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 Island in Nunavut, Canada. Situated 500 miles (805 km) north of the Arctic Circle, the lodge offers guests fully guided opportunities for diverse adventure activities, and extraordinary polar photography thanks to 24 hours of daylight. Observe the elusive musk ox, polar bear and more wildlife in their natural habitat and enjoy comfortable accommodations and superb food, all accessible via a scenic flight from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. EXPEDITION IN BRIEF Encounter rarely seen arctic wildlife and their habitats: polar bears, muskoxen, bird cliffs, fox dens and more Visit the Cunningham River estuary, seasonal home to hundreds of beluga whales Take advantage of included equipment and activities such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), a Mercedes Unimog, kayaking, rafting, fishing and hiking Visit Cape Anne Thule sites with ancient stone and bone houses Delight in unique photography opportunities Make the most of optional activities such as fishing for arctic char, and the Beechey Island fly-in excursion DID YOU KNOW? Located on Somerset Island, which is situated along the Northwest Passage, above the Arctic Circle, Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge is the world s most northerly safari resort. ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE: ADVENTURE AND WILDLIFE AT 74 N (10-DAY) EXPEDITION DOSSIER 1
Included Activities HIKING FAT BIKING Hiking is a great 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. 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 handson 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. 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. 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. 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. Adventure Option Booking an Adventure Option as part of your expedition is a great way to enhance your polar experience. This option is subject to availability and fills up quickly, so be sure to book yours early. Please note that Adventure Options are weather dependent. 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. More information about your Adventure Options, including the necessary experience, physical requirements and cost, is available by contacting your Polar Travel Adviser. ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE: ADVENTURE AND WILDLIFE AT 74 N (10-DAY) EXPEDITION DOSSIER 2
Itinerary SAMPLE ITINERARY The itinerary outlined below is only a sample of a typical week at Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge. Day-to-day activities may vary and are also weather dependent. Please note that the likelihood of seeing belugas early in the season is dependent on weather and ice conditions. Resolute Cambridge Bay ARCTIC WATCH Somerset Island DAY 1 Yellowknife, Northwest Territories Enjoy an included night in Yellowknife and meet your fellow travelers at a welcome expedition briefing, followed by boot and signature Quark Expeditions parka distribution. DAY 2 Yellowknife and Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge Today, board our private chartered plane to fly the 1,000 miles (1,500 km) to the Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge. During the four-and-a-half-hour flight, you ll pass over the treeline as you cross the Arctic Circle. Following a refueling stop in the community of Cambridge Bay, you ll circle above Cunningham Inlet. Enjoy aerial views of the lodge below, before landing on the private airstrip on Somerset Island. A short walk across the tundra and an even shorter raft ride across the Cunningham River will bring you to the lodge. After a tour of the facilities, you ll be escorted to your cabin. Upon settling in, meet your hosts for a safety briefing and overview of the exciting activities and options ahead. CANADA Yellowknife Actual itinerary may vary based on weather conditions. DAY 3 Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge, Somerset Island, Nunavut After a hot breakfast, a typical first morning at the lodge may include receiving a hands-on introduction to driving all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), which are easy and fun to operate. Later, you may take a short hike to the Cunningham River estuary to spot beluga whales frolicking in the shallow water only a few yards offshore. After lunch, there may be an opportunity for a hike to Triple Waterfalls, a five-story torrent of free-falling water. There, you can see nesting peregrine falcons and other birds such as loons, snow Baffin Island buntings, sandpipers and rough-legged hawks. Exploring this canyon introduces you to the delicate beauty of wild arctic flowers. Encounters with muskoxen are common. During your gourmet dinner, pair your meal with a fine Canadian bottle of wine from the Northwest Passage Wine and Spirit List. After dinner, there s free time to explore in and around the lodge. The library has a broad selection of arctic and polar titles. The interpretive center contains collections of local fossils, the skeletal remains of arctic fauna, and a collection of traditional Inuit clothing from Canada, Greenland and Siberia. ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE: ADVENTURE AND WILDLIFE AT 74 N (10-DAY) EXPEDITION DOSSIER 3
DAY 4 Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge After a full breakfast, you ll travel by ATV, crossing the Cunningham River delta and driving along the Muskox Ridge Trail, which provides a scenic overview of the entire area. It s very likely that you ll see muskoxen and pass by an impressive arctic fox den, where you may have the opportunity to watch fox cubs at play. Following an outdoor lunch at Inukshuk Lake, we ll supply gear for those who would like the opportunity to try catch-and-release fishing for arctic char. Returning on ATVs, the tour takes an alternate route via the River Trail, so you can view hoodoos (sculptured sand pillars) and local coal deposits. In the evening, after dinner, we ll enjoy an informal lecture. DAY 5 Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge One of today s activities may be kayaking in Cunningham Inlet. Paddle among icebergs, looking out for beluga whales as well as ring and bearded seals. Sightings of seabirds, including arctic terns and eider ducks, can be expected. After a lunch served along the shoreline, you ll take a short hike to explore a local canyon aptly named Kayak Falls. From there, you ll enjoy stunning views of the Northwest Passage and the opportunity to see polar bears. In the afternoon, you ll return to the Cunningham River estuary, a beluga whale migration site. This site is unique the world over because of the density of the beluga population and its proximity to our lodge. You may even be able to see the whales while you 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, following a five-star dinner, you ll hear a lecture on the beluga research being conducted in Cunningham Inlet. DAY 6 Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge Following breakfast, you ll depart for a trip to Flatrock Falls, crossing the Cunningham River delta. There, you ll have the option of hiking or traveling by Mercedes Unimog (a multipurpose four-wheel-drive truck). You ll visit the Somerset Island canyons, formed as the result of shifting fault lines. Their steep walls vary from 200 to 1,000 feet (61 to 305 meters). Millions of fossils of prehistoric plants and animals are scattered around the ground. You may also have the opportunity to observe nesting sites of local birds, including terns, plovers and snow geese. An alfresco lunch is served directly on the flat rocks that surround this canyon. After lunch, you ll travel to Gull Canyon, where you can see the striking color contrasts between the barren canyon and a lush gull rookery. This spot was recently declared a unique ecosystem by the Canadian Wildlife Service due to the area s gull rookery and the presence of peregrine falcons. In the evening, a Scientist in Residence will give an informal lecture. DAY 7 Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge Today, you ll set out on an ATV to Cape Anne, where you ll visit some Thule sites along the coast and look for polar bears. The Thule people were bowhead whale hunters, 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 is the largest in the area and 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 will give us incredible views of the place we ve called home this week. DAY 8 Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge Today s full-day rafting adventure will begin after breakfast with a Mercedes Unimog truck ride to the Arctic Watch raft launch on the Cunningham River, 12.5 miles (20 km) from the lodge. Opt to hike the final four miles (6 km) through the Badlands, passing the skeletal remains of two bowhead whales that date back 8,000 years. On the way to the launch, you may encounter muskoxen, snow geese, jaegers, arctic fox, sandpipers and rough-legged hawks. You ll savor a picnic lunch on the beach, beside the river, as the staff and guides prepare the rafts. Return to the lodge by raft on the swift-flowing, crystal-clear water of the gentle rapids. The views are amazing and include steep canyon walls that at one point make a 180-degree turn. Tonight, you ll enjoy our farewell dinner and evening at Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge. DAY 9 Depart Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge Today, you ll bid a fond goodbye to the lodge team and the High Arctic. You may have time to take advantage of one last activity before you depart. In the late afternoon, you ll return to Yellowknife. Upon arrival in Yellowknife, you will be transferred to your included hotel. DAY 10 Depart Yellowknife After breakfast and boot return, you can make your way home at your leisure or spend some more time in the Yellowknife area. ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE: ADVENTURE AND WILDLIFE AT 74 N (10-DAY) EXPEDITION DOSSIER 4
Arrival & Departure Details Welcome! As you prepare for your journey, you may be interested to know the details of your arrival and departure. Since air transportation to and from your voyage is not included in the cost of your expedition, you will need to arrange flights from your home to the starting point, and home again from the finishing point. Quark Expeditions can assist you with booking air arrangements on an individual basis, or feel free to contact your preferred travel agent or airline. Here are the details for your expedition. Arrival Day and Embarkation ARRIVING IN YELLOWKNIFE Please be sure to arrive prior to 6 pm on Day 1 of your expedition. A free shuttle service will take you from the airport to the group hotel, which is listed on your final documents. On arrival at the hotel, once you have had a chance to settle in, you will make your way to Quark Expeditions meeting room, where you will collect your boots and parka, which you need for the following day s flight. Bring the luggage you are planning to travel with to the meeting room to have it weighed. A welcome briefing hosted by a Quark Expeditions representative will follow the boot and parka distribution. Please note: There is a strict luggage limit of 44 lbs (20 kg) checked luggage and 11 lbs (5 kg) cabin baggage on the flights between Yellowknife and Ennadai Lake, where the lodge is located. Should you have additional luggage, it can be stored at the hotel in Yellowknife. There is NO option to pay for additional luggage. FLYING TO ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE Your flight to the Arctic is expected to depart from Yellowknife to Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge on Day 2 of the itinerary, after breakfast. Although the scheduled flight time will be communicated at your welcome briefing, there is significant variability based on weather conditions. You should be prepared to depart the hotel for the airport on our group transfer at any time. CONTINGENCY PLAN In the unlikely event that the plane is unable to depart on the planned date of the charter flight, you will be provided accommodation in Yellowknife at Quark s expense, for one additional night only. All meals, room charges, and any other expenses are the responsibility of the guest. In the event of a charter flight delay longer than one day, all expenses, including additional accommodations and meals will be at the guest s expense. Guests already at Arctic Watch who are affected by a charter flight delay, will receive one night s accommodation in Yellowknife at Quark s expense on the day of arrival from Arctic Watch to Yellowknife. All other expenses related to a charter flight delay, including meals, room charges, and flight cancellation or rebooking fees, are the responsibility of the guest. Quark Expeditions will make every effort to ensure your program takes place, but due to weather conditions, flying in this region can be difficult and is beyond our control. Quark Expeditions will not offer passengers a refund in the event of a trip delay or cancellation due to the charter flight being unable to depart as planned. We strongly recommend that all expedition guests purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy including trip delay, cancellation and interruption insurance, in addition to the required medical coverage. Please note that international airfare may not be covered by insurance in the event of a cancellation. Please ask your Polar Travel Adviser about travel insurance. ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE: ADVENTURE AND WILDLIFE AT 74 N (10-DAY) EXPEDITION DOSSIER 5
Final Day and Departure FLYING FROM ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE On the final morning, you will have time after breakfast to bid farewell to your Expedition Team and camp mates before boarding the plane back to Yellowknife. The flight takes about two to three hours. DEPARTING FROM YELLOWKNIFE Upon arrival in Yellowknife, you will be transferred from the airport to your included post-expedition hotel for one final night. After breakfast the following morning, you will take the shuttle back to the airport for your homeward flights. Please note: Weather conditions can always delay our arrival, and airline schedule changes have also been known to occur. Booking flexible tickets is always encouraged, as we cannot be held responsible for delays due to unforeseen circumstances. Included Hotel Accommodations Your included accommodation begins on Day 1 of your itinerary, and the specific hotel(s) will be indicated on your final voyage confirmation. If you are arriving prior to Day 1 of your expedition or are staying after the disembarkation day, please contact your Polar Travel Adviser for hotel options. Since accommodation space is limited, you are encouraged to request any extra nights as early as possible. Arrival and Departure Transfers YELLOWKNIFE AIRPORT TRANSFERS Arrival and departure transfers in Yellowknife are provided by an airport shuttle bus that meets all flights. Please check your final documents for the name of your hotel. ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE: ADVENTURE AND WILDLIFE AT 74 N (10-DAY) EXPEDITION DOSSIER 6
Inclusions THIS ADVENTURE INCLUDES Daily accommodation All breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks at Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge All activities per the daily program, e.g., ATV, kayaking, rafting, photography, etc. Leadership throughout the expedition by our experienced Arctic Watch Team Formal and informal presentations by the Expedition Team and special guests as scheduled Waterproof expedition boots on loan Official Quark Expeditions parka to keep Coffee, tea, water and juice available around the clock (soft drinks and beer are not available) Comprehensive predeparture materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader All miscellaneous service taxes throughout the program All luggage handling at the charter terminal and at the lodge Emergency evacuation insurance to a maximum benefit of US$500,000 per person Complimentary WiFi (limited signal strength) PLEASE NOTE 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. Note: Baggage allowance on charter flights is 44 lbs (20 kg) checked and 11 lbs (5 kg) carry-on. THIS ADVENTURE EXCLUDES Mandatory transfer package* International airfare Passport and applicable visa expenses Canadian eta required for non-canadian or US visa-exempt passengers Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned above Meals outside the lodge, with the exception of breakfasts in Yellowknife Wine and spirits; Northwest Passage Wine and Spirit List is available for an additional cost Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance strongly recommended Excess-baggage fees on international flights Waterproof gear beyond the included parka Voluntary gratuity at the end of the expedition for staff Additional overnight accommodation Fee for fishing licence Additional expenses (meals, accommodation, international flight change fees, etc.) incurred by delay or cancellation of activities due to suboptimal weather *MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES Hotel shuttle transfers on arrival and departure between airport and hotel in Yellowknife One night s hotel accommodation in Yellowknife with breakfast Group transfer to and from charter flight to Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge Charter flight from Yellowknife to Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge (return) One night s hotel accommodation in Yellowknife with breakfast Package cost: $1,795 ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE: ADVENTURE AND WILDLIFE AT 74 N (10-DAY) EXPEDITION DOSSIER 7
Dates & Rates ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE Adventure and Wildlife at 74 N Dates Days Gateway Twin Single June 28 - July 7, 2018 10 Yellowknife $9,495 $14,195 July 5 - July 14,2018 10 Yellowknife $9,995 $14,995 July 27 - August 5,2018 10 Yellowknife $9,995 $14,995 August 3 - August 12,2018 10 Yellowknife $9,995 $14,995 Mandatory transfer package available for $1,795. All rates per person in USD. Canadian taxes of 2.5% for non-canadian residents will apply to all rates. Please note that the likelihood of seeing belugas early in the season is dependent on weather and ice conditions. CAN T SPEND 10 DAYS IN THE ARCTIC? Check out our 8-day departures on the next page! ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE: ADVENTURE AND WILDLIFE AT 74 N (10-DAY) EXPEDITION DOSSIER 8
Additional Dates & Rates ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE Adventure and Wildlife at 74 N Dates Days Start/End Twin Single July 12 - July 19, 2018 8 Yellowknife $7,495 $11,295 July 17 - July 24, 2018 8 Yellowknife $7,495 $11,295 July 22 - July 29, 2018 8 Yellowknife $7,495 $11,295 Mandatory transfer package available for $1,795. All rates per person in USD. Canadian taxes of 2.5% for non-canadian residents will apply to all rates. Please note that the likelihood of seeing belugas early in the season is dependent on weather and ice conditions. ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE: ADVENTURE AND WILDLIFE AT 74 N (10-DAY) EXPEDITION DOSSIER 9
Canada POSSIBLE HIGHLIGHTS AND WILDLIFE CUNNINGHAM INLET CAPE ANNE Every summer, this sheltered inlet is home to about 2,000 beluga whales who pass through the Cunningham River estuary, on the coast of Somerset Island, Nunavut. Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge is located within walking distance of this cluster of whale activity, and you will be able to view them socializing and enjoying the warmth of the river water. TRIPLE WATERFALLS A trip to Cape Anne includes seeing scenic vistas, icebergs, ancient Thule campsites and giant prehistoric whale bones. The Thule were a culture of bowhead whale hunters, ancestors of today s modern Inuit. The Cape Anne Thule site is the largest in the area and includes the remains of 15 stone and bone houses. YELLOWKNIFE A hike from the lodge brings you to a five-story torrent of free-falling water. Here, you can see nesting peregrine falcons and other birds such as loons, snow buntings, sandpipers and rough-legged hawks. MUSKOX RIDGE TRAIL The trail provides a scenic overview of the entire Cunningham River delta. Here, you will see an arctic fox den and will very likely encounter herds of muskoxen. INUKSHUK LAKE At Inukshuk Lake, located two hours from the lodge by ATV, you can fish for arctic char as part of the lodge s catch-andrelease program. FLATROCK FALLS Beautiful Yellowknife is a thriving community on the north shore of Great Slave Lake, featuring endless summer days and incredible arctic scenery. Originally a gold-mining town, Yellowknife has now reinvented itself as Canada s Diamond Capital, and is an interesting gateway to the expansive world of the North. Numerous opportunities abound for an active and unique vacation, including seeing the northern lights, or dogsledding or hiking on the Canadian Shield. IMPORTANT REMINDER Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy and excitement of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed. Here, you can view the Somerset Island canyons, formed as the result of shifting fault lines. Their most vertical walls vary in height from 200 to 1,000 feet (61 to 305 meters). Keep your eyes open for fossils of prehistoric plants and animals. GULL CANYON Named by Arctic Watch owners Richard Weber and Josée Auclair, Gull Canyon shows the striking biological contrasts between barren canyon and lush gull rookery. Last updated January 24, 2017 ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE: ADVENTURE AND WILDLIFE AT 74 N (10-DAY) EXPEDITION DOSSIER 10