As part of the new ARCTIC EXPEDITIONS project

SIRMILIK NATIONAL PARK

Polar Sea is pleased to offer the only scheduled expeditions to Sirmilik National Park and Bylot Island. Bylot Island, located North of Pond Inlet, offers some of the best hiking in the Arctic. Drawing trekkers from all over the world; ice-capped towering mountains, lush tundra valleys, glaciers and unique eroded formations known as "Hoodoos", showcase the incredible variety of terrain and landscapes the island has to offer.

Departing by chartered motor boat, we will leave Pond Inlet and cross Eclipse Sound. Bylot Island looms before us, filling our eyes and senses, becoming a stunning and impressive sight. We will land on a deserted sandy beach and begin a week of hiking and exploring, seeking out that which makes this such a special and magical island. Known to contain fifty different species of birds (of which thirty are known to breed) this island sanctuary is also known to contain more than three hundred species of plant life.

Most of the hiking will be over grassy and mossy tundra; some rocky moraine fields and the route chosen will involve several stream and small river crossings.

Group size will be kept small to ensure the least impact on the fragile environment and the most will be made of the constant daylight that still exists at this time of year. Explore with us, one of the Arctic’s most amazing and beautiful islands.

Example of trip itinerary:
Day 1: Morning flight from Ottawa to Pond Inlet, via Iqaluit. Greeted at the airport and transported to hotel for welcome supper. Group talk and gear check. Evening spent relaxing or exploring some of the community.

Day 2: Breakfast. Final gear check and lunchtime departure from Pond Inlet by chartered motor boat to Bylot Island (Sirmilik National Park) Camping.

Day 3 - 9: Hiking and exploring Bylot Island. Camping.

Day 10: Pickup from island by chartered motor boat for return trip to Pond Inlet. Trip takes about one hour, depending on weather conditions. Supper and hotel accommodation.

Day 11: Extra day in and around Pond Inlet.

Day 12: Breakfast. Lunchtime departure from Pond Inlet to Ottawa, via Iqaluit.

2011 Trip dates:
August 1st - August 12th

2011 Trip prices:
$3,495.00 (price includes chartered motor boat drop off and pick up)

Group size: 6 clients (maximum)

All prices are in Canadian dollars and are subject to GST (5%) Trip prices and dates are subject to change (possible airline re-scheduling)

Above: Hikers pause below towering Hoodoos

Top Left: Arctic summer - hiking in Sirmilik National Park

Top Middle: Overlooking the mysterious Marble Valley

Top Right: Looking towards Mount Thor - Auyuittuq National Park (Photo by Jackie Callen)