Baffin Island Floe-edge Expedition (Sirmilik National Park)

A Classic Adventure in Nunavut

A classic adventure in Nunavut’s high arctic n northern Baffin Island, where the frozen ocean meets the open sea, floe-edge is formed. This phenomenon creates one of nature's most amazing landscapes. During late May and throughout June travel to the floe-edge takes in magnificent mountain scenery, glaciers, ancient Thule sites plus the chance to see a variety of Arctic wildlife. This expedition explores the land to the east of Pond Inlet; a beautiful region bordered by Bylot Island, Sirmilik National Park and the mountain peaks of northern Baffin Island. Accommodation is in a comfortable base camp. Our journey to the floe-edge is through a startling landscape, where icebergs are found frozen in two metre sea ice. This trip has been described as one of the classic Arctic adventures. Guided by experienced Polar Sea guides, ice conditions and weather will determine our exact route. During this period wildlife gather at the floe-edge and there are opportunities to see polar bears, a variety of seal species plus an incredible variety of sea birds including thick billed Murre, Kittiwake, Guillemot, Ivory Gull, Jaegers. Bowhead and Beluga whales cruise these waters. This expedition highlights the celebration of Baffin Island’s stunning natural landscape, wildlife and return of summer.

Trip itinerary:

Day 1: Morning flight from Ottawa to Pond Inlet, via Iqaluit. You are met on arrival and transferred to hotel. This evening there is a welcome dinner, group talk and gear check plus time to explore Pond Inlet.

Day 2: Breakfast. Final gear check and lunchtime departure from Pond Inlet by snow machine and komatik towards the floe-edge area. Set base camp near floe-edge and overnight.

Day 3 - 6: From the base camp various activities including studying bird cliffs, viewing icebergs, exploring floe-edge and Thule site plus visit to old whaling station.

Day 7: Return journey by snow machine to Pond Inlet. Dinner and hotel accommodation.

Day 8: Town day. Explore the community, visit library, interpretive centre, stores and local Inuit carvers/artists. Dinner and hotel accommodation.

Day 9: Departure from Pond Inlet to Iqaluit with ongoing connection to Ottawa.
Friday  - Saturday