Land of the Narwhal - Baffin Island
Sea kayaking Baffin Island
Our northern Baffin Island kayak expedition takes place on the east coast of the Borden Peninsula at latitude 72° North. Here, along the western edge of Eclipse Sound, lies some of Arctic Canada's most spectacular landscapes, a region that offers some exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing, including 21 species of marine and land mammals, and 52 species of birds. This kayak expedition goes right into the heart of narwhal country.
The trip begins on the shore of a fjord-like arm of Eclipse Sound, 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the community of Pond Inlet. This is an area of steep headlands and river valleys laden with evidence of past cultures, a little-visited realm situated in full view of the majestic glaciers of Bylot Island, and neighboring Sirmilik, one of Canada's newest National Parks. We will spend two weeks paddling 110 kilometers (65 miles) along the spectacular Baffin coastline, traveling initially eastward until we reach Milne Inlet, and then moving along the inlet southward into Koluktoo Bay. We will plan to move camp on most days - wind, ice, and weather permitting - paddling 3 to 5 hours a day, which allows us plenty of time for hiking amongst tundra meadowlands, exploring the open countryside and vast vistas, and observing wildlife, permafrost features and archeological sites.
The kayaker's pace allows for an intimate contact with both coastline and sea ice, those features which are so much a part of the Arctic experience. It also affords an unequaled situation for wildlife viewing. Gliding unobtrusively along, we are likely to encounter groups of migrating narwhal that have wintered in Davis Strait and have followed the retreating ice into Eclipse Sound. Large pods are occasionally seen scattered across long reaches of open water, with several whales rising at a time; in the mist of their warm breathing, the Arctic sun glistens on their black backs, and silvers their passing wake.
The window for traveling by kayak on Baffin Island is small, and in our experience, August is the month of choice for open sea ice conditions. The late evening and early morning sun accents the photographic potential, and at times the light pours in like butterscotch. Delicate woolly flowers are backlit, as are the outlying islands and the spray plume from the blows of narwhal swimming up the fjords.
The drama in this magnificent Arctic landscape, accented by the rich colors exposed in the terrain, will leave you awestruck and inspired to photograph, and our time on northern Baffin Island will be one of discovery and great beauty as we join the ranks of a select few who have traveled through this special area.
Highlights
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Expedition follows the migration of narwhal, the tusked whal
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Expedition travels in full view of the majestic glaciers of Bylot Island and neighboring Sirmilik National Park
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Char fishing in Koluktoo Bay
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Dramatic arctic light for photography.
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Extraordinary silence and solitude.
Trip Details
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15 day trip begins and finishes in Pond Inlet, Nunavut.
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Trip includes transfers from Pond Inlet to expedition start and expedition finish,
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Meals, kayaks, tents, expert leadership and safety gear are included.
Itinerary-in-Brief
More information about this trip is available in our in-depth Trip Information Package. Please contact our office to receive these detailed materials.
Day 1: The group flies north from to Pond Inlet from Ottawa via Iqaluit on First Air. Upon arrival in Pond Inlet, you will be transferred to your local hotel in Pond Inlet. We will meet for trip orientation and dinner. Overnight Pond Inlet.
Day 2: Weather and ice conditions permitting, we will be transferred out to the fjord country where we spend a few hours packing the kayaks to begin our sea kayaking adventure. (L/D included)
Days 3-13: Weather and ice conditions permitting, we will paddle from our drop-off site along the edge of Eclipse Sound into Koluktoo Bay, approximately 110 kilometers (65 miles) away. Our direction of travel each day will be governed by such factors as wind, ice, and tides. We'll paddle below steep headlands and along spectacular inlets, always on the lookout for narwhal. Throughout the course of the trip your guides will provide informal commentary on the flora, geology, birdlife, and geographical features of the High Arctic. (B/L/D included)
Day 14: The group will be picked up and transferred back to Pond Inlet where we will overnight in a local hotel in Pond Inlet. (B/L included)
Day 15: The day will be free to explore the hamlet of Pond Inlet before transferring to the airport in time to connect with the First Air flight southbound to Iqaluit and Ottawa.
Inclusive Services
- Cultural interaction with the locals of Pond Inlet
- Scenery of deep fjords, jutting headlands, cliffs and spectacular landscape.
- Glacial valleys and tundra of sedges, willows and Arctic poppies.
- Dramatic arctic light for photography.
- Extraordinary silence and solitude.
Non-Inclusive Services
- transportation between Pond Inlet and your home
- any meals and accommodation in Pond Inlet.
- personal belongings and gear as per ‘Clothing and Equipment List’.
- trip cancellation insurance.
- any extra expenses incurred because of delayed departures of chartered or scheduled aircraft. Also, any extra expenses incurred because of delays imposed by conditions at hand on the expedition (ice, wind, etc.) .
- any costs associated with an emergency evacuation from the trip.
- gratuities for guides
