24/7: (877) 691-4488, +1 (626) 539-7506, Skype : Support.adventurelink.com

Deals

Destinations

Activities

Type of Traveller

Blog

HIGHLIGHTS

A quick look about this trip!

DURATION

15 DAYS

COMFORT

STYLE

LANGUAGE

RATING

Challenging, expert-level trekking over a rugged, ice-free route
Guided by Arctic biologists and seasoned naturalist guides
Two nights hotel; 12 nights wilderness camping in tents

ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP

Primary:

Hiking, Wildlife, Camping, Trekking

$10590USD

Prices vary by date. Make sure to pick your departure date.

Available Dates:

Available Spaces:

8 SPOTS AVAILABLE

Ready to book? Want more info?

Call Us

Email Us

Chat with Us

You can also talk to an expert or book online:

BOOK ONLINE NOW

ONGOING PROMOTIONS

"Get 5% off when you book with AdventureLink before May 31st, 2012!"

SAVE 5%

Applies to Departures Between:

4/25/2012 and 1/1/2013

Promotion lasts :

From 4/25/2012 To 6/1/2012

TRIP MAP

See the locations you'll visit!

Canadian Arctic: Ellesmere Island Traverse

SAVE FOR LATER

SEND TRIP TO A FRIEND

Pin It

TRIP OVERVIEW
TRIP ITINERARY
NUTS & BOLTS

Located less than 700 miles from the North Pole, this remarkable route was discovered some 4,000 years ago by ancient ancestors of the Inuit who migrated from the Bering Sea to Greenland. The passage is literally straddled by glaciers; it forms the only break in an expanse of polar ice caps stretching over hundreds of miles.

Our expedition follows old musk ox and caribou trails from tidewater on the western slope up over the height of land to the stunning fjordland of the east coast. An arresting vista unfolds en route, with great glaciers pouring into the pass directly off neighboring icecaps. Where the ice meets jutting headlands and deep fjords, we may see glaciers calve into the sea, birthing rafts of floating icebergs.

Scattered herds of musk oxen roam and graze on tundra grasslands at the foot of the glaciers, while Arctic hare stretch up on their hind legs for a better view as we pass by. Tundra-nesting shorebirds, jaegers and red-throated loons are just some of the bird life we encounter, and with luck we may glimpse an Arctic wolf or stumble across an endangered Peary caribou feeding on carpets of purple saxifrage. Here in this unusual polar desert that enjoys dry, mild summers, the tundra bursts into life for a few short months each year, gracing the glacial valleys verdant with sedges, willows and bright Arctic poppies.

An added bonus on this trip is that we have a re-supply at our midway point, greatly reducing the amount of weight in provisions that we must carry with us. The drama of this rugged High Arctic landscape leaves its rare visitors awestruck. Inspired to photograph, observe and explore "the land that never melts," we return home with indelible memories of an unparalleled wilderness immersion.

Physical Activities: This trip is rated Expert. We will be trekking across a harsh northern landscape with no defined trails. In some places, frost heaves have created hummocky ground that can make walking somewhat awkward. There will be fields of boulders and scree to negotiate, as well as river crossings. Ellesmere rivers respond to the degree of snow melt on the glaciers during the high-temperature point of the day, which means that on a warm day rivers can run fast and deep. Timing and route-finding are critical here, and our guides’ judgment and experience in making these crossings is indispensable.

Participants on this adventure must be in good physical condition. On transit days we will break camp, load our packs and move to a new site. We expect to hike between six and eight miles on such days, and hiking times are expected to range from six to eight hours (which includes breaks). You must be capable of carrying a loaded backpack over rough terrain. Each participant can expect to receive about 20 pounds of group gear in the beginning, which will gradually decrease in weight as we use up our food and fuel. Therefore, the total weight of your pack depends on how much personal gear you bring. If you stick to the equipment list we will supply, your pack should weigh about 40 to 50 pounds.

In order to fully explore the area and to provide rest and relaxation between our backpacking days, we will set up a base camp at Sverdrup Pass for more than one night. The midnight sun allows us to lose track of time completely, its golden glow and ambient warmth providing wonderful enhancement for photography and exploration. We’ll also have the benefit of a midway re-supply en route, greatly reducing the amount of weight in provisions that we need to carry with us.

The individual and collective success of this trek depends upon each applicant assessing his or her own abilities to participate in a trip of this nature. If you have any questions or doubts about your suitability for this trip, please give us a call to discuss it further.

Day 1: Fly to Resolute Bay, Nunavut, Canada

The group flies north from Ottawa to Resolute Bay. Overnight Resolute Bay.

Day 2: Fly from Resolute Bay to Ellesmere Island

Weather, pilot hours and aircraft permitting, we board a chartered Twin Otter plane for a three-hour flight to our dropoff site on the west coast of Ellesmere Island.

Days 3-13: Traverse Ellesmere Island on Foot

Our expedition follows old musk oxen and caribou trails from tidewater on the western slope up and over Sverdrup Pass to the stunning fjordland of the east coast. The distance traveled is such that we can afford to camp in several sites for more than one night, allowing ample opportunity to explore without our backpacks. We'll also have the benefit of a re-supply at our midway point en route, greatly reducing the amount of weight in provisions that we need to carry with us. Throughout the course of the trip our expert guides will provide informal commentary on the flora, geology, birdlife, geographical features and history of the High Arctic.

Day 14: Return flight to Resolute Bay

Weather permitting, our group will be picked up by Twin Otter for the air transfer to Resolute Bay. (Flight time is dictated by weather). Overnight Resolute Bay.

Day 15: Fly to Ottawa and Home

Our group is transferred to airport in time for our southbound flight. We arrive in Ottawa at 5:00 p.m. the same day, which may necessitate an overnight stay in Canada’a capital city.

TRIP INCLUDES

Expert leadership and support personnel
Meals as noted (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Group airport transfers and boat charter as noted
All group equipment including tents, cooking gear and safety equipment

TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE

International airfare (R/T Home/Resolute Bay, Nunavut)
Any extra expenses incurred due to delayed departures of chartered or scheduled
Insurance of any kind including mandatory trip interruption and evacuation insurance or suggested cancellation insurance
Any costs associated with an emergency evacuation from the trip that are not covered by insurance
Checked or excess baggage charges
Airport taxes
Personal belongings and gear per ‘Clothing and Equipment List’
Park fees

CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

Did you know that you can customize this trip?

Customizing a trip is a great way to:

Change anything about the itinerary you don't like.
Change the size of the group or make this a private tour.
Change the duration or departure date of the trip.
Because we use the local operator, this customization usually won't cost you extra!

Customize the Brochure

<center>
        <h1 style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'philosopher'; font-weight: bold; font-size: 22px; color: #604c3d;">Canadian Arctic: Ellesmere Island Traverse</h1>
    </center>
    <div style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: 'Futura Bold', 'Gill Sans', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; color: #928164;">Our expedition follows old musk ox and caribou trails from tidewater on the western slope up over the height of land to the stunning fjordland of the east coast. An arresting vista unfolds en route, with great glaciers pouring into the pass directly off neighboring icecaps. </div>

<div style="margin-top: 10px;border-radius: 5px; 	
	-moz-border-radius: 5px; 
	-webkit-border-radius: 5px; 
	border: 1px solid #dddddd;
	background-image: linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -o-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -moz-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -webkit-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -ms-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);

background-image: -webkit-gradient(
		linear,
		left bottom,
		left top,
		color-stop(0.2, #F3F3F3),
		color-stop(0.81, #FEFEFE)
	);
	background-color: #FEFEFE;">
                        <div style="background-color: #F3F3F3">
                        <div style="">
                            <div style="float: left; width: 61px;">
                                <center>
                                    <div style="font-family: 'philosopher'; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; color: #907878; padding-top: 5px;">DURATION</div>
                                    <div style="font-family: 'alice'; font-size: 18px; color: #7a9ebf; padding-top: 10px;">15 <span style="font-size: 10px;">DAYS</span></div>
                                </center>
                            </div>
                            <div style="width: 1px; float: left;">
                                <img style="margin-top: 25px;" src="/Content/Images/highlights_divider_bg.png" />
                            </div>
                            <div style="float: left; width: 55px;">
                                <center>
                                    <div style="font-family: 'philosopher'; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; color: #907878; padding-top: 5px;">COMFORT</div>
                                    <div style="padding-top: 5px;">
                                        <span style="display: inline-block;" class="sprite_icons icn_comfort_selected"></span><span style="display: inline-block;" class="sprite_icons icn_comfort_selected"></span><span style="display: inline-block;" class="sprite_icons icn_comfort_notselected"></span>
                                    </div>
                                </center>
                            </div>
                            <div style="width: 1px; float: left;">
                                <img style="margin-top: 25px;" src="/Content/Images/highlights_divider_bg.png" />
                            </div>
                            
                            <div style="float: left; width: 61px;">
                                <center>
                                    <div style="font-family: 'philosopher'; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; color: #907878; padding-top: 5px;">STYLE</div>
                                    <div style="padding-top: 5px;">
                                        <span style="display: inline-block;" class="sprite_icons icn_style_extreme btnStyleClass" data-hover="<b>Extreme Adventures</b> – Whether it is climbing Everest, diving with sharks, or base jumping, these
                                      trips are bound to get your adrenaline pumping. These adventure tours require a high degree of
                                      skill but are sure to make for an unforgettable adventure vacation."></span>
                                    </div>
                                </center>
                            </div>
                            <div style="width: 1px; float: left;">
                                <img style="margin-top: 25px;" src="/Content/Images/highlights_divider_bg.png" />
                            </div>
                            
                            <div style="float: left; width: 55px;">
                                <center>
                                    <div style="font-family: 'philosopher'; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; color: #907878; padding-top: 5px;">LANGUAGE</div>
                                    <div style="padding-top: 15px;">
                                        <img src="/Content/Images/FlagIcons/us.png" />
                                    </div>
                                </center>
                            </div>
                            <div style="width: 1px; float: left;">
                                <img style="margin-top: 25px;" src="/Content/Images/highlights_divider_bg.png" />
                            </div>
                            <div style="float: left; width: 62px;">
                                <center>
                                    <div style="font-family: 'philosopher'; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; color: #907878; padding-top: 5px;">RATING</div>
                                    <div style="padding-top: 5px;">
                                        <span class="sprite_icons icn_star_selected" style="display: inline-block;"></span><span class="sprite_icons icn_star_selected" style="display: inline-block;"></span><span class="sprite_icons icn_star_selected" style="display: inline-block;"></span><span class="sprite_icons icn_star_selected" style="display: inline-block;"></span><span class="sprite_icons icn_star_selected" style="display: inline-block;"></span>
                                    </div>
                                </center>
                            </div>
                            <div style="clear: both;"></div>
                        </div>
                        </div>
                        <div style="font-family: 'sorts mill'; font-size: 13px; color: #544741; margin-top: 20px;" id="Div1">
                            <ul><li>Challenging, expert-level trekking over a rugged, ice-free route <li>Guided by Arctic biologists and seasoned naturalist guides <li>Two nights hotel; 12 nights wilderness camping in tents</li></li></li></ul>
                        </div>
                    </div>
                    <div style="margin-top: 10px; padding: 10px;border-radius: 5px; 	
	-moz-border-radius: 5px; 
	-webkit-border-radius: 5px; 
	border: 1px solid #dddddd;
	background-image: linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -o-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -moz-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -webkit-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -ms-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);

background-image: -webkit-gradient(
		linear,
		left bottom,
		left top,
		color-stop(0.2, #F3F3F3),
		color-stop(0.81, #FEFEFE)
	);
	background-color: #FEFEFE;">
                        <div style="font-family: 'philosopher'; font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; color: #604c3d; text-align: center;">ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP</div>
                        <table cellpadding="5" style="margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;">
                            <tr>
                                <td><span style="color: #544741;">Primary:</span></td>
                                <td><a href="/search/for/Hiking/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Hiking</a>, <a href="/search/for/Wildlife/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Wildlife</a>, <a href="/search/for/Camping/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Camping</a>, <a href="/search/for/Trekking/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Trekking</a></td>
                            </tr>
                            
                        </table>
                    </div>

<div style="border-radius: 5px; 	
	-moz-border-radius: 5px; 
	-webkit-border-radius: 5px; 
	border: 1px solid #dddddd;
	background-image: linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -o-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -moz-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -webkit-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);
	background-image: -ms-linear-gradient(bottom, #F3F3F3 2%, #FEFEFE 81%);

background-image: -webkit-gradient(
		linear,
		left bottom,
		left top,
		color-stop(0.2, #F3F3F3),
		color-stop(0.81, #FEFEFE)
	);
	background-color: #FEFEFE;">
                        
                                <div style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 0px; border-radius: 5px; 	
	-moz-border-radius: 5px; 
	-webkit-border-radius: 5px; 
	border: 1px solid #dddddd;
	background-color: White;
	padding: 10px;
	margin-left: 10px;
	margin-right: 10px;
	margin-top: 15px;">
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: 'sorts mill'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; color: #604C3D;">
                                        Day 1: Fly to Resolute Bay, Nunavut, Canada
                                    </div>
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; font-family: 'Futura Bold', 'Gill Sans', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #544741; line-height: 20px;">
                                        The group flies north from Ottawa to Resolute Bay. Overnight Resolute Bay.

</div>
                                    
                                    </div>
                            
                                <div style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 0px; border-radius: 5px; 	
	-moz-border-radius: 5px; 
	-webkit-border-radius: 5px; 
	border: 1px solid #dddddd;
	background-color: White;
	padding: 10px;
	margin-left: 10px;
	margin-right: 10px;
	margin-top: 15px;">
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: 'sorts mill'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; color: #604C3D;">
                                        Day 2: Fly from Resolute Bay to Ellesmere Island
                                    </div>
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; font-family: 'Futura Bold', 'Gill Sans', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #544741; line-height: 20px;">
                                        Weather, pilot hours and aircraft permitting, we board a chartered Twin Otter plane for a three-hour flight to our dropoff site on the west coast of Ellesmere Island.
                                    </div>
                                    
                                    </div>
                            
                                <div style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 0px; border-radius: 5px; 	
	-moz-border-radius: 5px; 
	-webkit-border-radius: 5px; 
	border: 1px solid #dddddd;
	background-color: White;
	padding: 10px;
	margin-left: 10px;
	margin-right: 10px;
	margin-top: 15px;">
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-family: 'sorts mill'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; color: #604C3D;">
                                        Days 3-13: Traverse Ellesmere Island on Foot
                                    </div>
                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; font-family: 'Futura Bold', 'Gill Sans', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #544741; line-height: 20px;">
                                        Our expedition follows old musk oxen and caribou trails from tidewater on the western slope up and over Sverdrup Pass to the stunning fjordland of the east coast. The distance traveled is such that we can afford to camp in several sites for more than one night, allowing ample opportunity to explore without our backpacks. We'll also have the benefit of a re-supply at our midway point en route, greatly reducing the amount of weight in provisions that we need to carry with us. Throughout the course of the trip our expert guides will provide informal commentary on the flora, geology, birdlife, geographical features and history of the High Arctic.

</div>
                                    
                                    </div>
                            
	                </div>
                    
                <img style="width: 660px; padding: 2px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px;" src="https://d35b54kuuvhi57.cloudfront.net/37928d47-f959-4f14-921e-925d30540d34.jpg" />
    
                <img style="width: 660px; padding: 2px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px;" src="https://d35b54kuuvhi57.cloudfront.net/849ee455-92ba-47d5-b131-5e3f98519ae9.jpg" />
    
                <img style="width: 660px; padding: 2px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px;" src="https://d35b54kuuvhi57.cloudfront.net/7715ddb7-4d60-4903-9b18-92ad5e57d331.jpg" />
    
                <img style="width: 660px; padding: 2px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px;" src="https://d35b54kuuvhi57.cloudfront.net/26fc5e85-943d-4c60-a57a-46cf83b1e380.jpg" />
    
                <img style="width: 660px; padding: 2px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px;" src="https://d35b54kuuvhi57.cloudfront.net/ce4c0603-1394-4b8c-9874-d1630a35bbd1.jpg" />
    
                <img style="width: 660px; padding: 2px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px;" src="https://d35b54kuuvhi57.cloudfront.net/fbe73c23-00d4-4762-b96e-fe210d72a9ff.jpg" />
    
                <img style="width: 660px; padding: 2px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px;" src="https://d35b54kuuvhi57.cloudfront.net/4ec24806-10d7-46bd-88c9-ce98d4dfd419.jpg" />
    
                <img style="width: 660px; padding: 2px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px;" src="https://d35b54kuuvhi57.cloudfront.net/04624f3a-b5ac-4d94-bcae-fede07d957b9.jpg" />
    
                <img style="width: 660px; padding: 2px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px;" src="https://d35b54kuuvhi57.cloudfront.net/588dec45-de9d-4744-af8d-7200d2061faf.jpg" />
    
                <img style="width: 660px; padding: 2px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px;" src="https://d35b54kuuvhi57.cloudfront.net/a111ea6d-384c-47a5-825d-a7376ce17a09.jpg" />
    
                <img style="width: 660px; padding: 2px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px;" src="https://d35b54kuuvhi57.cloudfront.net/59573f2d-b9a6-4bc6-b042-012e60fc1123.jpg" />
    
                <img style="width: 660px; padding: 2px; border: 1px solid #ccc; margin: 10px;" src="https://d35b54kuuvhi57.cloudfront.net/db33ff5d-0ffc-413f-a015-6872b39138a9.jpg" />

Download Brochure

AS SEEN ON

Company

About Us Our Blog API Terms of Use Privacy Policy

California Seller of Travel #2088061-40

Customers

Why book with AdventureLink? Invite Friends - Get $100 Trip Credit! Talk to an Expert - Get Travel Advice & Booking Help

Tour Operators

List your Trips on AdventureLink Tour Operator Portal Login

Affiliates

Become an Affiliate Affiliate Widgets

Help & Support

Call Us or Our Experts:
(877) 691-4488
+1 (626) 539-7506
Skype : Support.adventurelink.com

Talk to an expert to book or learn more.
First Name:
Your Phone Number:	(e.g. 685-555-2222 )
Call Me Now Talking to an expert is 100% free. We want to help you plan an unforgettable trip.

Name:
Email:
Phone Number:
Any Comments (optional)
Interested in Trip:	Canadian Arctic: Ellesmere Island Traverse