MIKE AND CAROL’S ULTIMATE ARCTIC EXPEDITION

November 07, 2018 | Arctic Canada

MIKE AND CAROL’S ULTIMATE ARCTIC EXPEDITION

Mike and Carol, guests to Arctic Watch and Arctic Haven, share photos from their Ultimate Arctic Expedition. Not only did they see wolves, belugas, muskoxen, foxes and more but they experienced what Weber Arctic is all about.

As an Arctic travel company with a professional photographer in the family, it takes no stretch of the imagination to say that we have some breathtaking images of the wildlife we encounter. While these images are often what draw visitors from around the world to our lodges in the Canadian Arctic, the authentic moments experienced by our guests are truly the heart and soul of our operation.

Countless years of experience has led to an intimate knowledge of the landscape, and our dedicated team brings a warm and inviting spirit to our lodges. But it is the images taken by our guests that truly speak to the genuine experiences had on a trip with Weber Arctic.

Mike and Carol left New Zealand on a summer-long adventure to Canada. Visiting the west-coast of British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies, the duo sought out a unique experience to complete their trip to Canada. Finding Weber Arctic, they booked at both Arctic Watch and Arctic Haven Wilderness Lodges. Their unfiltered photos showcase the diversity of the Arctic landscape and some of the incredible images our guests go home with to share with their friends and family.

Walking off the plane at Arctic Watch, Carol’s fire red hair poked out of her purple toque and she sported a small zoom camera which seemingly never left her neck. From beluga whales playing under the midnight sun to arctic wolves howling on the open tundra, their Arctic adventure captured everything we love about the far North. Reflecting on their trip to the Arctic Mike said: “In my head, I had a tick list of the things we wanted to see and do during our trip and we got to see everything.”

A day fondly remembered at Arctic Watch was a trip led by Josee where the group ventured out to Muskox Ridge. Leaving by ATV they crossed the braided river delta of the Cunningham River and began to climb the ridge when Josee spotted a small fox kit in the distance. Gathering her group, they watched as the family of four kits basked in the sunshine and explored the lush green mound of their den. Eventually pulling away from the curious little kits, they continued along in search of muskoxen. Finding three bulls, the group hiked downwind of the rugged prehistoric mammals and enjoyed some great wildlife viewing before the bulls slowly moved off. Another evening outing to observe the beluga whales in the mouth of Cunningham River capped off a full-day of Arctic adventure and wildlife sightseeing.

But not only did they have incredible and intimate experiences with some of the iconic animals found in this wild landscape, but they also became part of the Weber Arctic family. At the end of August, the Weber Arctic team shuts down Arctic Watch and travels to Arctic Haven. For Mike and Carol, reconnecting with familiar faces in an untamed and distant landscape and was a bonus. Carol remembers “Getting off the plane at Arctic Haven, everyone was there with warm smiles and waving into the plane window. We really loved that.”Sitting down with the couple on their last night at Arctic Haven, they spoke candidly about their experience as a whole. From the challenges caused by traveling in remote parts of the Arctic to the highlights of their trip, they flipped fondly through photos that will serve as memories of a lifetime.

For Carol, her most memorable day was at Arctic Haven. With zealous energy, she recounts taking off from the lodge in a helicopter, and the thrill of experiencing the landscape from above. From the window of the helicopter, they watch as countless caribou come into view, foraging on the open tundra. Landing the helicopter, Richard took the group hiking along a stunning esker cloaked in fall colours. Aware that a wolf den was nearby, he keenly watched the landscape. Without fanfare, an Arctic wolf walks confidently out of the trees, and emerges on the other side of the esker. Watching in awe, the group sat for what felt like hours as more wolves appeared and howled at each other from across the esker. To complete the day, the group spotted a barren ground grizzly bear out of the helicopter window and later that evening Mike and Carol experienced their first Northern Lights.

For us at Weber Arctic, these are the special moments that we strive for. And while every day in the Arctic is unique, the lasting memories are why we return year after year.

To discover the Arctic and appreciate its vast beauty, you need only an inclination for adventure and a genuine desire for experiences. Mike and Carol shared that outlook and their wonderful sense of awe and adventure made them an absolute pleasure to host. We hope our paths cross again soon!

Curious about their trip? Read about our Ultimate Arctic Expedition, learn more about our lodges or contact us directly! We love to hear from you.