Ellesmere Island Traverse

Trekking at 79° North - in Canada’s Eastern Arctic

The Trekking Expedition - 15 days

This extraordinary mountain wilderness provides the setting for our two-week backpacking expedition on Ellesmere Island, an exciting overland traverse through a dramatic ice-free corridor.

Located less than 700 miles from the North Pole, this remarkable route was discovered 4000 years ago by Paleoeskimos migrating from the Bering Sea to Greenland. The passage is literally straddled by glaciers; it forms the only break in an expanse of polar icecaps stretching over hundreds of kilometres.

Our expedition follows old muskoxen and caribou trails from tidewater on the western slope up over the height of land to the stunning fjordland of the east coast.  An outstanding vista unfolds en route with glaciers pouring into the pass straight from neighbouring icecaps.  Scattered herds of muskoxen roam and graze on tundra grasslands while Arctic hare stretch up on their hind legs for a better view as we pass by.  Tundra-nesting shorebirds, jaegers and Red-throated loons are some of the bird life to be encountered, and with luck we may stumble across some of the endangered Peary caribou feeding on carpets of purple saxifrage.  An added bonus on this trip is that we will have a resupply midway en route - greatly reducing the amount of weight in provisions that we carry with us.  The drama of this rugged High Arctic landscape leaves you awestruck and inspired to photograph, observe and explore "the land that never melts."

Itinerary-in-Brief

Day 1: The group flies north to Resolute Bay from Ottawa with First Air.  Upon arrival in Resolute, you will be transferred to downtown Resolute. You will be free to explore around Resolute Bay. Overnight Resolute Bay (accommodation is NOT included).

Day 2: Weather, pilot hours and aircraft permitting, you will board a chartered Twin Otter for a three hour flight to our drop-off site on the west coast of Ellesmere Island. Orientation and set up of camp.

Days 3-13: Our expedition follows old muskoxen and caribou trails from tidewater on the western slope up over Sverdrup Pass to the stunning fjordland of the east coast.  The distances to be travelled are such that we can afford to camp in several sites for more than one night, thus allowing ample opportunity to explore without our backpacks.  The expedition will have a re-supply of provisions en route, greatly reducing the amount of weight each person needs to carry. 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 14: Weather permitting, the group will be picked up by Twin Otter and flown back to Resolute Bay. Overnight in Resolute Bay (accommodation is NOT included). 

Day 15: The group is transferred to the airport in time to connect with flights.