Arctic Land Expedition Tours

Arctic Land Expedition tours will allow you to discover the true nature of the Arctic.

From pods of whales to polar bears, unusual flora to stunning vistas of icebergs and a vast blue skyline. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Inuit, with visits to traditional Inuit communities and excursions led by local Inuit guides.

Our Arctic land-based expedition tours operate in the Canadian High Arctic. Flexible daily itineraries make the most of local weather conditions and wildlife viewing opportunities while activities include hiking, kayaking, dry suit diving and all-terrain vehicle explorations.

Accommodation may be in comfortable wilderness lodges, or within stylish and comfortable eco-friendly camps located near the ice floe edge. Trips are led by professional leaders and experienced guides, with transportation by ATV and traditional sled (qamotiq) pulled by snowmobiles or dog teams. These trips are an adventurous and exciting way to get up-close to the Arctic.

To find out more about our range of Arctic land-based expeditions, please download pages below or click here to download the full Arctic land-based expeditions section of our Antarctica and the Arctic brochure.

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Highlights

Arctic Land Expeditions

Arctic wildlife from polar bears to narwhal

The wild Arctic landscapes and seascapes offer encounters with polar bears, Arctic fox, collared lemmings, weasels and birds like Snowy Owls.

Other birdlife includes Gyrfalcons, Ivory Gulls, Eider Ducks, Greater Snow Geese and Thick-billed Murres. The seas of north Baffin Island, Bylot Island, Lancaster Sound and Foxe Basin abound with marine mammals like rare bowhead whales and during the annual spring migration, beluga whales and mysterious tusked narwhal. See ringed seals and huge walrus with their handsome mustaches and impressive tusks.
Arctic landscapes

Arctic landscapes of glaciers and icebergs

Baffin Island, Bylot Island and Lancaster Sound are an Arctic wonderland of snow covered mountains, soaring bird-covered cliffs, fjords, pack ice and icebergs.

The spectacular wide open landscapes of the Arctic will truly leave you spellbound. As spring turns to summer see rivers of glacial meltwater criss-crossing tundra carpeted in Arctic wildflowers. At the ice floe edge, look out for frolicking pods of whales or the long tusk of the mystical narwhal.
Arctic camping

Camp on the ice floe edge

Experience life on the ice floe edge in a comfortable, eco-friendly safari-inspired tented camp.

The tents are specially designed, high-grade expedition tents with an outer and inner insulation wall over 8′ tall. There is a central dining/lounge tent, plus shared washrooms with warm showers. Each sleeping tent has a full bed with mattresses, pillows, and duvets. Camps are set up on land or on the sea ice to time with a specific wildlife encounter, and are fully established before guests arrive. They stay there from 1 to 4 weeks, and at the end of the short season, they are dismantled and sent back to the local community storage facility, leaving only footprints behind..
Arctic explorations by snowmobile

Travel by snowmobile and sled

Transfer to your campsite in a traditional qamotiq (a wooden sled with suspension seats pulled by snowmobile).

Each of the two to four persons in a qamutik is provided with a suspension seat to sit on. You’ll experience the exhilaration of gliding across the ice, stopping to see wildlife, historic grave sites, hanging glaciers, bird cliffs, abandoned whaling stations and hunting cabins. Once at camp other explorations may be by qamutik, on foot or by kayak.
Arctic Land Expedition tours

Hike, Kayak & Dry Suit Dive

There are so many ways to explore the ice floe edge and the iceberg-studded waters beyond.

Those who would like closer encounters with the Arctic’s majestic sea creatures can opt to go kayaking and/or snorkelling with them. Wearing a dry suit you can enter the spectacular underwater world of the Arctic seas and swim with the whales and seals. Or paddle by sea kayak along the floe edge and around turquoise blue icebergs.
Arctic Land Expedition tours kayaking

Shore and Sea Explorations

On all polar cruise voyages, you will regularly go ashore or tour sheltered bays in an inflatable Zodiac.

Search for wildlife, walk to glaciers or points of interest, visit Inuit settlements or historic sites. Excursions will vary from short strolls to longer hikes. If you prefer, you can choose to remain on the shore and just enjoy the view.

Our

Brochures

We have a unique selection of Arctic land expeditions carefully chosen for their itineraries and extraordinary experiences. All of our cruises and tours are completely tailor made to suit our clients interests, budget, and timeframe. To find out more about the type of Arctic land expedition we can put together for you, please download specific pages below.

Great Migrations of the Northwest Passage

Travel by Inuit sled and snowmobile into the High Arctic for a chance to see the annual spring migration of thousands of belugas and the mysterious narwhal. Explore the ice floe edge by snowmobile, kayak and on foot.

Narwhal & Polar Bear Safari

This comprehensive Arctic experience takes in Inuit culture, glaciers, icebergs and abundant wildlife along the ice floe edge as spring comes to an end. Your base is a comfortable campsite by the whale-rich Lancaster Sound.

Kings of the Arctic

Journey to the edge of wildlife-rich Foxe Basin and beyond, to view rare bowhead whales, inquisitive walrus and amazing panoramas of icebergs, glaciers and mountains. Experience all aspects of the High Arctic on this eye-opening adventure.

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Arctic Land Expedition Overview

Why an Arctic Land Expedition: These unique land-based expeditions are highly personalised adventures which give you a taste of what it is like to live in the Arctic. Learn from Inuit guides and travel by traditional Inuit sled, crossing stunning icy landscapes of mountains and glaciers.

Climate: The Arctic is warmer than Antarctica due to much of the area being ocean rather than land. Temperatures usually hover around or just above zero but can vary widely depending on the season, the location, weather conditions and wind chill factor. Riding behind a snowmobile can be very windy and cold. Still, sunny days can be surprisingly warm so you need to be prepared for all conditions.

Combine With: A holiday in Canada or Alaska. Visit Newfoundland, explore the Rockies, go grizzly bear viewing on Canada’s west coast or take a cruise through the beautiful Inside Passage. See our Canada & Alaska program for more details or download our brochure.

Getting There: Fly from Ottawa in eastern Canada to Igloolik, Iqaluit, Arctic Bay or Pond Inlet on Baffin Island, depending on where your expedition departs. On arrival to the starting point, you are met by your guides and transported by Inuit sled and snowmobile to your campsite.

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