Overview Itinerary Preparing For Your Trip

Arctic Watch Discovery Experience

800 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. Home to polar bears, muskoxen, arctic foxes and a world-class beluga whale nursery, Arctic Watch is an unparalleled destination for the adventurous. From wildlife photography to biking and hiking on the frozen Arctic ocean and tundra or sea kayaking alongside beluga whales, we offer fully guided excursions in Canada’s far north. Our wilderness lodge is situated on the historic Northwest Passage and is the most northerly fly-in lodge in the world. Gourmet meals and comfortable accommodation at 74° north makes Arctic Watch a unique adventure for those seeking an experience of a lifetime.

Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge is located on Somerset Island, Nunavut. Situated on the banks of the Cunningham River, where one of the largest beluga congregations in the world occurs, Arctic Watch is an off-the-grid basecamp built to withstand arctic weather. Normal daytime temperatures range from 6° to 14°C, and warm days can go as high as 21°C.

Wildlife/Nature Sightseeing; Fishing; Hiking & Walking; Water Sports; Cycling & ATVs

To discover more about what to expect, we recommend reading our blogs.

Previously, travel to the High Arctic required a tent on the tundra. The construction of Arctic Watch in 1992 radically changed this - and now both our locations set a high standard for guest accommodation and comfort in Nunavut. In addition to the main complex, there are 16 private guest cabins, each equipped with a marine toilet and sink. Due to the extremely sensitive natural environment showers are located in the main complex.

All culinary experiences are provided and prepared on-site from the finest ingredients in the Arctic. Our talented chefs bake breads, make yogurts, ice creams and other delights to satisfy you at breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you’re not out exploring the land or on the water, it’s all about great Canadian cuisine. Experience gourmet fare inspired by every province from locally sourced arctic char and Alberta Organic Beef to Okanagan Valley wines and more.

Arctic Watch - 16 private cabins
Small group focus - Average of 1:1.5 Staff/Guest Ratio
Common area with Lounge, Espresso Bar & Archeological Centre
Kayaks - sea & river
Paddle boards & River rafts
ATVs
Electric Mountain bikes
Unimogs

Cancellation Policy

Any cancellations before 180 days prior to the departure date will receive a full refund less a $750 administration fee, per person. Any cancellations after that are not eligible for a refund.

To ensure a stress-free adventure, we recommend guests purchase travel insurance prior to visiting the Arctic.

For guests wishing to donate, a $500 conservation fee will be charged to each visitor to Arctic Watch. The fee directly supports our foundation's conservation work.

As per Canadian Law, all quoted rates are GST applicable at 5%. Prices are in Canadian currency.

Notice, as per regulatory requirements: This website describes activities carried out under licenses pursuant to the Tourism Act. Weber presently is seeking license renewals to conduct licensed activities for the 2024 season. During the ongoing licensing process, Weber does not hold an active outfitter’s license or tourist establishment license pursuant to the Tourism Act. By using this website you agree and understand that Weber is not a current license-holder and is not offering services requiring such licenses, pending their issuance. We are proud to have operated for the past twenty plus years in Nunavut.

Itinerary

Arrival Instructions

All adventures to Arctic Watch include accommodation in Yellowknife the nights before and after at the Explorer Hotel. Guests arrive into Yellowknife the day before the private charter departs for Arctic Watch.

Day 1

Fly to Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories and spend the night at the Explorer Hotel.

Day 2

After breakfast, depart Yellowknife on a private charter for the 3-hour flight to Arctic Watch. Guests will land in the Arctic later that afternoon. After an introduction to the lodge and the surrounding landscape by the Arctic Watch team, guests will have time to settle into their cabins. Before dinner is served, a short hike up to the local mountain is offered; breathtaking views of the Northwest Passage and ice formations on the Arctic ocean.

Day 3

ATVs are our most practical form of transportation to cover long distances on the tundra. Attend a hands-on introduction to all-terrain vehicles followed by a short drive to the Cunningham Estuary to watch beluga whales. Archaeological sites and artifacts dating to Viking contact can be seen along Somerset’s coastline. Enjoy a delicious lunch buffet back at the lodge before departing for a short afternoon hike to the Triple Waterfalls. This short 5km roundtrip hike gives you an introduction to the plants and animals that live in the area. Encounters with muskox are common.

Day 4

Travel by ATV across the Cunningham River delta, to Muskox Ridge. This scenic trail provides spectacular views of the area and is a great vantage point from which to see muskoxen and arctic foxes. From the high ridge, hike down into one of the many depressions where muskoxen often spend the summer months foraging. After a picnic lunch at Inukshuk Lake, fishing gear will be supplied to catch-and-release arctic char. Head back to the lodge along the River Trail keeping an eye out for birds such as snowy owls, jaegers, rough-legged hawks and more. After dinner, an informal lecture by Richard Weber on his North Pole expeditions - highlighting his historic (and unrepeated) 1995 unassisted journey -will be offered.

A human powered option is also offered for guests - use electric bikes to explore the tundra with your guide.

Day 5

Sea kayak the gin-clear water of Cunningham Inlet while enjoying views of Gifford Point in the distance. Watch for beluga whales passing by your boat as they travel between the open water of the Northwest Passage and the mouth of the Cunningham River. Hop out on the other side of the inlet at Kayak Falls with stunning views of the Northwest Passage, and (with luck!) spot polar bear. After dinner, an informal lecture by Nansen Weber on wildlife photography will be offered.

Day 6

Travel by Mercedes Unimog to the east side of Cunningham Inlet where a number of unnamed canyons offer great hiking opportunities. The afternoon will be spent at the estuary to watch the beluga whales play in the freshwater as it spills into the Arctic Ocean. Packing into the turquoise waters of the sheltered bay, they can be seen splashing and gurgling as they rub themselves on the river stones. This particular spot is renowned because of the density of the whale population and their proximity to the shore.

If you've pre-booked the optional add-on use of our helicopter, take flight over the Northwest Passage coastline to soak in the incredible landscapes of the Arctic. Our helicopter is used to augment the range our daily excursions - be it heli-hiking the coastline of the Northwest Passage, heading to specifics areas of Somerset to hike and track wildlife or to simply soak up the incredible views of true Arctic wilderness. See more on our helicopter here.

Day 7

Enjoy the views of the Northwest Passage from passenger seat of the four-seater all terrain vehicles. Driving along the west shore of the inlet, stop at historic 1,000 year-old Thule sites situated along the coast and learn more about the rich history of the area. Turning west at Polar Bear Point, look for wildlife as we drive along the Northwest Passage. A short hike to Nansen’s ridge offers incredible views across the passage and showcases the characteristic Arctic landscape.

Day 8

Climb into the all-terrain Mercedes Unimog truck and head to the raft put-in on the Cunningham River. Hike the last stretch through the Badlands, a unique landscape with ancient 8,000-year-old bowhead whale skeletons exposed on the tundra. The area is inhabited by muskox, snow geese and arctic foxes. Savour a picnic lunch by the river as the team prepares the rafts, kayaks and/or standup paddle-boards for the two to three hour return to Arctic Watch. Leisurely paddle as the river narrows into a towering canyon, eventually opening up again into the braided flats in front of the lodge. Upon the return, it’s the final dinner of the adventure. In the evening take the polar plunge!

Day 9

By now, guests are familiar with the area, and can opt to do an activity that they missed during the week or would like to repeat. There’s lots of time before the flight departs in the late afternoon. Upon arriving in Yellowknife you will spend the night at the Explorer Hotel before your return flight home.

Day 10

Depart Yellowknife for the return flight home.

In the wild and unpredictable Arctic the weather patterns and wildlife can disrupt even the best-laid plans. Therefore all of our itineraries are marked as ‘suggested’. Daily excursions are planned based on guest desires, abilities and interests as well as daily wildlife and weather conditions.

Preparing For Your Trip

In the wild and unpredictable Arctic, weather patterns and wildlife can disrupt even the best-laid plans. All of our itineraries are ‘suggested’– we strive to ensure your visit to Arctic Watch is a trip of a lifetime. Each day’s activities take into consideration the dynamic environment we operate within, your interests, and may not always reflect the suggested itinerary outlined below.

Travel Recommendations & Notes

Read and understand our waiver here.

Read and understand our 2023 trip preparation manual here.

All travellers must purchase travel insurance - even Canadian guests. We recommend trip interruption, cancellation and health insurance that includes air ambulance. If an air ambulance is required to Yellowknife, Iqaluit or Ottawa, all non-Nunavut residents are responsible for the cost.

Baggage allowance on the charter flight from Yellowknife to Arctic Watch is 20 kg per person, including carry-on. If you have additional gear that will exceed the weight limit please let us know in advance.

Gear List

Neoprene Boots - A comfortable update to the traditional rubber boot with neoprene uppers and a neoprene/polyurethane foot. The best brand is Muck Boots - muckbootcompany.com.
Hiking/Walking Boots - Sturdy, waterproof/water-resistant leather lightweight boots are nice to have, but if happy with the Muck boots, these are not needed.
Light Winter Jacket/Raincoat - In the cooler evenings, a warm jacket is a must.
Comfortable Hiking Pants - Pack a couple pairs of quick dry pants made from tightly woven, wind-resistant material. No cotton or silk content.
Long Underwear - A couple sets of long underwear made from synthetic or wool - no cotton or silk content.
Day Pack - You’ll need a day pack to carry cameras and extra clothing on your excursions. We recommend Osprey Backpacks. Waterproof/water resistant storage compartments are a must for water sports.
Personal Items - Toiletries, cameras, sunglasses, extra glasses/contacts or any other items you might require.
Fishing - We have gear, but if you prefer your own - bring it.
Rain Pants - This item is primarily for protection against the wind while on the ATVs. Ensure your pants are waterproof and seam-sealed.
Lodge Shoes - Light, comfortable shoes to wear in the lodge are useful. We will supply guests with lodge shoes.
Fleece Jacket - A fleece jacket is another necessity as an extra layer under your raincoat, for warmer days, or just to wear around the lodge.
Hat - A wool toque or fleece hat. Any cap really that is made from a material that dries easily.
Gloves - Wind-resistant gloves/mittens for cold days or the ATV excursions.
Socks - Several pairs of good wool or wool-synthetic socks are a must. No cotton or silk content. Arctic Watch has Smartwool socks available for purchase if needed.
Sunscreen - The summer sun in the Arctic is extremely strong - not to mention it shines almost 24 hours a day. So pack sunscreen.
Binoculars - Great for spotting wildlife. We recommend Swarovski Optiks.
Arctic Watch has gear available for use on specific excursions: ATV helmets, fishing gear, paddling dry jackets and pants, life jackets, and more.

Staff Gratuities/Tip: If you wish to leave a tip to the team after your stay, it is greatly appreciated. Gratuities are split evenly amongst the staff members. We don't make suggestions - every culture has different expectations surrounding tips. Guests will (on average) leave about 10% of the value of their trip.