Polar Bears and Glaciers of Baffin Island See majestic polar bears swimming amongst icebergs and possibly even bowhead whales, up close and in their wild, unspoiled natural habitat. Experience the long days of Arctic summer and seemingly endless sunsets. Take in the exceptional beauty of the glacier-capped coastline of Baffin Island from the comfort of the Premium Safari Camp, located just outside Auyuittuq National Park, one of Cana- da’s most stunning national parks. Spend your days roaming the natural habitat of polar bears by land and intriguing bowhead whales by sea. Admire the views of the mirror-smooth water speckled with icebergs that reflect a striking panoramic view of the mountain peaks. Delight in picking and sampling wild blueberries and savor delicious local grilled Arctic char. Cruising by boat, revel in this exclusive opportunity to get up close and personal with polar bears and even bowhead whales out in the wild in a non-intrusive way. As the sights and sounds of this spectacular environment stimulate your senses, the rest of the world will seem like a distant echo. This trip is excellent for families, adventurers and photogra- phers who appreciate rare wildlife sightings and stunning landscapes – found only in the Arctic! Highlights • Observe polar bears in their natural habitat as the roam the islands, prowling for seals. • Search for the bowhead whale, and visit a newly discov- ered bowhead molting site, a shallow bay where they slough off dead skin – one of the rarest wildlife experienc- es in the Arctic. • Indulge in fresh Arctic char and wild blueberries while admiring “all-night sunsets” from the comfort of our Premium Safari Camp. • Visit ancient Thule sites and enjoy other exciting day trips to learn about the history and culture of the region. • See the terminus of Coronation Fiord where the Penny Ice Cap Glacier ends abruptly in the ocean. • Visit Canada’s stunning Auyuittuq National Park and see massive icebergs. • Admire the breathtaking landscapes and icescapes of Baffin Island. POLAR BEARS AND GLACIERS OF BAFFIN ISLAND | 02 ITINERARY 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 glacier-fed lakes, walk in Auyuittuq National Park, and pick wild Arctic blueberries. 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 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. Days 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. 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 polar bears can be seen on this safari! Day 7 Enjoy breakfast before boarding the boat to travel back to Qikiqtarjuaq. Depart for Ottawa. POLAR BEARS AND GLACIERS OF BAFFIN ISLAND | 03 Included • Meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and snacks, 6 dinners • Accommodations: o 6 nights in Premium Safari Camp on land • Services of Expedition Leaders and Inuit (local) guides • All day trips by land or boat • Return transfers in Qikiqtarjuaq Not Included • Round-trip flight to Qikiqtarjuaq from Ottawa (Ask about our special rates!) • 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 • Polar Clothing Rental Package encouraged POLAR BEARS AND GLACIERS OF BAFFIN ISLAND | 04 ACCOMMODATIONS TRIP ADVISOR Premium Safari Camp The intent of this expedition is to introduce you to the Arctic summer in all its splendor. Enveloped by mountains Inspired by African mobile safari camps, our Premium Safari observe Arctic wildlife in a stunningly raw and natural Camp brings elegance and comfort to the Arctic. The setting. Wildlife is widely dispersed in the Baffin region; their modern, specially designed Arctic yurt-style safari camp prevalence at any given time is dependent upon the structures provide a warm and inviting weather, the presence of pack ice, the abundance of seals home-away-from-home in one of the world’s most remote, and other natural factors. In the Qikiqtarjuaq area, you can yet breathtaking places. expect a truly unique Arctic adventure with spectacular Sleep quarters are spacious and warm, 4.8m (16’) in scenery and picturesque landscapes, but we cannot diameter, with over 3m (10’) cathedral ceilings. They have guarantee wildlife sightings. double walls with insulation and are entered via a lockable The Arctic has many variables that can influence any travel door. Configurations with either two twin beds or one king plans. Being relaxed, patient, and flexible are important size bed are available. Each bed is complete with mattress, attitudes to have. Itineraries are general guidelines and may duvets, pillow, and a warm comforter. No detail has been change due to weather and unexpected conditions. overlooked – from large windows, to coat hooks and heaters for those that would like it a little toaster. Getting There Travel arrangements between you point of origin and Other Premium Safari Camp Features: Ottawa (YOW) are the responsibility of the traveller. We • Large and spacious dining/lounge area and 24-hour snack strongly recommend that participants travelling on and drinks buffet reduced fare airline tickets not try to continue their • Shared washroom facility with on-demand hot water journey home on the final day of the trip as any deviation showers from a ticketed itinerary will result in a penalty regardless • Set up on land of the cause. We highly recommend that you do not plan on having any important meetings or events the day after your trip end date as we recommend planning on “buffer time” to account for any possible delays in getting home. Weather August August is the warmest time in the Qikiqtarjuaq region. Being at the Arctic Circle, temperatures during the season range from 5°C to 22°C (41°F to 72°F). Weather is generally good but you can expect some days of rain and wind. Daylight Hours In August, the sun sets at 9:30 pm and rises at 3:30 am. There is still daylight during the time the sun is below the POLAR BEARS AND GLACIERS OF BAFFIN ISLAND | 05 horizon. Examples include the stretching of seal skin for boots or Is this Adventure for You? gloves, and Inuit dog teams being fed Arctic char or seal This safari is perfect for anyone looking for an engaged meat. While on our adventures, we may also come across an adventure. You don’t need to have previous Arctic Inuit hunting party returning from or travelling to a hunt. experience, but you do need to have an adventurous spirit. If you are open to the experience, these sights can provide a You can become among the first to explore this amazing window into cultural traditions that stretch back for region. Our expeditions are typically represented by a range generations and exist in harmony with the wild Arctic. As of international participants. Having a laid back, part of the Inuit cultural experience and to enjoy some local open-minded and patient demeanor is important. food such as seal, caribou or Arctic char, you may observe how an Inuit hunts the local wildlife. This tradition dates back thousands of years. They will show you how to stalk Level of Difficulty wildlife for viewing and photography, the same techniques a This expedition has a moderate activity level, but not too hunter does. strenuous. This safari includes short walks and boating. While one can choose to do as little or as much as he/she would like throughout the adventure, guests with physical Gourmet Meals limitations may be more comfortable on a more relaxed We know that no amazing Arctic experience is complete safari. without delicious food. Our private chef manages the kitchen tent. It will be here that your chef and culinary team will prepare the day’s meals, snacks and delicious desserts. The Spirit of Adventure Required dining/lounge area will have a convenient buffet table where Our trips are not intended to have set itineraries or sights to unlimited snacks and hot drinks are provided all day long. be seen crossed off in a short period of time. We believe in The kitchen is not kosher. If you have special dietary needs, taking things as they come, to relax and enjoy the please advise us at time of booking. opportunities, be it a sunny or foggy day, to appreciate where you are in the moment, and fall into the lifestyle of the local people.