Arctic Kingdom: Let your clients just go with the ‘floe’
IAN STALKER
Arctic Kingdom is inviting people to go with the floe.
The Ontario-based tour operator, which sends people to northern locales, will next year have clients camping on an ice floe in Navy Board Inlet, Nunavut, an area it says is certain to appeal to nature enthusiasts.
Seven-day departures are planned from May 13 to June 25.
“Arctic Kingdom is the only tour operator offering a trip in this location,” says the company’s Liz Carino. “Set on an Arctic beach with stunning views of Bylot Island and access to Sirmilik National Park, the Bylot Island Bird Sanctuary and the world-renowned floe edge of Lancaster Sound, the Premium Safari Camp is a safe and comfortable home away from home for groups of 16 and up to 32 guests.”
Accommodation choices include a double occupancy Premium Yurt and quad-occupancy Family Tent (that’s suited for families of four). There are shared washrooms.
A double occupancy Deluxe Yurt with a private ensuite bathroom is also available. Arctic Kingdom says the updated camp allows for a longer floe-edge season, “with the chance to see the full progression of the floe edge, enhanced guest experience, gourmet food, cultural experiences in camp and opportunities for travellers to participate in small group excursions led by Inuit guides.”
“Travellers have the opportunity to see rare wildlife, including narwhal and polar bears among spectacular land and icescapes in one of the most remote and incredible places in the world,” Carino adds.
“Travellers will be walking on and travelling over sea ice by snowmobile and qamutik, with the goal of reaching the floe edge every day. “Depending on ice conditions and safety, we often get right up to the edge.”
Carino says there’s heightened interest in the Arctic, in part because of concerns climate change is having on the region. But she also says improved accessibility is spiking interest, and as well, there’s greater awareness in what the region offers visitors.
Meanwhile, those who go on the tours can go kayaking in inflatable boats, with excursions ranging from brief to multi-hour paddles. Whale encounters are possible.
Arctic Kingdom also invites people to snorkel in areas that have narwhals and other creatures in the water. Kayakers and snorkellers are asked to stay at least 30 metres from narwhals and other whales, so as not to disturb them.
“However, if conditions are deemed safe, narwhal may approach travellers during passive, non-aggressive swimming or floating. In our experience, whales can be just as intrigued by us as we are of them, and they often come close to investigate,” Carino says.
(www.arctickingdom.com/new-itinerary-narwhal-polar-bear-safari)