Our northern Baffin Island kayak trip takes place on the east coast of the Borden Peninsula at latitude 72° North. Here, along the western edge of Eclipse Sound, lies some of Arctic Canada's most spectacular landscapes, a region that offers some exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing, including 21 species of marine and land mammals, and 52 species of birds. This kayak trip goes right into the heart of narwhal country.

The trip begins on the shore of a a fjord-like arm of Eclipse Sound, 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the community of Pond Inlet. This is an area of steep headlands and river valleys laden with evidence of past cultures, a little-visited realm situated in full view of the majestic glaciers of Bylot Island, and neighboring Sirmilik, one of Canada's newest National Parks.

We will spend two weeks paddling 110 kilometers (65 miles) along the spectacular Baffin coastline, traveling initially eastward until we reach Milne Inlet, and then moving along the inlet southward into Koluktoo Bay. We will plan to move camp on most days - wind, ice, and weather permitting - paddling 3 to 5 hours a day, which allows us plenty of time for hiking amongst tundra meadowlands, exploring the open countryside and vast vistas, and observing wildlife, permafrost features and archeological sites.

The kayaker's pace allows for an intimate contact with both coastline and sea ice, those features which are so much a part of the Arctic experience. It also affords an unequaled situation for wildlife viewing. Gliding unobtrusively along, we are likely to encounter groups of migrating narwhal that have wintered in Davis Strait and have followed the retreating ice into Eclipse Sound. Large pods are occasionally seen scattered across long reaches of open water, with several whales rising at a time; in the mist of their warm breathing, the Arctic sun glistens on their black backs, and silvers their passing wake.

The window for traveling by kayak on Baffin Island is small, and in our experience, August is the month of choice for open sea ice conditions. The late evening and early morning sun accents the photographic potential, and at times the light pours in like butterscotch. Delicate woolly flowers are backlit, as are the outlying islands and the spray plume from the blows of narwhal swimming up the fjords.

The drama in this magnificent Arctic landscape, accented by the rich colors exposed in the terrain, will leave you awestruck and inspired to photograph, and our time on northern Baffin Island will be one of discovery and great beauty as we join the ranks of a select few who have traveled through this special area.

Highlights:

• Expedition follows the migration of narwhal, the tusked whale
• Expedition travels in full view of the majestic glaciers of Bylot Island and neighboring Sirmilik National Park
• Char fishing in Koluktoo Bay
• Dramatic arctic light for photography.
• Extraordinary silence and solitude.

How this trip makes a difference

Over the past 23 years, this operator has successfully guided active, self propelled wilderness adventures. We start our trips by supporting the local communities where we travel, from shopping for our supplies to lodging, and, whenever possible, hiring local guides. Once we are dropped off in the wilderness, we are walking, paddling or dogsledding across a landscape, noticing everything, but leaving nothing but footprints in our wake.

Every visitor traveling behind us will arrive feeling they are the first explorer to the area. Wildlife skulls, antlers, and artifacts are left as they were found. Rocks anchoring tents are returned their original resting place. The little garbage we generate is carried out with us. Fresh water sources are fiercely protected against contamination.

Our trip goals include educating and connecting people to nature and the outdoors through natural history based expeditions. We diligently promote cultural preservation and environmental awareness from our pre-departure information to our no trace practices in the field. As our guests explore the wonders of our world, we hope to help everyone gain new insights and perspectives on other cultures and environments as well as our own and foster a sense of our interconnectedness.

We consider running these trips our way of giving back to the environment as our guests return better educated and likely to vote or support these environments, their culture and wildlife.

Trip Details:

• 15-day trip begins and finishes in Pond Inlet, Nunavut.
• Trip includes transfers from Pond Inlet to expedition start and expedition finish
• Meals, kayaks, tents, satellite phone and safety gear are included