Welcome! LODGE SPECIFICATIONS. Staff & Crew 16 Guests 26

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1 Arctic Watch

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Welcome! The Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge will be your home away from home during your expedition. This booklet will help you get acquainted with your new home.

3 Welcome! The Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge will be your home away from home during your expedition. This booklet will help you get acquainted with your new home. Give it a read as it does include important information about the facilities available to you and the procedures everyone adheres to while at camp. The passionate Expedition Team and can t wait to show you around and take you to places most people only dream about. Every day presents a new adventure. An early wake-up call may signal the sighting of nearby arctic fox, while an afternoon ATV ride may present you with a herd of musk oxen. Polar travel is unlike any other type of travel, so please take a moment to get to know your lodge. ABOUT ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE A resort for those who won t resort to the ordinary, Arctic Watch is Canada s most northerly wilderness lodge located on Somerset Island, Nunavut. A visit to Arctic Watch is an all-encompassing arctic safari. Visitors may see hundreds of beluga whales, roaming muskox, polar bears, arctic foxes, snowy owls, archaeological sites and more. Travel the land and water by foot, sea kayak, river raft, and ATV (all-terrain vehicle). Guests can climb the mountains, fish the lakes, hike through the canyons, explore the tundra, and hike around the waterfalls. The vistas are immense and sun shines 24 hours a day. The accommodations are the most comfortable facilities in the High Arctic and the food is stupendous. Arctic Watch offers a range of unique adventure travel experiences. Everything you imagined and more, guests can experience arctic safaris, raft the Cunningham River, sea kayak with hundreds of beluga whales, hike the tundra, spot polar bears roaming the Northwest Passage, investigate the mysterious Thule ruins, fish for arctic char and more. LODGE SPECIFICATIONS Staff & Crew 16 Guests 26 3

4 Arctic Watch Accommodation Information Tents at Arctic Watch are outfitted with the essential amenities you ll need to feel comfortable throughout the course of your stay. If you need extra items such as extra pillows or towels, please contact a staff member. TENTS Each tent is equipped with either two single-sized camp beds or one double bed, and an electric heater which is generatorpowered, operating at peak times for added warmth. You will find hot water bottle in your cabin to warm your bed, and these can be filled up from the hot tap in the large white sinks in the shared bathroom facilities. Please note that there is no hot water available in your cabin. If you would like hot water to take to your cabin we can provide a Thermos for the evening. SHOWERS AND TOILETS Each cabin has a private bathroom with a toilet and wash basin. The toilet system is very sensitive and can only handle toilet paper. Please do not deposit any tissues, paper towels, feminine products, etc. in the toilet. Showers are adjacent to the Main Cabin, and feature 2 sinks, 2 shower stalls and 2 toilet stalls each in the men s and women s sections. Shampoo and conditioner are provided for your use. HAIRDRYERS Hair dryers are not provided at the lodge, and we ask that you refrain from plugging in any kind of corded hair dryer. Please bring a battery-operated unit if you require a hair dryer. ELECTRIC CURRENT The electrical supply at the lodge is 110 volts, 60 Hz. Guests coming from outside the USA and Canada may need to bring a small 220v/110v converter. Before you buy a converter, check your electronics as most modern cameras, computers and devices are already compatible to use 220/110 volts. The electrical outlets found in your cabin and around the lodge accept standard North American two flat pin plugs, so you may need to bring your own travel adapter. GENERATORS The Lodge runs on diesel generators, which are turned on at 6:00 AM every morning. They are turned off at 11:00 PM every evening. There is electricity, heating in central areas, Wi-Fi and hot water available between these times. HEATERS In your cabin you will find electric heaters. These are switched on remotely from 6:00 AM until 8:00 AM and from 9:00 PM until 11:00 PM. Please do not touch the settings on the heaters otherwise they may not function correctly. AMENITY KIT You will receive a complimentary amenity kit on arrival in Yellowknife. Inside a special Quark Expeditions toiletry bag, you will find an eye mask, earplugs, lip balm, moisturizer and hand warming packs, all items you will find useful above the Arctic Circle. VALUABLES We recommend you travel with as few valuables as possible. There are no safes for storage of your valuables at Arctic Watch. SHARED CABIN COURTESY Many travelers elect to share a cabin with guests they may not have previously met. All guests have their own schedules and preferences. Please be courteous towards the needs of your fellow cabin mates. EMERGENCIES In case of emergency, please alert a staff member immediately. If there is a medical emergency at Arctic Watch, that person(s) will be evacuated to Resolute, which has a nursing station. If the situation requires, the patient would then be medevaced to Iqaluit or possibly Ottawa. A medevac is considered a form of ambulance, and non-nunavut residents pay for the service. A travel insurance that includes medical coverage is advised. 4

8 Arctic Watch Lodge Procedures GREAT HALL Our large lounge in the Great Hall can easily accommodate everyone visiting, so it serves as our main lecture hall and lounge where presentations are provided for your education and enjoyment. Here, you will also find a small library of polar books, reference materials and general reading material. A collection of field guides, picture books and reference books is also at your disposal, as well as a selection of games for your entertainment. WATER The water is very clean on Somerset Island, and all running water is safe to drink. All guests receive an eco-friendly, reusable water bottle in their cabin upon arrival. BRIEFINGS Announcements in the Great Hall will alert you to daily schedules, wildlife sightings, lectures, events, meal times and safety instructions for excursions. LOST & FOUND If you find any misplaced items, please bring them to the Great Hall or give them to a member of the Expedition Team. If you lose anything yourself, advise our staff so that they can assist you. LODGE ACCOUNTS To make things as stress-free as possible, items you purchase during your stay are charged to your account. Payments of lodge accounts are made towards the end of the expedition, in the Great Hall area. The Canadian dollar is the standard currency at the lodge. You can use cash, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit cards to pay your lodge account. Personal checks are not accepted. Note: If you are sharing a cabin and would like separate accounts, you must advise the staff at Arctic Watch. GRATUITIES The price of your expedition includes all gratuities and taxes for included meals, baggage handling and drivers or guides in Yellowknife. The price of your expedition does not include the customary gratuity to the lodge s personnel. We understand this is a very personal subject and whatever amount you give is at your own discretion. At the end of the expedition you will have the option to charge a gratuity amount to your lodge account, or to place cash in an envelope. All gratuities are shared amongst our lodge and expedition team members. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY Help us take care of our environment! To keep our land and waters clean, kindly use all trash receptacles provided. Never throw anything on the ground or in the water. The water at the lodge is potable, but guests are asked to practice water conservation at all times. BATTERY DISPOSAL Please do not throw old batteries in your cabin garbage. Kindly bring them to the Great Hall for proper disposal. SMOKING To safeguard the health and safety of its guests, Quark Expeditions maintains a no smoking policy in the interior of the lodge including cabins and on excursions. Smoking is permitted in the designated smoking area only, which your Expedition Team members will be happy to point out for you. Always make sure to extinguish cigarettes properly and dispose of them in the proper receptacle. Please, never throw cigarettes on the ground or in the water. STAYING IN TOUCH WHILE AT ARCTIC WATCH When you are not busy exploring the natural beauty of the Polar Regions, you may have the ability to check s and use the internet while at the lodge. Cell phone service is not available at Arctic Watch, though guests are welcome to use Skype via Wi-Fi. There is a satellite phone for emergency communication. Wi-Fi is complimentary and available throughout the lodge for basic web browsing and access. The connection is 8

provided via satellite. To ensure connectivity for all guests, please avoid high-bandwidth activities such as videos, application or media downloads, and file sharing.

9 provided via satellite. To ensure connectivity for all guests, please avoid high-bandwidth activities such as videos, application or media downloads, and file sharing. Please shut down your devices or enable airplane mode when not connected to the internet. Please note that we travel to some of the most remote parts of the world. As we utilize satellite equipment for our connection, it is possible that occasional degradation or outages of services may occur. Personal communication services are not always guaranteed throughout your voyage. We encourage guests to disconnect from digital life and reconnect with the natural world. 9

Arctic Watch Dining DINING ROOM There is one dining room located off the Great Hall, with room for everyone at one seating.

While meal times may change due to excursions and wildlife encounters, you ll always be served three meals a day.

All reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate dietary requirements, as long as your needs are clearly indicated on the required forms when you book your expedition.

10 Arctic Watch Dining DINING ROOM There is one dining room located off the Great Hall, with room for everyone at one seating. If there is one constant at the lodge, it is that you ll enjoy delicious meals on a daily basis. While meal times may change due to excursions and wildlife encounters, you ll always be served three meals a day. DIETARY REQUIREMENTS & ALLERGIES Food provisioning to Arctic Watch is a carefully considered process of bringing ingredients from Yellowknife, where supplies are not always guaranteed to be available. All reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate dietary requirements, as long as your needs are clearly indicated on the required forms when you book your expedition. If you do not eat meat there is a wide selection of vegetables, pasta, and grains available. To a certain extent, dairy free and gluten free diets may also be accommodated. All guests must be prepared that while a variety of dishes will be served at dinners, the menu is designed to offer two main course options per day. In a small kitchen with few staff, and no grocery stores on the tundra, meals cannot be made to order. We regret that vegan and kosher food cannot be prepared. SPECIAL EVENTS You can arrange something special for an anniversary, birthday or other event by talking to the lodge staff ahead of time. DRESS CODE The dress code at the lodge is always casual. WINE AND BEER SERVICE Staff at Arctic Watch work with some of the best wineries in the Okanagan Valley to provide a special selection of wine during your time at the Lodge. There is also a limited selection of draft beer available for purchase. Please note that soft drinks and juices are not available at Arctic Watch. It is Quark Expeditions policy to not serve alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 19 years in the province of Nunavut, Canada. PACKED LUNCH Often lunch will be prepared for you to take and eat out on the tundra during your excursions. 10

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12 Arctic Watch Included Activities The best of Arctic Watch is experienced through adventure. While guests of all fitness levels will find an activity they feel comfortable with, a basic level of mobility is required. The first mandatory walk is a quarter mile (400 metres) from the airstrip to the river, over fairly even terrain. Some of the hikes are much longer, several hours, and over hilly terrain. If you re looking for an active trip, this is it. You have a number of exciting adventures to choose from during your stay at Arctic Watch. We try to ensure that all guests have an opportunity to take part in these activities. After the daily breakfast briefing, guests can sign up for one of up to three activities offered per day. These options are all weather-dependent. Most days at Arctic Watch involve leaving the lodge after a hearty breakfast for a full day of various activities on the tundra, with a picnic lunch break at mid-day. Please be sure to bring supplies for a full day away from the lodge. Activities conclude in the late afternoon with enough time to relax and shower before dinner There are no washroom facilities out in the Arctic wild. Ensure that you use the facilities at the camp shortly before heading out on your daily expeditions. It is a good idea to carry tissues and a small bag to deposit them in until you can dispose of them back at camp, as well as hand sanitizer. Do not leave toilet tissues out on the tundra. Your guide will plan to stop for regular comfort breaks, but if you need to go at any other time, let your guide know as soon as possible so that he/ she can find a suitable location for you. KAYAKING Led by experienced kayak guides, guests will paddle among icebergs, on the watch for beluga whales as well as ring and bearded seals. Sightings of seabirds, including arctic terns and eider ducks, can be expected. Although no experience is required, even avid kayakers will enjoy this half-day adventure. All equipment and basic instructions are provided. RIVER RAFTING The Cunningham River is swift-flowing, crystal-clear water with no difficult sections or rapids. Guests will travel by raft on this river excursion, which typically lasts a full day and includes an optional hike to the starting point, plus lunch along the shore. Prior to departing, guests are given a hands-on introduction to rafting; no prior experience is required. ATV A great way to better explore the varied terrain of Somerset Island is by all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Guests can opt to ride as a passenger, or they can receive a hands-on introduction to driving ATVs, which are easy and fun to operate. Helmets and a safety briefing are provided. HIKING Hiking is an incredible way to appreciate the immense windswept landscapes of the Arctic. The tundra comes alive during the brief arctic summer, with bursts of color from the shrubs and plants that live in this polar environment. You ll find that each hike is different: you ll explore shorelines and landscapes, always on the lookout for wildlife. Hiking participation is optional, and your Expedition Team will advise you of what levels of activity you can expect prior to each excursion. FISHING Guests have the opportunity to try catch-and-release fishing for arctic char at Inukshuk Lake. Fishing equipment and gear are supplied, and spinning equipment is also available. Fly fishing is welcome, and guests are free to bring their preferred gear. Nunavut fishing licences are available for purchase at the lodge for a small fee. 12

13 FAT BIKING Even though they look a bit odd, fat-tire bikes are specialized mountain bikes that offer a smooth ride over the tough arctic terrain. You ll have loads of fun riding out on the sea ice and along rocky ridges. Your bike s stable fat tires will carry you over the mostly smooth surface and across some shallow creeks with ease. All fat-bike excursions are escorted by a UTV for repairs and support. STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING Combining surfing with kayaking or canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding will give you a very personal and unique perspective on the Arctic. Taken in small groups in good weather conditions on calm waters, this activity offers the opportunity to paddle through deep arctic canyons and among ice floes. Optional Flightseeing Add-On BEECHEY ISLAND Departing Arctic Watch on a de Havilland twin otter, you ll fly across the Northwest Passage on a 40-minute flight to Beechey Island. During the flight, we ll look out for seals and polar bears, as well as narwhal, bowhead and beluga whales.. Once on Beechey Island, we ll pay our respects at the graves of three Franklin Expedition crew members, visit the storage depot, have a picnic lunch and explore the island. Stunning ice formations, untamed landscapes and one of the Arctic s most historic places are all part of this incredible day trip. This trip requires a minimum of 8 passengers to operate, and the plane can hold a maximum of 12 passengers, making it the most exclusive excursion at Arctic Watch. More information about your Adventure Options, including physical requirements and cost available by contacting your Polar Travel Adviser. 13

14 Arctic Watch Packing List for Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge CONSIDER THE WEATHER You will be traveling to Arctic Watch during the summer, when conditions are mild, and changeable. Enjoyable sunny days can swiftly change to cold, windy storms with snow flurries. The average temperature is about 12 C. Guests should be prepared for 0 C to +20 C. PROVIDED GEAR BOOTS Quark Expeditions will lend you a pair of Muck Boots to use for the duration of your stay at Arctic Watch. These are a new option to the traditional rubber boot. They have neoprene uppers and a neoprene/ polyurethane foot. They are comfortable enough to use all day. They will provided to you in Yellowknife, and we advise that you wear them on the plane to Arctic Watch. We will collect them from you when you return to Yellowknife. THE QUARK EXPEDITIONS PARKA Our signature yellow expedition parka, yours to keep, will be provided along with your boots in Yellowknife. Specially designed by our knowledgeable Expedition Leaders, your waterproof, seam-sealed, hooded 3-in-1 parka is insulated with a detachable fleece jacket and will keep you warm during your Quark Expeditions trip. ESSENTIAL GEAR Please consider this list in addition to the one provided in your Pre-Departure Book. RAIN PANTS A good waterproof (not water repellent) pant is your primary protection against the wind and rain while riding on ATVs, etc. HIKING/WALKING BOOTS A sturdy, full-leather waterproof or water-resistant pair of comfortable light weight boots is useful but can be replaced with good rubber boots. LODGE SHOES Some light shoes or sneakers for wearing around the lodge are useful. COMFORTABLE PANTS FOR HIKING A couple pairs of comfortable of pants are good to have on hand. We recommend quick dry fabrics made from tightly woven, wind resistant material. HAT A wool toque (cap) or fleece hat made of a material that dries easily is necessary. GLOVES Gloves or mittens with a wind resistant outer fabric are good for cold days or those ATV rides. BASE LAYERS Silk, wool or polypropylene underwear are all great as they are less bulky and will keep you nice and warm. Extra lightweight versions are available if you want to sacrifice a tiny bit of warmth for more packing space. SWIMSUIT An optional item, however if you want to participate in the exciting polar plunge, you will want to pack a swim suit. WARM SOCKS A few pairs of good wool or wool-synthetic blend socks are essential. Remember that socks are small to pack and are wonderful to wear! At Arctic Watch we also sell smart wool socks. DAY PACK You need this to carry your extra things such as camera and clothing while on a day s outing, such as walking, rafting, sea kayaking (with waterproof storage compartments) or when riding the ATV. 14

PERSONAL ITEMS Bring your toiletries, camera, and sunglasses. You may find it useful to bring your preferred insect repellent, as mosquitoes occasionally do appear during warmer seasons.

15 PERSONAL ITEMS Bring your toiletries, camera, and sunglasses. You may find it useful to bring your preferred insect repellent, as mosquitoes occasionally do appear during warmer seasons. Please note that hair dryers and curling irons, etc. cannot be used at the lodge. Shampoo, conditioner and soap from Rocky Mountain Soap Co. are provided for your use in the showers. Soft drinks and beer are not available at Arctic Watch. You are more than welcome to bring your own, however please remember to consider your baggage weight restrictions and portability of liquids. GEAR FOR ARCTIC WATCH ACTIVITIES We have the following gear available to use for the appropriate activities: ATV helmets, fishing gear, paddling dry suits, and life jackets (PFDs). FISHING GEAR Gear is available, but if you like to fish you are welcome to bring your own gear. ONLINE GEAR SHOP You can visit our online Gear Shop at shop.quarkexpeditions. com to purchase one of our essential gear packages. 15

16 Arctic Watch Life at the Lodge What is life like during an expedition? The lodge provides a comfortable base camp for your stay on Somerset Island. Days are filled with adventure options ranging from fishing for arctic char to riding ATVs across the tundra. You will always be on the lookout for wildlife, whether it s searching for grazing muskox to watching belugas at play on the shore. Exhausting or relaxing, smiles abound as do great meals from your resident chefs! We have a number of policies and procedures that help make sure things run smoothly at Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge, so take a look below to help get the most out of your time. SCHEDULE CHANGES While you ll receive a daily briefing each morning, sometimes new opportunities present themselves on short notice so expect the unexpected and enjoy knowing that staff members are always here to make sure your expedition is as memorable and enjoyable as possible! SAFETY Your safety and security is a top priority for our Expedition Team and staff members. Please take time to read the instructions in this important safety section. SAFETY BRIEFING There will be safety briefings throughout your stay at Arctic Watch Lodge. Upon arrival, you will have a safety briefing to outline appropriate behavior on excursions, with wildlife and during adventure options, and these will be recapped during your stay. DAILY PROGRAM There are daily briefings each morning following breakfast where the day s agenda will be presented. Every day, regardless of weather conditions we will still do most adventure activities. The range of activities is broad enough to encompass most weather situations. PRESENTATIONS Your Expedition Team is carefully chosen for their combined experience, knowledge and passion for the all things Polar. Throughout your week, there will be daily presentations, as well as informal briefings, on a range of topics including ornithology, biology, geography, history and the environment. Biographies of your Expedition Team members will be provided to you when you receive your final documents before your expedition. DAILY BRIEFINGS AND RECAPS You will have regular briefings throughout the week at mealtimes. These briefings allow your Expedition team to provide you with information about upcoming activities. During your recap sessions you are encouraged to share your experience and wildlife sightings or ask questions about the places you have just visited. LANDINGS AND WILDLIFE Please ensure that your impact on the environment is negligible while viewing wildlife during your expedition. You must always follow our basic principle: do not disturb wildlife, historical remains or the landscape. POLAR BEARS Arctic Watch operates in polar bear habitat and we must be mindful of the risks involved at all times. The Expedition Leaders sleep in the lodge behind the kitchen area, and will be present to move a bear away if one comes into camp. You are encouraged to take walks or hikes in the immediate vicinity of the camp. It is very important you stay within sight however and let us know of your plans. You will be furnished with a radio and pepper spray before you leave. Please note these are not effective measures in many bear encounters and should not be seen as a replacement for constant vigilance and awareness of your surroundings. You are not permitted to be out of camp before 6:00 AM or after 11:00 PM as there will likely be no team members immediately available to help you if you encounter a bear. 16

18 QuarkExpeditions.com Last revised: January 18, 2018

EXPEDITION IN BRIEF ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE: ADVENTURE AND WILDLIFE AT 74 N (10-DAY) EXPEDITION DOSSIER 1

EXPEDITION IN BRIEF ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE: ADVENTURE AND WILDLIFE AT 74 N (10-DAY) EXPEDITION DOSSIER 1 Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge: Adventure and Wildlife at 74 N (10-day) Spend a week exploring the Canadian Arctic at this unique wilderness lodge and world-class beluga whale observation site on Somerset