area just 30 minutes to 1 hour from camp, while polar bears can often be spotted on islands throughout the area.

    In some cases, more than 20 Baffin Island polar bears can be seen on this safari! Get the chance to observe wildlife including bowhead whales and polar bears, and visit a newly discovered bowhead whale molting site.

     
    Day 7

    After breakfast, head back to Qikiqtarjuaq by boat. Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

     

    Accommodations

    IMG_6370 (1)

    Premium Safari Camp on Land

    Inspired to bring comfort to off-the-grid iconic wildlife locations, our Premium Safari Camp brings elegance and gourmet meals to the Arctic. Spacious and warm, the modern, specially designed Arctic yurt-style safari camp structures provide an inviting home-away-from-home in one of the world’s most remote and breathtaking places.

    Sleep quarters are spacious and warm, 4.8m (16’) in diameter, with over 3m (10’) cathedral ceilings. They have double walls with insulation and are entered via a lockable door. Configurations with either two twin beds or one king size bed are available. Each bed is complete with mattress, duvets, pillow, and a warm comforter. No detail has been overlooked – from large windows, to coat hooks and heaters for those that would like it a little toastier.

    Features:

    • 3 m (10’) cathedral ceilings, with a diameter of 4.8m (16’)
    • Double walls with insulation, large windows, and a lockable door
    • Large and spacious dining/lounge area with 24-hour snack and drinks buffet
    • Shared washroom with hot water sinks and showers. Note: these are eco-style, as you will be located in the wilderness.

    Included

    • Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and snacks, 7 dinners
    • Accommodations:
      • 7 nights in Premium Safari Camp on land
    • Services of Arctic Kingdom Expedition Leaders and Inuit guides
    • Daily boat tours to wildlife viewing locations and Arctic highlights
    • Arctic Highlights such as:
      • Short but breathtaking hiking opportunities
      • Kayaking on the Arctic Ocean
      • Fishing opportunities with panoramic views
    • Return transfers in Qikiqtarjuaq
    • Round-trip flight to Qikiqtarjuaq from Ottawa (Ask about our special rates!)

    Not Included

    • Accommodation in Ottawa
    • Tips, gratuities, personal expenses
    • Travel, medical and evacuation insurance
    • Additional costs associated with weather and/or layovers in Qikiqtarjuaq, Iqaluit or Ottawa
    • Day One’s breakfast before your flight and Day Eight’s dinner.

    Trip Overview

    1:08

    These memories could be yours.

    Next in Queue/Recommendations

    Trip Overview
    1:08

    These memories could be yours.


    FAQs

    With over 20 years of Arctic and expedition experience, we at Arctic Kingdom have been asked all kinds of questions. We understand that many of our guests have never partaken in an experience quite like our safaris nor have visited the Arctic before. We want to take this opportunity to make each of our guests feel comfortable and well prepared for their upcoming safari.

    We’ve compiled a list of the top questions paired up with answers based on our knowledge and experience. Visit our FAQ page for all of your questions and answers:

    Visit our FAQ

    Book Now or Talk to a Travel Advisor
    Inuit_throat_singers_DSC0093_Edit
    My expectations have been wildly surpassed. This is the most amazing adventure I have ever had in my life.

    Carlos G, Mexico