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In the far north east of
Canada, much of it inside the Arctic Circle, is the recently
formed, Inuit self governed territory of Nunavut. It is a land
of towering mountain peaks, fjords, glaciers, icebergs, and
ice floes, with wildlife as dramatic and exciting as the
landscape. Here Inuit communities live a traditional lifestyle
of hunting and living from the land and sea, albeit aided by
some of the trappings of modern life. Here you will find
Nanook "The Great White Bear" in the ascendancy, lord of all
he surveys. Classified as a marine mammal he is as comfortable
in the water as he is on land, but is not alone in either
element.
On land he shares his kingdom with the Arctic Fox who depends
on the Polar Bear for much of its food and the shaggy and
indomitable Muskox. Then there is the Arctic Hare which ekes
out a precarious living as best it can, as does the Lemming.
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More southerly, mainland areas
are also home to Caribou, Wolves, and Barrenland Grizzly Bears.
The latter are increasingly being seen at more northerly
latitudes, alongside their larger cousins, perhaps evidence of
climate change.
The icy seas are home to the Bowhead Whale, the only large baleen
whale to spend the entire year in Arctic waters, and owner of the
largest mouth in the animal kingdom, and the Narwhal, the near
mythical unicorn of the sea. In the water or hauled out on
floating ice floes you will also find the mysterious and enigmatic
Walrus and the Polar Bear's preferred prey species: the Bearded
Seal, Hooded Seal, Harp Seal and Ring Seal.
The Arctic is much more than a wildlife destination however. Here
you can experience first hand a culture and lifestyle that has
persevered for thousands of years in one of the most extreme and
harsh environments on earth. Here you will also find some of the
most breathtaking and dramatic landscapes to be found anywhere on
the planet.
Let Bear Trails take you on an adventure of a lifetime to the
north coast of Baffin Island, 60 miles inside the Arctic Circle.
Here you will explore this magical land at the end of the earth,
by boat, motorised canoe, or snow machine (skidoo), accompanied by
expert Inuit guides. Watch in wonder as a Polar Bear swims
effortlessly beside your boat, or a pair of giant Bowhead Whales
mate on the surface nearby.
Understandably you won't find modern hotels and restaurants this
far north. What awaits those possessed of an adventurous spirit is
basic but comfortable accommodation, a warm welcome from your
Inuit hosts, and the experience of a lifetime in a pristine
wilderness landscape beyond most people's wildest imagination.
We can also arrange stopovers in Iqaluit, the fascinating capital
of Nunavut where you can immerse yourself in the culture, art, and
customs of the Inuit, as well as summer camping expeditions at the
Floe Edge, and expeditions to view and photograph Walrus, Muskox,
Caribou and Wolves elsewhere in Nunavut. All of these Arctic
adventures can also be combined with visits to our other exciting
Canadian destinations. |
