ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE Adventure and Wildlife at 74°N
ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE
Adventure and Wildlife at 74°N
This land-based itinerary brings together a host of active Arctic
experiences that put you in the thick of the action. Recreational
fun includes ATVing, kayaking, rafting and fishing. Encounter
elusive wildlife—polar bears, muskoxen, foxes, rare birds and
more. Visit the Cunningham River estuary, the seasonal home to
hundreds of beluga whales, as well as the fascinating Thule sites
at Cape Anne.
The Trip Overview EXPEDITION IN BRIEF
Encounter rarely seen and iconic arctic wildlife and their habitats: polar bears, muskoxen, ringed seals, bird cliffs, fox dens and much 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
Enjoy unique photography opportunities
Sample ItineraryThe 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.
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
Itinerary
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.
DAY 3 | ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE, SOMERSET ISLAND, NUNAVUT
After a hot breakfast, a typical first
morning at the lodge may include
Flight from and to Somerset Island
ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGEAdventure and Wildlife at 74°N
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 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
IMPORTANT REMINDEREmbracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow 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.
skeletal remains of arctic fauna, and a
collection of traditional Inuit clothing
from Canada, Greenland and Siberia.
DAY 4 | 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 5 | 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 6 | 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 7 & 8 (If you choose the 10-day itinerary)
DAY 7 | 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 8 | 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 7 | DEPART ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE (or day 9 of 10-day itinerary)
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 8 | DEPART YELLOWKNIFE(or day 10 of 10-day itinerary)
After breakfast and boot return, you
can make your way home at your
leisure or spend some more time in
the Yellowknife area.
Included ActivitiesHIKING
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.
Adventure Options
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.
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.
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.
Paid ActivitiesBEECHEY ISLAND
Take your expedition to the next level with a spectacular fly-in excursion to historic
Beechey Island! This option is offered on 10-day itineraries only, is subject to
availability and fills up quickly, so be sure to book yours early. Please note that Paid
Activities are weather dependent.
Departing Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge 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.
As you prepare for your journey, you
may be interested to know the details
of your arrival and departure. You will
need to arrange flights from your home
to Yellowknife, and back home again.
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 EmbarkationARRIVING 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.
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.
Arrival & Departure Details
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 Somerset Island, 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.
PLEASE NOTEWeather 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.
Final Day and DepartureFLYING 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.
Included Hotel AccommodationsYour 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 TransfersYELLOWKNIFE 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.
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.
YOUR ARCTIC WATCH ADVENTURE INCLUDES• Daily accommodation
• All breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacksat Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge
• All activities per the daily program, e.g.,ATV, kayaking, rafting, photography, etc.
• Leadership throughout the expedition byour experienced Arctic Watch Team
• Formal and informal presentations by theExpedition Team and special guests asscheduled
• Waterproof expedition boots on loan
• Official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
• Coffee, tea, water and juice availablearound the clock (soft drinks are notavailable)
• All miscellaneous service taxes throughoutthe program
• All luggage handling at the charterterminal and at the lodge
• Emergency evacuation insurance to amaximum benefit of US$500,000 perperson
• Complimentary WiFi (limited signalstrength)
Inclusions
*MANDATORY TRANSFERPACKAGE INCLUDES• Hotel shuttle transfers on arrival and
departure between airport and hotelin Yellowknife
• One night’s pre- and post-expeditionhotel accommodation in Yellowknifewith breakfast
• Group transfer to and fromcharter flight to Arctic WatchWilderness Lodge
• Charter flight from Yellowknifeto Arctic Watch WildernessLodge (return)
PACKAGE COST: $1,895
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.
THIS ADVENTURE EXCLUDES• Mandatory transfer package*
• International airfare
• Passport and applicable visa expenses
• Government arrival and departure taxesnot mentioned above
• Canadian eTA required for non-Canadian or US visa-exempt passengers
• Meals outside the lodge, with theexception of breakfasts in Yellowknife
• Wine, select draft beer, and spirits;Northwest Passage Wine and Spirit Listis available for an additional cost
• Baggage, cancellation, interruption andmedical travel insurance—stronglyrecommended
• Excess-baggage fees on internationalflights
• Waterproof gear beyond the includedparka
• Voluntary gratuity at the end of theexpedition for staff
• Additional overnight accommodation
• Fee for fishing licence
• Additional expenses (meals,accommodation, international flightchange fees, etc.) incurred by delayor cancellation of activities due tosuboptimal weather
Dates Days Gateway Twin Single
ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE ADVENTURE AND WILDLIFE AT 74°N | 8-DAY
JUN 29 – JUL 6, 2019 8 Yellowknife $7,495 $11,295
JUL 18 – JUL 25, 2019 8 Yellowknife $7,695 $11,495
JUL 23 – JUL 30, 2019 8 Yellowknife $7,695 $11,495
Dates Days Gateway Twin Single
ARCTIC WATCH WILDERNESS LODGE ADVENTURE AND WILDLIFE AT 74°N | 10-DAY
JUL 4 – JUL 13, 2019 10 Yellowknife $10,295 $15,495
JUL 11 – JUL 20, 2019 10 Yellowknife $10,295 $15,495
JUL 28 – AUG 6, 2019 10 Yellowknife $10,295 $15,495
AUG 4 – AUG 13, 2019 10 Yellowknife $10,295 $15,495
Dates & Rates
*Mandatory transfer package available for $1,895. All rates per person in USD.Prices exclude 5% Canadian GST. Please note that the likelihood of seeing belugas earlyin the season is dependent on weather and ice conditions.