Kings of the Arctic: Foxe Basin Ice Camp Summer Safari
Brave the ice to discover the wild, Arctic realm of walrus pods, spy-hopping bowhead whales, seal families, and hunting polar bears from an expert ice camp
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
What's included
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This trip takes place in July
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Stay in a specialist Arctic camp
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Daily land and sea excursions led by specialist Inuit guides and expedition staff
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Spot bowhead whales, walrus, seals, and polar bears
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Hikes to discover local flora and bird species
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Excursions to ancient Dorset and Thule archaeological sites to learn about the fascinating Inuit history and culture
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Outstanding photography opportunities
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Experience all-night Arctic summer sunsets
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Camp transfers by snowmobiles and traditional Inuit sled
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Meet and greet airport service
At a glance
After a flight from the gateway city of Ottawa, this exhilarating Arctic safari begins in Iglooik, the oldest Inuit settlement in Canada. From here we set off on a thrilling journey by snowmobile and traditional Inuit sled to our expert tented camp out on the ice of the Foxe Basin.
Over the next six days, your specialist Inuit guides and expedition leaders will take you out on daily sea and land tours to discover the realm of the Canadian Arctic in the summer, a domain where huge pods of walrus, playful bowhead whales, seals and their pups, and hunting polar bears rule the sea and frozen ice. You’ll find that crystalline icebergs, surprising colour, and wide-open panoramas provide an outstanding backdrop to your photos of these magnificent creatures.
When you’re not exploring the terrain of these “Arctic Kings”, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about fascinating Inuit culture with tours to ancient Thule settlements, uncover blossoming Arctic flora, and spot more migratory birds than you can imagine. Each evening, you’ll return to the specially designed camp to enjoy a gourmet meal made from the freshest of Arctic ingredients while admiring the surreal midnight sun and swapping stories of your adventures.
Example trip itinerary
Igloolik Island
Arrival into Ottawa
As you arrive into Ottawa airport, you will be greeted by our representative and welcomed into Canada. You'll then be helped to check in ahead of your onward flight and transfer on to your camp.
Flight
Flight from Ottawa to Igloolik, via Iqaluit
Igloolik Safari: Day 1
Igloolik is one of the oldest Inuit settlements in Canada. Upon arrival, you'll meet your expedition leader and group members ahead of your transfer to camp. The safari begins with a brief orientation talk and an equipment check after which we set off on an exciting 30 to 60 minute trip to camp on snowmobiles and qamutik, a traditional Inuit wooden freight sled. Once we reach the camp, we'll unload our equipment and settle into our tents before meeting together for a hot meal and an itinerary briefing from the expedition leader.
Igloolik Safari: Days 2-6
Lead by expert Inuit guides, our excursions over the next few days will vary depending on the weather and the movements of the Arctic animals that weāve come to observe. We'll begin with a visit to the ice floe edge to get a feeling for this fascinating environment. Each day, we'll go out on boat rides into the Arctic Ocean to look for the bowhead whales and walrus that live here. We'll see enormous walrus sitting around in piles on the ice and bowhead whales spy-hopping and playing as we cruise past, offerring outstanding photography opportunities. As we make our way across the tranquil waters of the Foxe Basin, you'll see gigantic floating islands of ice platforms, usually crowded with walrus and a variety of seals ā harp, bearded, and ring - sunning themselves. We might also see polar bears swimming in the water, hunting for seals, and lounging on ice pans. You'll also be brought out on captivating excursions to discover both ancient and modern-day Inuit settlements and have the chance to admire vibrant Arctic wildflowers and spot the wide variety of birds that migrate to the islands during the summer months.
Igloolik Safari: Day 7
This morning after breakfast, we we pack up our gear and make our way back to Igloolik again by snowmobiles and qamutik.
Transfer
Transfer to Igloolik Airport
Flight
Flight from Igloolik to Ottawa, via Iqaluit
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Kings of the Arctic: Foxe Basin Ice Camp Summer Safari
How we work
After a flight from the gateway city of Ottawa, this exhilarating Arctic safari begins in Iglooik, the oldest Inuit settlement in Canada. From here we set off on a thrilling journey by snowmobile and traditional Inuit sled to our expert tented camp out on the ice of the Foxe Basin. Over the next six days, your specialist Inuit guides and expedition leaders will take you out on daily sea and land tours to discover the realm of the Canadian Arctic in the summer, a domain where huge pods of walrus, playful bowhead whales, seals and their pups, and hunting polar bears rule the sea and frozen ice. You’ll find that crystalline icebergs, surprising colour, and wide-open panoramas provide an outstanding backdrop to your photos of these magnificent creatures. When you’re not exploring the terrain of these “Arctic Kings”, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about fascinating Inuit culture with tours to ancient Thule settlements, uncover blossoming Arctic flora, and spot more migratory birds than you can imagine. Each evening, you’ll return to the specially designed camp to enjoy a gourmet meal made from the freshest of Arctic ingredients while admiring the surreal midnight sun and swapping stories of your adventures. | Whats included?
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Days 1-7 |
Igloolik Island |
| Arrival into Ottawa As you arrive into Ottawa airport, you will be greeted by our representative and welcomed into Canada. You'll then be helped to check in ahead of your onward flight and transfer on to your camp. |
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Flights & transfers
Flight from Ottawa to Igloolik, via Iqaluit |
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| Igloolik Safari: Day 1 Igloolik is one of the oldest Inuit settlements in Canada. Upon arrival, you'll meet your expedition leader and group members ahead of your transfer to camp. The safari begins with a brief orientation talk and an equipment check after which we set off on an exciting 30 to 60 minute trip to camp on snowmobiles and qamutik, a traditional Inuit wooden freight sled. Once we reach the camp, we'll unload our equipment and settle into our tents before meeting together for a hot meal and an itinerary briefing from the expedition leader. |
|
| Igloolik Safari: Days 2-6 Lead by expert Inuit guides, our excursions over the next few days will vary depending on the weather and the movements of the Arctic animals that weāve come to observe. We'll begin with a visit to the ice floe edge to get a feeling for this fascinating environment. Each day, we'll go out on boat rides into the Arctic Ocean to look for the bowhead whales and walrus that live here. We'll see enormous walrus sitting around in piles on the ice and bowhead whales spy-hopping and playing as we cruise past, offerring outstanding photography opportunities. As we make our way across the tranquil waters of the Foxe Basin, you'll see gigantic floating islands of ice platforms, usually crowded with walrus and a variety of seals ā harp, bearded, and ring - sunning themselves. We might also see polar bears swimming in the water, hunting for seals, and lounging on ice pans. You'll also be brought out on captivating excursions to discover both ancient and modern-day Inuit settlements and have the chance to admire vibrant Arctic wildflowers and spot the wide variety of birds that migrate to the islands during the summer months. |
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| Igloolik Safari: Day 7 This morning after breakfast, we we pack up our gear and make our way back to Igloolik again by snowmobiles and qamutik. |
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| Transfer to Igloolik Airport | |
| Flight from Igloolik to Ottawa, via Iqaluit |
