Duration
5 days
Activities
  • Guided Day Hike
  • Cultural Discovery
Accommodation
  • 3 nights basic twin share lodging
  • 1 night full-service Iqaluit hotel
Meals
  • 3 Dinners
  • 3 Lunches
  • 3 Breakfasts

Price

$USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

Trip Code: SOG6503

Overview

Trip highlights


  • Immerse yourself in remote Nunavut communities
  • Sample Inuit delicacies and partake in a qullliq ceremony
  • Feel dwarfed by the landscape on a day hike in Auyuittuq National Park
  • Take a boat ride deep into Pangnirtung Fiord
  • Visit an historic whaling station at Kekerten Island Territorial Park
  • Watch for arctic fox, hare, seals, polar bears, bowhead whales, and icebergs
  • Engage with locals and artisans of Iqaluit and Pangnirtung

Friendly people, awe-inspiring scenery, authentic community engagement, magnificent icebergs, and arctic adventure await on this comprehensive Baffin Island itinerary. After a quick tour and stay in the small territorial capital of Iqaluit, we take a jaw-dropping flight farther north to the Inuit hamlet of Pangnirtung, the southern gateway to incredible Auyuittuq ('ow-you-we-took') National Park. One of the most welcoming communities in Nunavut, 'Pang' (as it is affectionately called), offers a rich cultural experience and is known world-wide for its impressive art, tapestry, and print-making. We spend three nights, using simple accommodation in Pang as our base and we spend the days venturing deep into the heart of the arctic landscapes. In Auyuittuq, we discover by foot an 'end-of-the-earth' destination sought out by climbers and intrepid hikers from around the world, with dramatic granite peaks jutting out of the colourful yet barren tundra, and glacial water running between mountains with powerful names like 'Thor' and 'Odin'. The park is accessed via an incredible 1-hour boat ride through Pangnirtung Fiord, and we get out on the water again when we take a day tour with an Inuit guide to Kekerten Island Territorial Park. We visit the island's old whaling station and its carefully-preserved artifacts from the late 19th century, travelling through a part of history that is kept alive by a just a few elders in the nearby community. Watch out for seals, polar bears, bowhead whales and icebergs as we explore the Arctic waters of Cumberland Sound.

Activities:
Grading:
2

More info about grading system


After a three-hour flight from Ottawa (not included in base trip price - see trip notes for pricing), one of our guides will meet you at the Iqaluit airport for a transfer to the group hotel. There is time to grab a light snack before we gather this afternoon and explore the capital of Nunavut. Up first, a perfect introduction to this land by a welcoming Nunavummiuq (resident of Nunavut) as your guide. Engage with your friendly host, discovering insights into daily life in this unique Inuit community. Uncover fascinating local history as you tour the streets, from the settlement of Frobisher Bay, to the official formation of Nunavut, to the present day. This excursion is tailored to the group's interests; perhaps we'll stop at Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre or Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, or visit boutique shops to peruse wares crafted by Nunavut's many artists. Once back at the hotel, we highly suggest that you visit one of Iqaluit's great local restaurants, and ask if arctic char or caribou is on the menu. Overnight full-service, centrally-located hotel (or B&B option).

Meals:  Nil

This morning, we head back to the airport for a scenic 60 minute flight to Pangnirtung, Iqaluit's neighbour to the north. While flying over Cumberland Sound, enjoy the stunning view of the mountains of Auyuittuq National Park. “Pang’’ is known worldwide for the impressive quality of its art, tapestry and print making. You can’t go to Pang and not fall in love with a piece of art. Our first day will be spent exploring the community, in the company of local guides who will take us through the town as we discover its history and charms. We visit the Angmarlik Visitor Centre, the Uqqurmiut Arts Centre (internationally renowned shop and artists' studio), the old Hudson Bay Trading Post and Whaling Station, meeting smiling children and openhearted elders along the way. A highlight today will joining an Inuit elder for a qulliq ceremony, where we drink tea and eat traditionally-prepared palaugaaq (bannock). The next three nights will be spent at the Auyuittuq Lodge, a small locally-run hotel with comfortable but very basic facilities. Since we will be in Pang at the busiest time of year, please expect to have to share a room (with your travel companion or another same-sex solo group member).

Meals:  L,D

Today is the day of adventure! Awaiting us is an incredible day of exploring the fjord by boat and hiking amongst Auyuittuq's magnificent peaks and glaciers. After a good night's sleep and breakfast, we head to the Parks Canada office for a safety briefing by the park wardens. As we watch a video on polar bear safety, our guide will take care of a few last-minute details of group registration. Wait until you see the view from the deck between the Parks office and the Visitor Centre - And this is just the beginning! You will then meet Peter, our long-term Pangniqutuumiuq friend and the captain of the boat that takes us to the southern entrance of the park. On the one-hour boat ride through Pangnirtung Fjord, feel free to ask Peter stories of how he personally participated in the formation of Nunavut. He's not your average boat captain. As soon as we land, we'll get into hiking mode, as our goal is to cover a few kilometres before setting up a temporary shelter and enjoying lunch in the 'land that never melts'. This is sure to be a picnic you will never forget, amongst colourful Arctic tundra, where peaks are named after powerful Norse gods. A day’s hike within the park boundaries will take us through boulder fields, tundra and moraines, with high peaks and glaciers dotting the land along the way. By the end of the afternoon, we are back in the boat with Peter for the ride back to Pang. Perhaps we'll spot some seals and whales along the way! We spend the evening and night back at the lodge.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is a boating day. Be sure to keep your warm clothing handy, as the boat ride can be cold sometimes. Peter will take us to Kekerten Island Territorial Park for a day visit. There, you can see the remains of an old whaling station that was at its busiest in the 1870s. To this day, the artifacts are carefully-preserved. This guided tour will take you through a part of history that is kept alive by a few elders in the village. The remnants of historical whaling activity, icebergs and wildlife of Kekerten will fascinate you. Keep an eye on the water as we travel, as we may be lucky and spot a Bowhead whale on our journey. We spend one final evening and meal together in the friendly community of Pang before settling in for the night.

Meals:  B,L,D

Our last few hours in Pangnirtung will be spent relaxing, taking one last picture of the impressive Pang Fiord, and perhaps doing some last-minute shopping at the Uqqurmiut Centre. If you fall in love with a piece of local art, the centre's staff will help you pack it make it travel-proof. This is also the place to buy the famous 'Pang Hat', a colourful, tasseled hat, hand-crocheted by Pangnirtung Inuit women working in their own homes. Two options are available for your departing flights: Connect directly through Iqaluit to Ottawa or Montreal, or stay an extra night in Iqaluit (not included). Those wishing to stay the extra night will be on their own to enjoy the territorial capital.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • Certified, bilingual guide with Advance Wilderness First Aid
  • 3 nights twin share/double basic lodge
  • 1 night full-service hotel in Iqaluit (twin share)
  • 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
  • National Park fees and permits
  • Emergency communications & group safety equipment
  • Reservation services for group flights from Ottawa or Montreal to Iqaluit and Pangnirtung
  • Return flights from Iqaluit, NU to Pangnirtung, NU
  • Ground transportation to/from Iqaluit Airport
  • Boat charter between Pang, Auyuittuq NP, and Kekerten (Return)

  • Group Flights necessary to undertake the journey, these are at additional cost
  • Accommodation in Iqaluit on Day 5
  • Meals in Iqaluit
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Applicable taxes

About Your Leader

Our certified wilderness guides possess years of experience living and guiding in Nunavut. They have an in-depth knowledge of the Arctic, Inuit culture, traditional ancestral knowledge, and sound understanding of the Inuktitut language.


Suitability

2

Adventure tours may visit remote areas where facilities are often basic. Adventure tours will sometimes involve long journeys and rough roads. Sightseeing and day walks may involve up to 5 hours of physical activity. The most physically demanding part of this adventure is the day hike in Auyuittuq Park. The hike is not technical and there is no altitude to consider, however there is no trail and the terrain offers other challenges such as 'spongy', wet marshlands, rock-hopping/unstable footing, and most notably glacier river crossings (with knee-level water). The weather conditions add another element, as snow is possible any time of year and wind is a certainty. To enjoy this style of adventure we suggest you are reasonably fit, healthy, have a moderately active lifestyle, a positive attitude and a sense of adventure. Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.


Departure dates


Notes

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Priceper person from

$USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

Options & Supplements*
  • Mandatory Flights To/From IqaluitUSD$1620
* Prices listed are per person. All prices subject to applicable taxes.

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Our Expertise

Everyone who works with us, from our office staff, ground staff and guides is the ‘’real deal’’. Our team is comprised of actual hikers and cyclists who have explored or live in the region in which you will be travelling. Our entire network is highly-specialised in active travel.

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Quality services at the best price make our adventures great value for money. Having essential items included like National Park fees, charming accommodations, most meals, bikes for cycling trips, maps and support for peace of mind. Our inclusions allow you to better budget for your big adventure.

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