Canadian Arctic Wilderness Safari
days
starting from US $10,100per person
Get this trip plan customized to cover everything you want to see.
Learn which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
Beluga Whale Watching Adventure Tour
Explore the Canadian Arctic from the comfort of a unique wilderness lodge. Travel to Somerset Island in Nunavut, 500 miles (805 km) north of the Arctic Circle, and experience world-class wildlife viewing. Choose from activities such as kayaking, ATVing, and hiking. Photograph rare Arctic wildilfe, such as elusive musk ox, polar bears, and beluga whales. While exploring, enjoy superb food and exceptional hospitality from expert guides and hosts. There is no better way to experience the Canadian Arctic!
Trip at a glance
10 Days / 9 Nights
Arrive Yellowknife → 1 night Yellowknife → 5 or 7 nights Somerset Island, Nunavut → 1 night Yellowknife
What you'll love about this trip
Observe the largest beluga whale pod in the world
See rare arctic wildlife from, polar bears to Arctic foxes
ATV riding in stunning scenery
Hiking in incredible canyons
Common Questions
You'll be staying at various local three to five star hotels or lodges along your route, some of which are very iconic properties with great locations, views and history. All our accommodations are carefully selected by our Canadian Insiders. We'll make sure that wherever you stay, you get the best value and comfort based on the seasonal availability.
Typically we include and pre-book all your main trip components so you don't have to worry about your connections, places to stay, or activities on your trip. You'll receive a complete travel package with detailed documentation and our Canadian Insiders remain at your disposal before and during your trip to answer your questions.
Your trip can be as rich as you'd like, and completely arranged around your interests and needs. The greatest benefit of working with us is our local knowledge. You can request your personalized trip plan to decide what you'd like to see and do.
If your trip is a special occasion, we'll make sure it is unforgettable. Or if you're traveling with a group, we'll take care of the logistics so you can share time together stress-free.
Canada has a network of spectacular roadways, train routes, ferry crossings, and float planes. We can arrange for you to travel by car or to sit back and relax.
That depends on the destination and type. As a rule, the main feeding and migration seasons are best for wildlife experiences. Tell us which animals interest you and we'll make your trip coincide with the best viewing season.
With the exception of our guided wildlife trips, our vacations are not typically 'escorted.' We combine the best of both worlds – the reassurance of seamless connections, customer service support, and scheduled activities, plus the freedom of 'independent' travel. You are not tied into a specific group, or a rigid daily itinerary. This allows us to personalize your trip to suit your occasion, interests, and timeframe.
The temperature varies from mild to hot, depending on location. Northern Canada will range between 50°F to 64°F (10°C – 18°C) in summer. The interior of BC, prairies, Ontario and Quebec can reach temperatures around 95°F (35°C). Canada's west coast, mountain regions, and Maritimes enjoy milder summer temperatures. They range on average from 59°F to 77°F (15°C – 25°C).
All our trips can be customized to fit your schedule and budget. The price depends on travel season, train service, hotel level, and the sightseeing tours you choose. Request your personalized trip plan which will provide you with a detailed cost estimate.
This trip in pictures
Accommodations
Below you'll find examples of this trip's accommodations. Please call us for the full list and to personalize your experience.
Arctic Wilderness Lodge
An example of our Wilderness Lodge accommodations
Explore the stunning wilderness of the Canadian Arctic from the comfort of a fly-in lodge. This unique wilderness lodge is located on Cunningham Inlet, on Somerset Island in Nunavut. Relax in your cozy private cabin with ensuite, or spend time in the Great Room and take advantage of the extensive Arctic library and interpretive centre.
Get your personalized trip plan organized and arranged for you
- Get a trip that covers everything you want to see.
- Know which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
- Have someone local who knows the area to suggest trains, hotels, dining, sightseeing, etc.
Sample Itinerary
Think of this itinerary as just a starting point. Our experienced Canadian Insiders will create a personalized experience for you that matches your schedule, travel style and budget.
Day 1 – Arrive in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Your adventure begins in the city of Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories. The excitement builds as you meet your fellow travelers at a welcome expedition briefing. Once you’ve gathered your expedition parka and boots you’re ready to fly north tomorrow.
Day 2 – Adventure Begins in the Arctic – Fly to Somerset Island, Nunavut
Board a privately chartered plane for the 4.5 hour journey to the Arctic Wilderness Lodge. Over the 1,000 mile (1,500 km) journey, you’ll pass over the treeline as you cross the Arctic Circle. Enjoy stunning aerial views of the Arctic, before landing on Somerset Island. The short journey to the lodge involves a small walk across the tundra and a raft ride across the Cunningham River – the adventure has already begun. Settle in to the lodge and meet your hosts for a safety briefing and overview of the exciting days ahead.
Day 3 – Explore the Arctic from a Wilderness Lodge
While at the lodge, enjoy a choice of activities each day based on what the weather will allow. Your first day may include an introduction to driving all-terrain vehicles, ATVs, a short hike to the Cunningham River Estuary to spot beluga whales frolicking in the shallow water, or a visit to Triple Waterfalls, five-stories of free-falling water. As you explore keep an eye out for Arctic wildlife like peregrine falcons, loons, snow buntings, sandpipers and rough-legged hawks or muskoxen.
To keep you fueled throughout your adventures enjoy plentiful fresh breakfasts, lunches and gourmet dinners. Recharge for the next day of adventures in your private safari tent cabin.
Day 4 – Explore the Arctic from a Wilderness Lodge
Travel along the Muskox Ridge Trail by ATV, which provides a scenic overview of the entire area. Pass by muskoxen and an impressive arctic fox den and watch fox cubs at play. Following an outdoor lunch at Inukshuk Lake, try your hand at catch-and-release fishing for arctic char. On the return journey to the lodge, pass by hoodoos, sculptured sand pillars, and local coal deposits. In the evening, after another delicious dinner, enjoy an informal lecture.
Day 5 – Explore the Arctic from a Wilderness Lodge
Today’s activities may include kayaking in Cunningham Inlet. Float amongst icebergs, and watch for beluga whales as well as ring and bearded seals and seabirds. Enjoy lunch served along the shoreline, then embark on a short hike for stunning views of the Northwest Passage and the opportunity to see polar bears. You may also have the chance to visit the Cunningham River estuary, a beluga whale migration site unique the world over because of the density of the beluga population. Stand on the river banks, and be close enough to hear their calls. Guides will use hydrophones so you can also hear the whales’ underwater song. In the evening, you’ll hear a lecture on the beluga research in the area.
Insider tip: The best time to see beluga whales is in July when they are migrating through the area. Ask your Vacation Advisor about selecting the best dates for belugas and other wildlife.
Day 6 – Explore the Arctic from a Wilderness Lodge
Depart for a trip to Flatrock Falls, where you’ll have the option of hiking or traveling by Mercedes Unimog, a multipurpose truck. Visit the Somerset Island canyons, with its steep walls up to 1,000 ft (305 m) high. Millions of fossils of prehistoric plants and animals are scattered around the ground. An alfresco lunch is served directly on the flat rocks that surround this canyon.
Next, visit Gull Canyon and observe the striking color contrasts between the barren canyon and a lush gull rookery. This spot is declared a unique ecosystem by the Canadian Wildlife Service due to the presence of peregrine falcons. In the evening, enjoy an informal lecture from the Scientist in Residence.
Day 7 – Explore the Arctic from a Wilderness Lodge
Today, discover Cape Anne by ATV, and visit some Thule sites to learn about these ancestors of today’s modern Inuit. The ride showcases scenic vistas, icebergs, ancient Inuit campsites and giant prehistoric whale bones. The Cape Anne Thule site includes the remains of 15 stone and bone houses. Polar bears can often be seen on the shoreline as they wander the coast, waiting for the ice to return. The return overland trip via the Red Valley provides incredible views.
Day 8 – Explore the Arctic from a Wilderness Lodge
Get ready for a day of excitement with a full-day rafting adventure on the Cunningham River. On the way to the launch, pass the skeletal remains of two bowhead whales that date back 8,000 years. You may also encounter muskoxen, snow geese, jaegers, arctic fox, sandpipers and rough-legged hawks. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach, as the guides prepare the rafts. Return to the lodge by raft on the clear waters of the river as you pass by amazing scenery and steep canyon walls. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner and last night in your cozy cabin.
Day 9 – Depart the Arctic – Fly to Yellowknife
Bid a fond goodbye to the guides and lodge staff today. You may have time for one last activity before you depart on your return flight to Yellowknife. Upon arrival in Yellowknife, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 10 – Depart Yellowknife
All too soon your Arctic vacation has come to an end. After breakfast, a transfer is included to take you to the airport in time for your flight.
Get your personalized trip plan organized and arranged for you
- Get a trip that covers everything you want to see.
- Know which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
- Have someone local who knows the area to suggest trains, hotels, dining, sightseeing, etc.
What's Included In Our Prices
These are the places and experiences to look forward to on this trip.
• 2 nights accommodation in Yellowknife
Choose 1 of 2:
• 5 nights accommodation at Arctic wilderness lodge on Somerset Island
• 7 nights accommodation at Arctic wilderness lodge on Somerset Island
Arctic Experiences:*
• Welcome briefing in Yellowknife**
• Hiking
• Fat biking
• ATV excursions
• Stand-up paddleboarding
• Kayaking
• River rafting
• Fishing
• Arctic photography
• Formal and informal presentations by expedition team and special guests
Transfer Inclusions:
• Charter flights between Yellowknife and the Arctic***
• Shuttle transfers between airport and hotel in Yellowknife
• Group transfer to and from charter flight to the Arctic Wilderness Lodge
Meal Inclusions:
• All breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks at the Arctic Wilderness Lodge
• Coffee, tea, water and juice available at all times (soft drinks and beer are not available)
• 2 breakfasts at accommodation in Yellowknife
Additional Inclusions:
• Leadership throughout the expedition by experienced Arctic Watch Team
• An expedition grade parka to keep
• Waterproof boots to use at the lodge
• All luggage handling at the charter terminal and at the lodge
• All miscellaneous service taxes throughout the program
• Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person
• Complimentary WiFi (limited signal strength)
• Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader
• Friendly and dedicated Fresh Tracks Canada customer service
Special Notes and Restrictions:
*Your included activities may vary based on the judgment of your guides who will use the sea, the ice, and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. These inclusions are a tentative outline of what you’ll experience but no activities can be guaranteed.
** Welcome briefing occurs on your first night in Yellowknife. Please be sure to arrive prior to 6 pm in Yellowknife.
***Dates of charter flights may be altered due to weather conditions. Please keep this in mind when making international flight arrangements. Consider purchasing flexible, changeable airline tickets or booking a one-way flight home after completing the expedition, to help reduce ticket change fees. These delays may not be covered by travel insurance. Baggage allowance on charter flights is 44 lbs (20 kg) checked and 11 lbs (5 kg) carry-on. Additional luggage can be stored in Yellowknife.
Not Included
• International airfare (but don’t hesitate to ask for help)
• Passport and applicable visa expenses
• Canadian Sales Taxes not mentioned above
• Meals, other than those mentioned
• Wine and spirits; available for an additional cost
• Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance – strongly recommended
• Waterproof gear beyond the included parka
• Gratuity for tour, transfer and expedition staff
• Fee for fishing licence (available for purchase at the lodge)
• Additional expenses (meals, accommodation, international flight change fees, etc.) incurred by delay or cancellation of activities due to suboptimal weather
Ideas to customize this trip
Think of this trip as just a starting point. These are some of the experiences you can add-on to personalize your trip.
• Add on a trip to the stunning Canadian Rockies
• Extend your Canadian adventure with a visit to a bear viewing lodge in British Columbia.
• Add an adventure to Beechey Island on a 40-minute twin otter flight. (Available to add on the 10-day trip only).
Get your personalized trip plan organized and arranged for you
- Get a trip that covers everything you want to see.
- Know which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
- Have someone local who knows the area to suggest trains, hotels, dining, sightseeing, etc.
Trip Start Dates
2019 Dates (8 Day Trip)June 29
July 18, 23
2019 Dates (10 Day Trip)
July 4, 11, 28
Aug 4
2020 Dates (10 Day Trip)
July 2, 9, 16, 30
August 6
Pricing For This Trip
Our prices vary by departure date, hotel class, train service and degree of personalization. Please speak with one of our Canadian Insiders to get your personalized quote, or hit the button below.
Private Cabin
On this arctic adventure maximize your time exploring this vast wilderness with either 5 or 7 nights at a wilderness lodge in a private cabin. Enjoy wildlife viewing and photography, ATV adventures, kayaking, rafting, whale watching, and guided exploration of the Canadian Arctic.
Get your personalized trip plan organized and arranged for you
- Get a trip that covers everything you want to see.
- Know which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
- Have someone local who knows the area to suggest trains, hotels, dining, sightseeing, etc.
Why book your trip with us?
- We make planning a trip to Canada really easy!
- We are experts in creating personalized itineraries.
- Our itineraries are built around your specific needs, interests and budget.
- We promise friendly and personal service every step of the way.
- Consider us your personal contact in Canada before and during your trip.
- We're based in Vancouver with first-hand ‘insider’ knowledge of Canada.
- Over the past 20 years, we have personalized more than 15,000 Canadian vacations.
Fresh Tracks Canada Vs. Others
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Independent Travel
Flexibility and freedom of a personalized tour to suit your travel goals. |
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Personalized itineraries
Carefully crafted to your budget and needs. |
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Insider Knowledge
Plan your trip with help from our Canadian Insiders who live and travel in Canada. You'll know when to come, where to stay, which train to take, and lots more... |
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Local Support
Someone in Canada you can call before and during your trip, seven days a week. |
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No-one can be trusted more
You'll feel confident when booking your vacation with our accreditation and consumer protection through the following organizations. 
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Pre-packaged TripsOne-size-fits-all approach. |
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Group ToursCheapest type of travel with rigid itineraries and crowds. |
No one can be trusted more
You'll feel confident when booking your vacation with our accreditation and consumer protection through the following organizations.
Consumer Protection BC
- License Number: 31202
- The Travel Assurance Fund (TAF) provides a possible source of compensation when consumers do not receive the travel services they purchased through a BC licensed travel agent.
ABTA
- Membership Number: Y6176
- Our UK clients have the benefit of ABTA's assistance and Code of Conduct which means that all package holidays sold by Fresh Tracks Canada in the UK are covered by a full financial protection in the event of the company failure.
- We're one of the only agencies in Canada offering this protection.
BBB
- A BBB Accredited Business since 08/02/2008
- Highest rating: A+
- BBB has determined that Fresh Tracks (Canada) Inc meets BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB Accredited Businesses pay a fee for accreditation review/monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public.
IATA
- Fresh Tracks Canada is an IATA Accredited Agent.
- Full accreditation authorizes travel agents to sell international and/or domestic tickets on behalf of IATA member airlines. It also allows access to IATA's Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP), an efficient interface for invoicing and payment between the agent, airlines and transport providers.
Get your personalized trip plan organized and arranged for you
- Get a trip that covers everything you want to see.
- Know which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
- Have someone local who knows the area to suggest trains, hotels, dining, sightseeing, etc.
