Beluga Camp

Encounter Beluga Whales, Fly Above Narwhals, and Discover the Arctic Wilderness

Jul 24 - 29

Located at 74° North, on the northern end of Somerset Island, the Arctic Watch Wilderness Camp is adjacent to the Cunningham River estuary, where beluga whales gather by the hundreds. You will spend six full days exploring this remote Arctic landscape and its rich and diverse wildlife, using the camp as your home base. You can tailor your time spent experiencing this remote haven by choosing your activity each day. The variety of options below include some more active and exploratory activities and others with a stronger focus on wildlife photography. The flexibility of splitting into smaller groups allows for excursions that fit your interests and maximize your time in nature. In the evenings, relax during informal lectures including the Northwest Passage and its history, Richard Weber’s recount of his unassisted journey to the North Pole in 1995, and Nansen Weber talking about wildlife photography or his work in this region and his experience with the local wildlife. For those who are adventurous, spend an evening taking the polar plunge challenge, a fun event to commemorate your time in this beautiful and pristine environment.

Due to the unpredictable weather patterns of the Arctic, specific activities cannot be guaranteed, so flexibility is paramount. We strive to achieve all the noted activities and to stay in nature as long as possible.

Cunningham River Estuary and Triple Waterfall
In the morning, get a quick introduction to the lodge’s ATV’s, and then go on a short walk to the Cunningham River estuary. Marvel as hundreds of beluga whales take shelter in the river mouth, only a few yards from shore. Observe these unique mammals socializing and hear their unique sounds they use to communicate. After lunch, you may hike to the five-story Triple Waterfall with opportunities to see nesting peregrine falcons, loons, snow buntings, sandpipers, and rough-legged hawks. On your way back to the lodge, you’ll cross a picturesque canyon with opportunities to see musk oxen wandering amongst beautiful Arctic flowers.

Musk Ox Ridge Trail and Inukshuk Lake
Travel by ATV across the river delta and up the Musk Ox Ridge Trail to get spectacular views of the entire area. Along the way, expect to see musk oxen as well as arctic fox with pups. Picnic at Inukshuk Lake, where we’ll provide fishing gear if you would like to try your hand catching and releasing arctic char. Return to the lodge via the River Trail and stop to explore the unique Arctic Hoodoos (giant sandstone formations).

Optional Scenic Flight to Prince Leopold Island (costs extra)
Depending on permits and weather conditions, board a charter flight to get an aerial view of the surrounding region. Search for rare and elusive narwhals and bowhead whales as you make your way to Prince Leopold Island. Located in Lancaster Sound, this island is home to Canada’s largest seabird colony, one of the most important in the Arctic. It is a Migratory Bird Sanctuary, and thanks to special permits, you will land on the island and explore the multi-species colonies. See thick-billed murre, northern fulmar, black-legged kittiwake, and black guillemot roosting in the tens of thousands! The plankton-rich waters surrounding the island also attract many mammal species such as beluga, bowhead whale, narwhal, walrus, ringed seal, bearded seal, and polar bear.

Sea Kayak and Kayak Falls
Spend the morning sea kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding in the Cunningham Inlet, where belugas are known to gather and interact with each other, offering a great spectacle to visitors. Make your way through pack ice, ringed seals, bearded seals, and the charismatic beluga whales. After lunch along the shoreline, hike to Kayak Falls, a small canyon with stunning views of the Northwest Passage and look for polar bears wandering the tundra.

Flatrock Falls and Gull Canyon
Travel to Flatrock Falls and either hike or truck to the mesmerizing unnamed canyons of Somerset Island. As you wander along these canyons that span up thousands of feet, look down in search of fossils that offer a glimpse into this unique region’s past. You will also have many opportunities to observe the nesting sites of terns, plovers, and snow geese. After lunch, travel to Gull Canyon to witness the contrast between the desolate landscape that surrounds you and hidden corners rich with wildlife gems.

Cape Anne and Red Valley
Take the ATVs to Cape Anne to visit 1,000-year-old Thule archaeological sites. The journey is very scenic, taking you past ancient Inuit campsites, and with the possibility of a polar bear foraging along the shoreline. After exploring, return to the lodge via the Red Valley, where you will feel humbled by the sheer magnitude of these remote Arctic landscapes.

Cunningham River Rafting Excursion
Board one of the Lodge’s Mercedes Unimog trucks and make your way to the launch site, roughly 13mi up the Cunningham River. You will hike the last three miles to the launch site, crossing the Badlands, where two 8,000-year-old bowhead whale skeletal remains are found, as well as musk oxen, snow geese, arctic fox, and much more! Once at the launch site, enjoy lunch as the gear is prepared for your journey back to the lodge. You can make your way down the river on a kayak, raft, or stand-up paddle board, or mountain bike along the river.

Morning exploration before flight to Yellowknife

Jul 30

Spend your last morning choosing from the many activities this region offers. In the afternoon, fly back to Yellowknife.

Depart homeward from Yellowknife

Jul 31