Footsteps of the Polar Explorers
Hike and Sea Kayak in Arctic Canada at 79° North
This trip is our most challenging Arctic expedition, following in the footsteps of several late-nineteenth century Polar explorers. Our objective (wind, ice cover and weather permitting) is to paddle to the remote and historic Pim Island.
"You were remarkable for your leadership ability, your good humour, and your wonderful knowledge of Ellesmere and other remote and interesting places in the world. I should like nothing better than to have another expedition with you."
- Patrick McCool - Rexdale, Ontario
Situated between Ellesmere Island and Greenland at the north end of Smith Sound, Pim Island was the over-wintering site for three noteworthy expeditions: the Lady Franklin Bay Expedition commanded by Lt. Adolphus Greely (1881-1884); the 1898 Norwegian Polar Expedition led by Otto Sverdrup; and the Robert Stein Expedition of 1899 to 1901. The island was also established as a depot site by several of Robert Peary's North Pole expeditions between 1898 and 1909.
The cold dry arctic holds the past as if the inhabitants left only yesterday. In testimony to this are the intriguing historic sites of Fram Harbour, Camp Clay and Fort Magnesia, each of which we attempt to visit. This trip accesses a stunning area of natural and cultural drama, and offers the privilege of being among the first modern-day visitors to some of the Arctic's most fascinating historic sites.
Highlights
- Expedition attempts to reach Pim Island and the overwintering sites of polar explorers Otto Sverdrup, Adolphus Greeley and Robert Stein.
- Remarkable true wilderness; a polar desert with dry, mild summers.
- Exceptionally remote and pristine.
- Extraordinary silence and solitude.
- Trip offers the privilege of being among the first modern-day visitors to the arcticís most fascinating historic sites.
Trip Details
- 16-day trip begins and finishes in Resolute Bay.
- Trip includes charter plane flight from Resolute to Kane Basin, and return.
- Meals, kayaks and tents 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 to Resolute Bay from Edmonton with Canadian North. Upon arrival, in Resolute Bay, you will be transferred to Qausuittuq Inns North. You will be free to explore around Resolute.
Day 2: You will board a chartered Twin Otter for a three hour flight to our drop-off site in Kane Basin. After a trip orientation meeting, you and your group will pack your kayaks and get ready to head into the fjord country.
Day 3-14: Ice conditions permitting, we will kayak from our drop-off site to the Greeley Memorial on Pim Island and back again. Our daily travels will be governed by such factors as wind, ice, and tides, but some of the things we hope to see include walrus hauled-out on ice pans, the fantastic Thule winter village sites on Skraeling Island, and the tidewater glaciers of Rosse Bay. We'll paddle amongst a myriad of picturesque icebergs, and then pull ashore to explore historic and prehistoric sites. Throughout the course of the trip your guides will provide informal commentary on the flora, geology, birdlife, and geographical features of the High Arctic.
Day 15: Our expedition will return to the tundra airstrip at our arrival point. The group will be picked up by Twin Otter and flown back to Resolute Bay to overnight at the South Camp Inn.
Day 16: The group will be transferred to the Resolute airport in time for First Air's or Canadian North's scheduled flight south to Edmonton.
