Find Beluga Whales
Witness the seasonal home of hundreds of enchanting beluga whales in blue water.
Discover a remarkable icy wilderness from an extraordinary wilderness lodge in the remote Canadian Arctic, heading out on daily explorations in search of belugas on their annual migration.
This remarkable adventure brings migrating belugas to the fore while creating time for searching for musk ox and visiting ancient Thule campsites. From an impressive family-run lodge based 500 miles north of the Arctic Circle, where dramatic scenery abounds, look out for the polar bears that frequent the shoreline.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Arctic Charter Flight
Take a unique and memorable 1,000-mile charter flight over the Arctic Circle.
Arctic Watch Lodge
Stay in a world-renowned and family-run beluga whale observation site.
Remarkable Wildlife
Encounter rarely seen arctic wildlife including musk ox, polar bears and arctic fox.
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Day 1
Yellowknife
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Day 2
Yellowknife - Cunningham Inlet
Fly north by charter aircraft, seeing the landscape change from forested lakes to tiaga to tundra and the ice chocked Northwest Passage
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Days 3-8
Exploring the Somerset Island
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Day 9
Cunningham Inlet - Yellowknife
Return to Yellowknife by charter flight across the seemingly endless tundra
Day 1
Yellowknife
Begin your adventure in the far north with a night in remote Yellowknife.
Day 2
Yellowknife - Cunningham Inlet
Days 3-8
Exploring the Somerset Island
Stay in a world class beluga whale observation site and witness the seasonal home of hundreds of enchanting beluga whales. Explore on foot, by ATV, kayak, SUP or fatbike, looking for wildlife, learning about the ecosystems and visiting ancient Thule sites.
Day 9
Cunningham Inlet - Yellowknife
More Details
See the Beluga Migration
Observe vast numbers of enchanting belugas as they congregate in the warmer shallow waters of the Cunningham River estuary, which is extraordinarily close to the Arctic Watch Lodge. When not searching for these ghostly creatures, observe nesting peregrine falcons, loons, snow buntings, musk ox, ring and bearded seals.
Arctic Biking, Wild Kayaking & Remote Rafting
Bike through the immense landscapes of the Arctic and marvel at the tundra that comes alive during the short summer season. As tiny arctic flowers bloom and colour the otherwise barren landscape, raft along the clear waters of the Cunningham River and SUP or paddle a kayak into the bay.
Fly to Arctic Watch Lodge
Take a 1,000-mile charter flight to a remote family-run beluga whale observation site, located 500 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Its highly experienced owners Richard and Josee have respectively walked to the North Pole more times than anyone and led numerous womens’ expeditions to both Poles. Their children, now expert guides at the lodge, both grew up amongst Inuit families and made their first foray to the Arctic at just weeks old.
ATV to Remote Locations
Drive all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) across the Cunningham River delta and along the Muskox Ridge Trail, looking out for musk ox and Arctic fox en route. Take the vehicles to Cape Anne to see where the ancient Thule lived, the bowhead whale hunters that are ancestors of today’s modern Inuit.
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From $14,648 Per person
When to travel
Canada in January
January is an undoubtedly cold time of year in Canada, with temperatures reaching negative daily. However, visiting during this time can be a good chance to avoid the overwhelming busy times of the festive season and school holidays.
Canada in February
Winter in Canada offers an array of sporting and cultural events both indoors and out. Banff, Whistler and Jasper offer phenomenal ski resorts or perhaps be a spectator of an ice hockey match, arguably the country’s favourite sport.
Canada in March
While March can be a good off-peak time to visit, it is worth being prepared for drastic weather changes. However, this also means lower costs and fewer crowds. The mountains are still open for the ski season and cities are ideal as they are fewer tourists.
Canada in April
April marks the start of spring across Canada, a time to avoid crowds and discover all that the country has to offer with comfortable temperatures on average.
Canada in May
May is a favourable time to visit Canada, with temperatures rising, avoiding school holidays and off-peak rates.
Canada in June
For many travellers, June is the ideal time to visit Canada. Just before peak season, the weather is favourable and most of the trails and seasonal activities will have opened.
Canada in July
Summer in Canada calls for longer days to explore the natural beauty that awaits outdoors whether it’s hiking, fishing or camping. Temperatures average around 25, making cities quite warm but head into the wilderness or by the coast and enjoy the open air.
Canada in August
Summer is considered the peak season with warm temperatures and all attractions open. It is worth noting this time of year can be quite busy as it is school holidays.
Canada in September
As autumn rolls in and temperatures lower, September is a great time to avoid massive crowds and experience all that the country has to offer in comfortable weather. September is also the beginning of the salmon run, a peak time to see the bears fishing.
Canada in October
Temperatures continue to drop in October, also bringing cloudy days and rain. The autumn foliage is in full bloom across the countryside. This can also be a good time to take advantage of off-peak rates, however, it is worth bearing in mind that the weather can vary and some coastal towns will have started to close for the season.
Canada in November
November is a good time of year to visit the cities of Canada. It is too late to view the foliage and a bit too early to skiing yet, but a good time to explore cities across the country, in temperatures averaging 5 degrees.
Canada in December
The build-up to the festive season is in full swing across the country. Snow may have already started, making the perfect scene for ice skating and markets.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
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