Polar Bear in Spring: Islands & Ice Travel

Spring Secrets of Polar Bears

This trip offers a rare opportunity to experience the high Arctic as it transitions from winter to spring. We will camp on the sea ice in the kingdom of Nanook, the polar bear. Set on the sea ice among icebergs, the camp is a perfect base to explore and a perfect location for photographers to create unique and extraordinary images of wildlife and ice.

A pale sunrise over a frozen seascape with snow-covered foreground and a vast ice field extending to the horizon. — Spring Polar Bears Camp. Image: Nina Defilla

Your Inuit guides will search for opportunities to observe polar bears on the ice at a safe and respectful distance and opportunities to capture lifelong memories and superb images of polar bears and other wildlife (seals, Arctic Fox and possibly Ptarmigan).

Group of photographers in heavy winter coats and hats standing on snow, aiming cameras at a tall jagged iceberg under a pale blue sky. — Photographers with polar bear mum and cubs. Image: David Briggs

As twilight paints ice in pastels and day merges into night we will be on the watch for the ethereal auroral borealis.

Weather and wildlife will determine the exact itinerary for each day. Your expert guides will and hosts will keep you safe and share their intimate knowledge and experience of the Arctic with you.

10-17 April 2027. CAD$38,225 per person.

2 spots remaining

Day 1

Fly from Ottawa to Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut via Iqaluit. Transfer to local accommodation and meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers.

Day 2

Journey to your tented safari camp on the sea ice and settle in to camp life.

Days 3-7

Explore this extraordinary remote and beautiful high Arctic wilderness in the company of your Inuit guides. The daily schedule is determined by weather and wildlife.

Days 8 & 9

Return to Qikiqtarjuaq for the night before your onward flight to Ottawa the next day.

What’s Included

Flights and transfers from Ottawa to Qikiqtarjuaq All meals in Qikiqtarjuaq camp
Expert team on the ice.
Transfer sot and from camp
2 nights accommodation in Qikiqtarjuaq and 6 nights at the sea ice camp.
8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners

What’s Not Included

Flights between your home and Ottawa
Gratuities and personal expenses
Travel,medical and evacuation insurance
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance (recommended)
Additional costs associated with weather delays in Ottawa, Iqaluit or Qikiqtarjuaq

Person in a fur-lined parka and red-t framed goggles stands in a snow-covered landscape with a clear blue sky. — Billy Arnaquq, Inuit guide, Qikiqtarjuaq. Image: David Briggs

Temperatures can be extremely cold (below -30C). Suitable polar clothing is available for rent (an additional fee). You will need to collect rental clothing at Ottawa Airport prior to your flight to Iqaluit. You will need to return any rental gear to Ottawa airport on your return to mainland Canada. We will provide you with a packing list well in advance of departure.

You will be able to charge batteries and laptops in camp. Power provided is 120VAC/60Hz using North American standard plug outlets. If your electronics do not have a North American standard plug, you will need to bring an adapter.

Each sleeping tent is large, with a roomy entrance vestibule, ample standing room, and plenty of space for camera gear and luggage. Set directly on the sea ice, the camp offers an authentic Arctic experience and excellent opportunities for rare polar bear sightings. Tents are heated.

Due to the nature of this trip, trip cancellation/interruption insurance is highly recommended. It is a condition of joining this expedition that you must be insured against medical and personal accident risks and have medical evacuation coverage for the location to which you are travelling.